Week 8 Flashcards
As discussed in week five, what is the slice select gradient?
The third event of the pulse sequence in which spatial localization occurs via linear variation of the magnetic field
Explain linear variation.
The positive and negative linear manipulation of the magnetic field, while allowing center to remain at true strength.
What is the amount of electrical energy that must be used to create linear variation within the magnetic field?
The gradient amplitude
What parameter determines whether the gradient amplitude will increase or decrease?
Slice thickness
How must the gradient amplitude change to create a steeper tilt to the magnetic field?
Increase
If the gradient amplitude is increased, the MRI scanner will be able to attain ________ slices. Therefore, a possible ______ in slice thickness.
Thinner; decrease.
Where is signal gathered from?
Echoes
If we recall the directions of the matrix, what are the numerical values given to the stored signal generated by the pulse sequence?
Frequency and phase encoding
Where are the raw signal values stored after conversion into spatial frequency?
K-space
What is K space?
The collection of numerical values which correspond to spatial frequency. Raw data storage.
If we recall the five events of the pulse sequence, when is k-space filled with raw data?
After the slice select gradient and during the phase gradient
What are the two conditions that must be met for K space to be filled?
- A slice must be selected
- Phase and frequency encoding values must be converted into spatial frequency.
What are the two areas of k space mapping?
- Center.
- Periphery (boundary)
What information is stored in the center of a line of K space?
Contrast information of an MRI image, like TR, TE, and TI
What information is stored in the periphery of a line of k space?
Spatial resolution information of an MRI image
Can a diagnostic MRI image be visually determined from a k space image?
No, raw data is separated into contrast and resolution
What is the similarity between matrix and k space?
Both are methods of storing phase and frequency encoding information
What’s the difference between K space and matrix?
- K space is the direct storage of raw data information and is represented as more “list-like”
- Matrix is the spatial representation of processed data and is represented as more “grid-like”
What is the mathematical algorithm that transforms raw data into a diagnostic image?
Fourier transformation
The Fourier transformation converts k space into what?
The matrix
If we think of k space as a numbered list filled with raw data, what do the numbers of this list correspond to?
Echo train length
If the number of echoes sampled in one pulse sequence is increased, what factors are affected and how? How is k space affected?
- Acquisition time decreases.
- SNR decreases.
- The number of lines of k space that must be filled increases.
The raw data values that are filled into each line of k space are known as what?
Spatial frequencies
How are the raw values of phase and frequency encoding converted into spatial frequency for k space filling?
With the pixel or voxel size formula, depending on 2-D or 3-D imaging
How are the spatial frequency values arranged within a line of K space?
Low values are in the center of the line, and the high values are at the beginning and end.
A single line of K space can also be referred to as a line of what?
Phase
What three points of information are true in regards to contrast information in a line of phase?
- Contrast information is found in the center of the phase line
- Contrast information are low spatial frequency values.
- Contrast information is achieved with a high gradient amplitude
What three points of information are true in regards to resolution information in a line of phase?
- Resolution information is found on the boundaries of the phase line
- Resolution information are high spatial frequency values.
- Resolution information is achieved with a low gradient amplitude
What are the three methods of k space filling?
- Cartesian
- Spiral.
- Keyhole
Which method of k space filling is traditional, filling line by line?
Cartesian
Spiral k space filling is also known as what?
Elliptical filling
Explain spiral k space filling.
Spatial frequencies fill k space from the center out, like a backwards maze
Which method of K space filling is used in dynamic studies?
Keyhole filling
Keyhole filling occurs when resolution data is filled ______ and contrast data is filled ________.
Once; repeatedly
Why are low spatial frequency values filled multiple times during keyhole filling?
To show the active infiltration of IV contrast
What are the five post processing techniques?
- MaxIP
- MinIP
- MPR
- Subtraction
- ADC
Of the five post processing techniques, which two are used in MRAs?
- Maximum intensity projection.
- Minimum intensity projection.
MaxIP technique _____ high intensity blood vessels, and ____ the dark background.
Highlights; omits
Which MRA post processing technique allows for the manipulation of blood vessel images in 3-D?
Maximum intensity projection
MinIP is a post processing technique that _____ bright structures, and is effective at imaging _________ structures.
Omits; hypodense
What are three examples of hypodense anatomical structures?
- Lungs.
- Biliary tree.
- Pancreatic duct.
What kind of image acquisition is required to utilize multi-planar reconstruction?
3-D isotropic volume
Which post processing technique allows for the reformatting of both slice and acquisition time?
Multi-planar reconstruction
What are the three reasons that MPR requires 3-D isotropic volume?
- High SNR.
- Thinner slices
- No gapping
What does isotropic volume refer to?
A volumetric voxel with equal width, height, and depth. A perfect cube.
What does anisotropic volume referred to and when is it utilized?
A volumetric voxel with uneven width, height, and depth; for 3-D acquisition of linear anatomical structures, like long bones
What is the formula for maintaining isotropic volume?
Slice thickness/number of slices = FoV/phase
*Remember, thickness and FoV must both be in millimeters!
Subtraction is the post processing technique that digitally subtracts pre-contrast T2 from the identical post contrast T2 images. True or false?
False; T1 imaging is used for contrast studies