RELAXATION,T1 & T2
When the RF pulse is switched OFF, the magnetization vector returns to equilibrium position and the
spins undergo loss of phase coherence. As a result, transverse magnetization vector decays and
longitudinal magnetization vector grows.
Hence, two signals are obtained, namely
T1 : longitudinal time constant
T2: the transverse time constant.
Both are affected by tissue molecular structure and chemistry. Normal and abnormal tissue can alter
T1 and T2.
T1 RELAXATION TIME
Return of Mz to the equilibrium value Mo, require exchange of energy between spin and tissue
lattice, which is called spin-lattice relaxation. It is an exponential event and measured by a time
constant, T1. The T1 is a time required to recover 63% of the longitudinal magnetization, MZ where,
MZ is the longitudinal magnetization that recovers after a time t, with relaxation constant T1. The
longitudinal magnetization that has recovered during the delay is converted to transverse
magnetization.
The relaxation time varies substantially for different tissue structures and pathologies. Energy loss is
more rapid in tissues that are more complex, and T1 is short. Energy loss is slower in simple molecule
like water, and T1 is long. In general, the inability to release energy to the lattice, results in a
relatively long T1 relaxation. Water has extremely long T1. Free water, urine, amniotic fluid, CSF and
salt solutions have long T1. Tissue having higher % of water, always have long T1. Compact bone,
teeth, calculi and metallic clips have long T1, since they are solid and rigid. T1 relaxation increases
with higher field strengths. However, this increases Larmor frequency, and reduces the spectral
overlap, resulting in longer T1 time.
T2 RELAXATION TIME
Decay of transverse magnetization, Mxy, requires exchange of energy between spin and spin. Due to
loss of phase coherence, some spins travel faster and some slower. This is called spin-spin relaxation,
which is a exponential decay. It is measured by a time constant, T2. It is the time taken to reduce the
transverse magnetization vector to 37% of the peak value.
T2 Relaxation and Tissue
Intrinsic magnetic inhomogeneities are a tissue character and are patient related. External magnetic
inhomogeneities due to imperfections in the magnet, which accelerate the dephasing process is
machine related. Small, mobile molecules in amorphous liquids exhibit long T2 (e.g. free water).
Their fast and rapid molecular motion reduces or cancels intrinsic magnetic inhomogeneities of the
spins. Greater the percent of free water in tissue, longer the T2, e.g. spleen > liver, renal medulla >
cortex.
T2* Relaxation Time
Extrinsic magnetic inhomogeneities make loss of phase coherence more rapidly than from spin-spin
interactions. When external magnet’s (Bo) inhomogeneity is considered, the spin-spin decay constant
T2 is reduced to T2* . The T2* depends on the homogeneity of the main magnetic field and presence
of susceptibility agents (contrast material) in the tissue.
TYPES OF CONTRAST AGENTS USED IN MRI
MRI contrast agents are substances used to improve the visibility of internal body structures
in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These agents alter the relaxation properties of nearby
hydrogen protons, improving image contrast and diagnostic accuracy. Here are the main
types:
1. Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents (GBCAs)
Gadolinium is a paramagnetic metal that shortens T1 relaxation time, enhancing T1-weighted
images.
Applications:
Neuroimaging (tumors, inflammation, ischemia).
Body imaging (liver, kidney, heart, and blood vessels).
2. Iron-Based Agents
Types: Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide (SPIO) and Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron
Oxide (USPIO).
Mechanism: Primarily affects T2 and T2*-weighted imaging by shortening T2
relaxation time, leading to signal loss.
Applications:
o Liver and spleen imaging (to detect lesions).
o Lymph node imaging (to assess metastases).
3. Manganese-Based Contrast Agents
Mechanism: Paramagnetic effects similar to gadolinium.
Applications: Primarily experimental; used in functional and molecular imaging.
4. Perfluorocarbon-Based Agents
Mechanism: Used for oxygen mapping and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD)
imaging.
Applications: Research settings, especially for perfusion studies.
[Link] Pool Agents
These agents remain within the circulatory system and are used for imaging the vascular
system. An example is:
Vasovist (gadofosveset trisodium): Used for magnetic resonance angiography
(MRA).
Image Contrast in MRI
Contrast is the difference in signal intensity between different tissues, which allows for clear
differentiation of structures. This is crucial for identifying abnormalities. Factors affecting
image contrast include:
1. Tissue Relaxation Properties: Different tissues have different T1 and T2 relaxation
times, leading to varying signal intensities.
2. Pulse Sequences: The type of pulse sequence (e.g., T1-weighted, T2-weighted,
FLAIR) influences the contrast.
3. Contrast Agents: Substances like gadolinium-based agents can be injected to
enhance contrast, making certain tissues more visible.
Noise refers to random fluctuations in the MRI signal that can obscure image details. High
noise levels can reduce the quality and diagnostic value of the images. Factors contributing to
noise include:
1. Magnetic Field Strength: Higher magnetic fields typically produce less noise.
2. Coil Quality: High-quality coils improve signal reception, reducing noise.
3. Acquisition Parameters: Parameters like slice thickness, echo time (TE), and
repetition time (TR) impact noise levels.
4. Patient Movement: Movement during scanning can introduce artifacts and increase
noise.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR):
The ratio of the true signal to the noise in the image.
Higher SNR results in better image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
SNR can be improved by:
o Using higher magnetic field strengths.
o Employing optimized receiver coils (e.g., phased-array coils).
Contrast-to-Noise Ratio (CNR)
Contrast-to-Noise Ratio (CNR) measures the difference in signal intensity between two
tissues relative to the background noise. It reflects the ability to distinguish between different
structures. Or the ability to distinguish between two regions of interest (ROIs) based on their
signal intensity difference relative to the image noise.
Factors affecting CNR include:
Contrast Agents: Using contrast agents like gadolinium can enhance CNR.
Pulse Sequences: Choice of pulse sequences can impact the contrast between tissues.
Imaging Techniques: Techniques like fat suppression or water excitation can
improve CNR.