MRI & MRS Flashcards
CT contrast is due to what
CT contrast is due to tissue density dependent
attenuation of x-rays
MR image contrast - define
MR image contrast – i.e. the relative signal intensities between different tissue types and pathologies – depends on physical properties of the tissue such as water and fat content, cellular structure, cell density
How is a magnetic moment produced
The positive charge of a spinning proton produces a magnetic moment μ
Describe precess of magnetic moment
In a magnetic field Bo the magnetic moment of a proton precesses at the Larmor frequency νL
Describe formation of MR imaging
MR Imaging is formed using a radiofrequency pulse to generate an MR signal from a slice of tissue
Describe use of magnetic field gradients
Magnetic field gradients are used to encode the signal in space so that the computer can generate an image
MRI safety issues
No ferromagnetic objects in the exam room
Scissors, stethoscopes, wheel chairs, gas cylinders
Hearing aids, watches, spectacles, (dentures – image quality)
MRI contraindications
Pacemakers
Infusion pumps
1st trimester pregnancy
Aneurysm clips (refer to manufacturers specifications
Metallic foreign bodies (orbit x-ray, shrapnel)
Describe the magnetisation in MRI - source, use
The strong magnetic field creates magnetisation in all the tissue
This magnetisation is from the protons in water and fat in the tissue
The magnetisation can be manipulated by radiofrequency pulses to produce an MRI signal to create an image
MRI image - intensity dependent on what
The intensity in the image depends on water content, tissue structure, blood flow, perfusion, diffusion, paramagnetics etc
The image signal intensity depends on T1 and T2 and provides contrast between tissue in an MR image.
T2 signal decay description
Mxy decays according to T2 which affects how long the MR signal lasts
T1 signal decay description
Mz recovers according to T1 which affects how much M there is available to be excited to give the next signal
T1/T2 relaxation times difference due to what
T1 and T2 relaxation times vary between different tissues and pathology
MR image built up from what
An MR image is built up from a series of signal acquisitions
T2 of tissue determines what
The T2 of tissue determines how quickly the MRI signal decays away after the radiofrequency pulse
T2 dependent on what
T2 is very dependent on how mobile the water is in the tissue and increases with
Oedema, an increase in water content
Demyelination, a loss of brain tissue structure