Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Notes
September 2024
1 Introduction to MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed
images of internal structures of the body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, which use ionising
radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate images.
2 Working Principle of MRI
MRI is based on the principles of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). When a patient is placed
in a strong magnetic field, the protons in their body tissues align with the magnetic field. By
applying a radiofrequency pulse, these protons are excited to a higher energy state. As they
relax back to their original state, they emit signals, which are detected by the MRI machine
and converted into images.
The resonance frequency of the protons is determined by the Larmor equation:
ω0 = γB0
Where:
• ω0 is the Larmor frequency,
• γ is the gyromagnetic ratio (a constant specific to the type of nucleus, e.g., 42.58 MHz/T
for hydrogen),
• B0 is the strength of the magnetic field.
3 T1 and T2 Relaxation Times
After the radiofrequency pulse is switched off, protons begin to relax, and two types of relaxation
occur:
• T1 (Longitudinal) Relaxation Time: This refers to the time it takes for protons to
realign with the magnetic field. T1 -weighted images provide good contrast for fat-rich
areas and are useful for imaging anatomical structures.
• T2 (Transverse) Relaxation Time: This is the time it takes for protons to lose phase
coherence among the spins, leading to signal decay. T2 -weighted images are better at
highlighting fluid-filled spaces and pathology such as oedema.
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Figure 1: T1 and T2 Relaxation Curves
In Figure 1, you can observe the difference between T1 and T2 relaxation curves. The T1
curve shows the recovery of longitudinal magnetisation, while the T2 curve shows the decay of
transverse magnetisation.
4 Imaging Parameters: TR and TE
Two key parameters that control image contrast in MRI are:
• Repetition Time (TR): The time between successive radiofrequency pulses. TR pri-
marily affects T1 contrast in an image.
• Echo Time (TE): The time between the application of the RF pulse and the peak of
the signal. TE is important for T2 contrast.
5 T1-Weighted and T2-Weighted Images
T1 - and T2 -weighted images refer to the contrast in the resulting images, influenced by the
relative importance of T1 or T2 relaxation times.
• T1 -Weighted Images: Produced with short TR and short TE times. These images
provide excellent anatomical detail, especially of fat-rich areas.
• T2 -Weighted Images: Produced with long TR and long TE times. T2 -weighted images
are better at showing fluid and pathology such as inflammation or tumours.
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Figure 2: T1 -Weighted and T2 -Weighted Images
In Figure 2, you can see the contrast differences between T1 - and T2 -weighted images. In T1 -
weighted images, fluid appears dark, while in T2 -weighted images, fluid appears bright, making
T2 imaging particularly useful for detecting abnormalities such as oedema or tumours.
6 When MRI is Preferred
MRI is preferred over other imaging modalities in the following scenarios:
• Imaging soft tissues, such as the brain, muscles, and ligaments.
• Diagnosing neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, brain tumours, and stroke.
• Visualising cartilage, joints, and ligaments, where X-rays or CT scans might not provide
enough detail.
7 Advantages and Disadvantages of MRI
7.1 Advantages
• Non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation.
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• Provides excellent soft tissue contrast, superior to CT and X-ray.
• Capable of imaging in any plane (axial, coronal, sagittal, etc.).
7.2 Disadvantages
• Expensive and time-consuming compared to other modalities.
• Not suitable for patients with metal implants (e.g., pacemakers) due to the strong mag-
netic field.
• Claustrophobic patients may find MRI uncomfortable due to the enclosed scanner.
8 Imaging Weighting
Imaging weighting refers to the relative contribution of different tissue characteristics, such
as T1 , T2 , or proton density, to the contrast in the MRI image. The contrast of the image can
be controlled by adjusting the TR and TE times to highlight different tissue characteristics.
9 Contrast Agents
In some cases, a contrast agent such as gadolinium is injected into the patient to improve the
visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. Gadolinium enhances T1 relaxation, making tissues
with high blood flow appear brighter on T1 -weighted images. This is particularly useful in
detecting tumours and areas of inflammation, where blood flow is increased.
10 Larmor Frequency Calculation
As mentioned earlier, the Larmor frequency (ω0 ) is calculated using the Larmor equation:
ω0 = γB0
For example, for hydrogen protons in a 1.5 Tesla magnetic field, the Larmor frequency would
be:
ω0 = (42.58 MHz/T) × 1.5 T = 63.87 MHz
This frequency is used to excite the protons during the MRI scan.
11 Improving Image Quality
Several techniques can be used to improve the quality of MRI images:
• Increasing the magnetic field strength (B0 ),
• Using surface coils for specific regions,
• Increasing the number of signal averages (NSA).
In MRI, increasing NSA involves acquiring multiple measurements of the same region of interest
to enhance the quality of the MRI signal. This process is detailed as follows:
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1. Signal Averaging: The signal received from the tissues in MRI is often affected by
noise, which can originate from various sources such as electrical interference and thermal
noise. To improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the MRI system can perform multiple
acquisitions of the same slice or region and subsequently average these signals.
2. Effect of NSA: When the NSA is increased, the MRI machine acquires more signal
averages for each slice or volume. For example, if the NSA is set to 4, the machine
will obtain four separate measurements and average them. This procedure enhances the
overall image quality by diminishing random noise, thereby making subtle details more
discernible.
3. Trade-Off : Although increasing the NSA improves image quality and SNR, it also ex-
tends the duration of the scan. Each additional signal average requires an extra scan, so
there must be a balance between achieving high image quality and maintaining a practical
scan duration.
MRI Artifacts
MRI artifacts are distortions or anomalies in MRI images that can affect the quality and accu-
racy of diagnostic information. They arise from various sources, including technical limitations,
patient movement, and the inherent properties of the MRI system. Common types of MRI ar-
tifacts include:
MRI Artifacts
MRI artifacts are distortions or anomalies that can affect the quality and accuracy of MRI
images. These artifacts arise from various sources, including technical limitations, patient
movement, and the inherent properties of the MRI system. The following are common types
of MRI artifacts, along with their minimisation or elimination strategies:
1. Motion Artifacts
Motion artifacts occur when the patient moves during the scan, resulting in blurred or ghosted
images. These artifacts can obscure important diagnostic information and reduce image quality.
Minimisation Strategies:
• Patient Instructions: Clearly explain to the patient the importance of remaining still
throughout the scan to prevent motion.
• Motion Correction Techniques: Utilise software algorithms designed to correct for
minor movements during image acquisition.
• Breathing Control: For scans involving the abdomen, instruct the patient to hold their
breath when possible to minimise motion artifacts.
2. Chemical Shift Artifacts
Chemical shift artifacts arise due to differences in the resonance frequencies of fat and water
protons. This discrepancy can lead to misregistration of fat and water tissues, often appearing
as misplaced or doubled boundaries between these tissues.
Minimisation Strategies:
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• Fat Saturation Techniques: Employ fat suppression techniques such as fat saturation
pulses or chemical shift selective imaging to minimise the effects of chemical shift.
• Gradient Echo Sequences: Adjust the echo time (TE) and use in-phase and out-of-
phase sequences to reduce fat-water misregistration.
3. Susceptibility Artifacts
Susceptibility artifacts are caused by variations in magnetic susceptibility between different tis-
sues or between tissue and air. These artifacts can result in signal loss or distortion, particularly
at interfaces such as near metal implants or air-filled cavities.
Minimisation Strategies:
• Higher Field Strength: Utilise higher magnetic field strengths to improve the signal-
to-noise ratio and reduce susceptibility effects.
• Sequence Selection: Choose imaging sequences that are less sensitive to susceptibility
effects, such as spin-echo sequences.
• Artifact Reduction Techniques: Apply techniques such as susceptibility-weighted
imaging (SWI) or field mapping to correct for susceptibility artifacts.
4. Gibbs Ringing Artifacts
Gibbs ringing artifacts, also known as ringing or truncation artifacts, occur due to the partial
resolution of high-contrast boundaries. This results in false rings or lines appearing near edges
in the image.
Minimisation Strategies:
• Increase Matrix Size: Use a higher matrix size or increase the number of phases in the
scan to reduce the occurrence of ringing artifacts.
• Filter Application: Apply spatial filters or reconstruction algorithms to smooth out
ringing effects and reduce artifact visibility.
5. Aliasing Artifacts
Aliasing artifacts occur when spatial encoding is insufficient, causing signals from outside the
field of view to wrap into the image. This results in repeated structures appearing within the
image.
Minimisation Strategies:
• Increase Field of View (FOV): Ensure that the field of view is large enough to en-
compass all relevant anatomy and reduce aliasing effects.
• Use Anti-Aliasing Techniques: Apply phase encoding and frequency encoding adjust-
ments to minimise aliasing artifacts.
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6. Zipper Artifacts
Zipper artifacts are caused by interference from external sources of radiofrequency signals, such
as electronic devices. They appear as lines or bands across the image.
Minimisation Strategies:
• Shielding: Ensure that the MRI room is properly shielded to prevent external radiofre-
quency interference.
• Identify and Eliminate Sources of Interference: Check for electronic devices or
other sources of radiofrequency interference near the MRI scanner and eliminate them if
possible.
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The three planes of the body:
Coronal (frontal) plane: separates the front (anterior) and back (posterior) of the body.
Sagittal (longitudinal) plane: separates the left and right sides of the body.
Transverse (axial) plane: separates the upper (superior) and lower (inferior) halves of the body.