Magnetic Resonance Imaging

eBook for Undergraduate Education in Radiology
CHAPTER: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Chapter:
MR Imaging
Preface Chapter Outline

Undergraduate teaching of radiology in Europe is provided according to national schemes and may vary MRI System
considerably from one academic institution to another. Sometimes, the field of radiology is considered as a “cross-
MRI Principle
cutting discipline” or taught within the context of other clinical disciplines, e.g., internal medicine or surgery.
The Spin Echo Sequence
This e-book has been created in order to serve medical students and academic teachers throughout Europe to
understand and teach radiology as a whole coherent discipline, respectively. Its contents are based on the The Gradient
Undergraduate Level of the ESR European Training Curriculum for Radiology and summarize the so-called core Echo Sequence
elements that may be considered as the basics that every medical student should be familiar with. Although
Other Sequences: The
specific radiologic diagnostic skills for image interpretation cannot be acquired by all students and rather belong to
MRI Jungle
the learning objectives of the Postgraduate Levels of the ESR Training Curricula, the present e-book also contains
some further insights related to modern imaging in the form of examples of key pathologies, as seen by the Contrast Agents in MRI
different imaging modalities. These are intended to give the interested undergraduate student an understanding of
modern radiology, reflecting its multidisciplinary character as an organ-based specialty. Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
We would like to extend our special thanks to the authors and members of the ESR Education Committee who
and Disadvantages
have contributed to this eBook, to Carlo Catalano, Andrea Laghi and András Palkó who initiated this project, and to
the ESR Office, in particular Bettina Leimberger and Danijel Lepir, for all their support in realising this project. Take Home Messages
We hope that this e-book may fulfil its purpose as a useful tool for undergraduate academic radiology teaching. References
Test Your Knowledge

Minerva Becker
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Copyright and Terms of Use Chapter Outline

MRI System
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International MRI Principle
License.
You are free to:
• Share – copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format The Gradient
Echo Sequence
Under the following terms: Other Sequences: The
MRI Jungle
• Attribution – You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were
made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses Contrast Agents in MRI
you or your use.
• NonCommercial – You may not use the material for commercial purposes. Artefacts in MRI
• NoDerivatives – If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified MRI Advantages
material. and Disadvantages
How to cite this work: Take Home Messages
European Society of Radiology, Bénédicte MA Delattre, Andrea Laghi, András Kincses, Minerva Becker (2024) References
eBook for Undergraduate Education in Radiology: Magnetic Resonance Imaging. DOI 10.26044/esr-
undergraduate-ebook-24 Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Chapter Outline
MRI System
MRI Principle
Hyperlinks Compare
The Gradient
Echo Sequence

Core Knowledge Questions
MRI Jungle
Contrast Agents in MRI
Artefacts in MRI
Further Knowledge References MRI Advantages

and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
References
Attention
Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Chapter Outline
MRI System
Based on the ESR Curriculum for Undergraduate Radiological Education
MRI Principle
Chapter: Magnetic Resonance Imaging The Spin Echo Sequence
The Gradient
Author Echo Sequence
Bénédicte MA Delattre (1)
Andrea Laghi (2) MRI Jungle
András Kincses (3,4)
Minerva Becker (1) Contrast Agents in MRI
Artefacts in MRI
Affiliation
MRI Advantages
(1) Division of Radiology, Diagnostic Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland and Disadvantages
(2) Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
(3) Department of Radiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Faculty of Medicine and Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary Take Home Messages
(4) Institute of Biophysics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
References
benedicte.delattre@hug.ch
Test Your Knowledge
andrea.laghi@uniroma1.it
a.kincses08@gmail.com
minerva.becker@hug.ch
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Chapter Outline Chapter Outline

MRI System
MRI Principle
• MRI System • Other Sequences : The MRI Jungle
The Basics Inversion Recovery (IR)
 
 Safety and Access Restriction  Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI)
 Components of the MRI System  Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
 Time-of-Flight (ToF) The Gradient
Functional MRI (fMRI)
• MRI Principle 
 Spectroscopy
Echo Sequence
 Signal Production
Relaxation Other Sequences: The
• Contrast Agents in MRI

Signal Reception

 Spatial Encoding – Z Direction  Perfusion Imaging (PI)
MRI Jungle
 Spatial Encoding – X and Y Directions
Relationship between Signal and Image Contrast Agents in MRI

 Gradients and MRI Noise • Artefacts in MRI
Artefacts in MRI
• The Spin Echo Sequence • MRI Advantages and Disadvantages
 What is an Echo? MRI Advantages
 Importance of TE & TR for Contrast? • Take-Home Messages and Disadvantages
 MRI sequences: Why Are They so Long?
• The Gradient Echo Sequence • References Take Home Messages
• Test Your Knowledge References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) System: The Basics

Chapter Outline
MRI System
MRI is a non-invasive sophisticated technique that
The Basics
uses powerful magnetic fields to image the human
body.
MRI Principle
An MRI scanner is composed of 3 main parts :
o Main magnet => to produce the main static
magnetic field (B0).
o Gradient coils => to produce deliberate variations The Gradient
in B0 Echo Sequence
o Radiofrequency (RF) coils => which act like the
antennas of the MRI system : they transmit the RF Other Sequences: The
field, and they receive the resulting signal. MRI Jungle

Main magnet Constant electric current in a wire
The superconductive magnet (superconductive => no resistance to electricity) generates a static magnetic field Artefacts in MRI
produces a high intensity magnetic field called “B0”. The magnet is cooled with (Biot-Savart law). The magnetic field
liquid Helium (and liquid Nitrogen). It is used to generate a net magnetisation of strengths is proportional to the MRI Advantages
tissue inside the bore. The bore size is 60-70 cm in diameter. electric current. and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages

Order of magnitude for magnetic field strengths:
• Earth magnetic field at latitude 0°: 31 µT Contraindications or restrictions for MRI : References
• Fridge magnet : 5 mT • Claustrophobia
• Junkyard/scrap magnet : 1T • Ferromagnetic metal in the body Test Your Knowledge
• Medical MRI : most often 1.5T and 3.0T, rarely 7.0T • Some pacemakers, electronic implants, …
Chapter:
MR Imaging
MRI System: The Basics Chapter Outline

MRI System
The Basics
MRI Principle
The Gradient
Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages

The walls of the MRI magnet room (A) have layers which perform different functions: magnetic shielding to confine the stationary
magnetic field, RF shielding to hinder electromagnetic noise to enter or exit the magnet room and acoustic shielding to restrict References
noise transmission beyond the magnet room. The control room (B) is located immediately outside the magnet room. It contains the
operator console, computer equipment, communication devices, monitors (ECG and O2). Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
MRI System: Safety and Access Restriction Chapter Outline

MRI System
Safety and
Access Restriction
• The magnet is always ON !
• The main magnetic field B0 is always active. Never MRI Principle
approach the field with a ferromagnetic* object.
• The attraction force associated with the torque The Spin Echo Sequence
will pull the object through the main magnet with
uncontrollable force: projectile effect or missile The Gradient
Echo Sequence
effect.
• Past incidents unfortunately killed people ! Other Sequences: The
• This explains why safety rules around MRI are MRI Jungle
very strict!
• Patients undergoing MRI examinations must
remove all metallic objects. Some radiology Artefacts in MRI
departments use ferromagnetic detection
devices. MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
* Ferromagnetic objects contain : MRI accident on a 1.5T MR system. A floor polishing machine was attracted by the Take Home Messages
- Iron, Cobalt, Nickel magnetic field. It could only be removed by ramping down the magnetic field. Shown
- Alloys of these components is the back side (head end) of the MRI. Reproduced from: References
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MRI_accident_on_a_1.5_Tesla_MR_system.jpg
Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
MRI System: Components

Chapter Outline
MRI System
Components
Gradient coils MRI Principle
Produce varying magnetic fields in 3 spatial
directions (x, y, z). The Spin Echo Sequence
Used to spatially encode the MRI signal
The Gradient
Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle
Radiofrequency coil
Produces also a varying magnetic field Contrast Agents in MRI
that is used to tip the net
magnetisation perpendicularly to the Artefacts in MRI
main magnetic field B0.
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
References
Test Your Knowledge

We’ll see on the next pages how each of these parts contributes to the production of images =>
Chapter:
MR Imaging
MRI Principle Chapter Outline

MRI System
The nucleus of an atom is composed of protons (positive charge) and N
neutrons (no charge) which all rotate around their own axis. The MRI Principle
electrons (negative charge) revolve around the nucleus, and they also
H1
rotate around their own axis. Proton The Spin Echo Sequence
Spin 1/2
The rotation of all these particles produces an angular moment of The Gradient
rotation, which is called spin. A spin is a fundamental property of Echo Sequence
atoms like mass or electrical charge. Spin comes in multiples of ½.
As the proton has a positive charge and as it rotates continuously, it S MRI Jungle
creates a small magnetic field, called magnetic moment (i.e., it
behaves like a tiny magnet with a north and south pole). Contrast Agents in MRI
Artefacts in MRI
N
MRI Advantages
• There is a natural abundance of H2O in biological tissues and, and Disadvantages
therefore, an abundance of H1.
H2O
• H1 mainly occurs in water in the human body. Take Home Messages
Spin 1/2
• Human body composition => ~ 60% - 70% water (2 H1)
References
• H1 has a large magnetic moment.
• The magnetic property of H1 is used to mainly image the water Test Your Knowledge
distribution of tissues in the body with MRI. S
Chapter:
MR Imaging
MRI Principle Chapter Outline

MRI System
When biological tissue is placed in a strong magnetic field, a net magnetization vector is created. To effectively explain this
phenomenon, quantum mechanics is required, which is beyond the scope of this chapter.
MRI Principle
This effect applies to atoms with specific magnetic moment properties i.e., nucleus with spin quantum number = ½ : H1 / C13 / N15
/ O17 / Na23 / … The Spin Echo Sequence
Alignment parallel or anti-parallel to the magnetic field, corresponds to two different energy states. Most protons align The Gradient
parallel to B0 as this requires less energy than the antiparallel alignment. The net magnetization is created by the𝑀𝑀 Echo Sequence
fraction of spin in excess in one of the energy states :
MRI Jungle
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
𝑀𝑀 Take Home Messages
References
B0 EXAMPLE : fraction in excess Test Your Knowledge
@ 3T ~10 on 106 !
Outside the magnetic field Inside the magnetic field
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Signal Production
Chapter Outline
Excitation … MRI System
MRI Principle
• To create a signal from the tissue, a radiofrequency (RF) wave is used. It is tuned to the resonance frequency of the Signal Production
spins called « Larmor frequency » f, defined by :
f = gB0 The Spin Echo Sequence
• Where g is the gyromagnetic ratio (g = 42.58 MHz/T) and B0 the magnetic field strength.
• At 1.5T, f = 64 MHz The Gradient
• At 3T, f = 128 MHz … and relaxation Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle

Flip angle
a Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
𝑀𝑀 𝑀𝑀 𝑀𝑀 𝑀𝑀 Signal emission and Disadvantages
Initial state RF excitation at Tilted magnetization from a flip
equilibrium Larmor frequency angle alpha As soon as RF excitation stops, magnetization returns Take Home Messages
to equilibrium by a mechanism of relaxation. The
signal loss accompanying the relaxation process can References
B0 be reversed with different techniques and the
reversed signal can be recorded! Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
z
Relaxation
Chapter Outline
Relaxation is happening by two simultaneous but distinct processes. MRI System
Spin energy is dispersed into its environment (mainly nucleus and other atoms), the MRI Principle
T1 relaxation magnetization is recovering its initial state along B0 (longitudinal magnetization). The
mechanism by which Mz exponentially relaxes from a higher energy state to
y Relaxation
Mz
thermodynamic equilibrium is also called spin-lattice relaxation. x The Spin Echo Sequence
M0 The Gradient
𝑀𝑀 Echo Sequence
63 % M0
𝑀𝑀 𝑀𝑀
𝑀𝑀 Other Sequences: The
MRI Jungle
T1 relaxation time t Contrast Agents in MRI
Magnetization flipped in the transverse plane is reduced due to spin dephasing. Phase coherence is lost, reducing net Artefacts in MRI
T2 relaxation magnetization in the x-y plane (while net magnetization is re-growing in the z direction through T1 relaxation !). The
mechanism by which Mxy exponentially decays towards its equilibrium value is also called spin-spin relaxation.
MRI Advantages
Mxy and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
37 % M0 𝑀𝑀 𝑀𝑀 𝑀𝑀 References
𝑀𝑀
Test Your Knowledge
T2 relaxation time t
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Relaxation
Chapter Outline
T1 is the the time constant for regrowth of Mz (longitudinal magnetization) MRI System
T2 is the time constant for decay/dephasing of Mx,y (transverse magnetization) MRI Principle
T1 and T2 relaxation times depend on the environment, they are characteristic for different tissues ! Relaxation

Below some examples of T1 and T2 relaxation values at 1.5T The Gradient
Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
References
Test Your Knowledge

From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relaxation_(NMR)
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Signal Reception
Chapter Outline
MRI System
The periodic signal accompanying the relaxation of the excited net magnetization can be recorded by a coil. MRI Principle
Signal Reception

z
The Gradient
Coil = loop of conductive wire
Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle
Mxy = Signal measured Contrast Agents in MRI
Artefacts in MRI
y
+ - MRI Advantages
x 𝑀𝑀 Inductive current created by time varying and Disadvantages
magnetization
Take Home Messages
References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging
Signal Reception
Chapter Outline
• Dedicated coils are used for each application : MRI System
• Modern receiving coils contain several small coils (also called channels), each one receiving the emitted signal. Such configurations
help to achieve high signal to noise ratio, as well as a large coverage of the anatomy to investigate. MRI Principle
Signal Reception
The Gradient
Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging
Spatial Encoding – Z Direction

Chapter Outline
• At this stage, signal is provided by the whole volume of tissue excited by the RF coil. MRI System
• Remember : the system is composed of 3 gradient coils, one for each geometrical dimension (x, y, z).
• The gradient coils are used to add some spatial encoding to the signal ! MRI Principle
• How does it work ? Spatial Encoding
Z Direction
Example with slice encoding The Spin Echo Sequence
Volume excited by the RF tuned at Addition of magnetic field varying in z direction To spatially select signal coming from one slice, we The Gradient
w0 (without any gradient) with the z-gradient tune the RF to the corresponding modified
Echo Sequence
frequency, here w2 for example.
MRI Jungle
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging
Spatial Encoding – X and Y Directions

Chapter Outline
To add spatial information on the two other dimensions, x- and y-gradients are also used at specific timing before and during signal MRI System
reception. They are used to add spatially varying dephasing (in the so-called phase encoding direction) and spatially varying frequency
(in the so-called frequency direction). MRI Principle
Spatial Encoding
X and Y Directions
Signal now comes from a single slice
F1, w1 The Spin Echo Sequence
Each voxel will contain spins with
F1, w256
spatial information encoded within : The Gradient
- phase F Echo Sequence
- frequency w
Consider a slice with a
MRI Jungle
matrix of 256 x256 pixels
F180, w256 Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
F220, w1 and Disadvantages
F256, w256 At this step, the signal received is not yet
Take Home Messages
an image but a complex combination of
varying phase and frequency signals.
References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging
Relationship between Signal and Image

Chapter Outline
MRI System
The measured signal is in the frequency space, so called “k-space”. The “k” stands for a number that keeps the gradient
spatial encoding information. This “k-space” can be translated into the final image using the Fourier transform. MRI Principle
Relationship between
Signal and Image
REMEMBER: Until now we have measured magnetization of spins with varying additional gradients, to create
information contained in the frequency space (k-space). The image will be created by the Fourier transform of The Spin Echo Sequence
this k-space.
The Gradient
Echo Sequence
K-space image Other Sequences: The
MRI Jungle
Fourier
transform
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging
Gradients and MRI Noise

Chapter Outline
Gradient coils used to add spatial information to the signal produce varying magnetic fields during image acquisition. These MRI System
variations make the gradient coils vibrate. This is the origin of the loud noise heard during MR image acquisition.
MRI Principle
Gradients and
MRI Noise
The patient must wear hearing protection during the exam!
The Gradient
Echo Sequence

140 dB = Airplane taking off MRI Jungle
130 dB = MRI Contrast Agents in MRI
110 dB = Concert or nightclub
95 dB = school cafeteria Artefacts in MRI
85 dB = lawn mower MRI Advantages

80 dB = car and Disadvantages
60 dB = conversation Take Home Messages
References
Illustration from: https://pixabay.com/de/photos/mann- Test Your Knowledge

arbeiter-presslufthammer-785548/
Chapter:
MR Imaging
The Spin Echo (SE) Sequence

Chapter Outline
What is an Echo? MRI System
When the magnetization is coming back to equilibrium after the application of an RF pulse, the signal produced is called a
MRI Principle
« free induction decay ».
When a second RF pulse is used, in particular a 180° pulse, or refocusing pulse, then an echo is created ! The time between The Spin Echo Sequence
the first RF pulse and the echo is called the echo time. What is an Echo?
The Gradient
180° refocusing RF pulse
90° excitation RF pulse Echo Sequence

TE /2 MRI Jungle

𝑀𝑀 𝑀𝑀 𝑀𝑀 𝑀𝑀
𝑀𝑀 Artefacts in MRI
Echo time : TE MRI Advantages

Mxy Spin echo
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages

Free induction decay
References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging

Chapter Outline
Between the 90° and the 180° pulses spins are dephasing. Fast spinning MRI System
components dephase more than slow spinning components. The 180°
pulse rephases the spins by “reversing” the dephasing, so the fast- MRI Principle
spinning components are then regaining phase to join the slow-
spinning components. The Spin Echo Sequence
What is an Echo?
Illustration from:
Analogy => The Hare and the Tortoise
https://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Spin_echo The Gradient
The Hare : fast spinning component Echo Sequence
The Tortoise : slow spinning component
MRI Jungle
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging

Chapter Outline
As explained previously, the signal coming from the echo is emitted by the whole excited volume!
Gradients are added to encode the spatial origin of the signal. The timing diagram of when and where these gradients are applied MRI System
regarding the excitation RF pulses and the echo reading represents the “MR sequence”.
MRI Principle
There are 2 important timing parameters in the sequence :
• Time between the excitation pulse and the echo : Echo time, TE
• Time between two successive excitation pulses : Repetition time, TR. Phase encoding :
What is an Echo?
• TE and TR are chosen by the operator! Gradient in phase direction is applied to encode y
direction, this gradient varies at each « TR » to encode the
different lines in the phase direction. The Gradient
Echo Sequence
90° 180° 90° 180°
Slice selection : MRI Jungle
Gradient in slice direction z
is applied during the
excitation pulse
TE Contrast Agents in MRI
Frequency encoding :
Gradient in frequency direction is Artefacts in MRI
Gslice applied to encode x direction, this
gradient is applied at the same
time as the echo is produced and MRI Advantages
measured. and Disadvantages
Rephasing
gradient in slice Gphase Take Home Messages
direction
Gfrequency References
TR Dephasing in frequency direction, gradient is
applied to compensate the rephasing Test Your Knowledge
produced during the echo.
Chapter:
MR Imaging

Chapter Outline
MRI System
Importance of TE and TR for Contrast
MRI Principle

Long TE contributes to T2 contrast. Importance of TE
• Signal is less prominent for fast dephasing spins (low and TR for Contrast
T2) than for slow dephasing spins (high T2).
• Short TE does not allow spins to dephase, no The Gradient
Echo Sequence
contribution of T2 contrast in the signal.
MRI Jungle
Short TR contributes to T1 contrast. Contrast Agents in MRI

• Magnetization regrowing is not complete, slowly
Artefacts in MRI
growing magnetization will give less signal (high T1)
than fast growing magnetization (low T1). MRI Advantages
• Long TR lets the longitudinal magnetization regrowth and Disadvantages
to its original state, no contribution to T1 contrast.
Take Home Messages
References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging

Chapter Outline
MRI System
Importance of TE and TR for Contrast
MRI Principle

Importance of TE
To obtain an image without T1 nor T2 contrast but only sensitive to and TR for Contrast
proton density, a short TE and a long TR should be used.
The Gradient
Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle

Summary:
• Short TE, short TR : T1-weighted image Artefacts in MRI
• Long TE, long TR : T2-weighted image MRI Advantages

and Disadvantages
• Short TE, Long TR : Proton density weighted image
Take Home Messages
• (Long TE, short TR is not used in practice)
References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging

Chapter Outline
MRI System
MRI Principle
T1-weighted image T2-weighted image
TE / TR = 8.5 / 470 ms Fatty marrow is TE / TR = 100 / 3400 ms The Spin Echo Sequence
« bright» Importance of TE
and TR for Contrast
Bright fat Bright fat
Gray matter is The Gradient
« light grey » Echo Sequence
Gray matter is
« medium grey » Other Sequences: The
MRI Jungle
Dark fluid Bright fluid
(CSF) (CSF) Contrast Agents in MRI
Artefacts in MRI
White matter is White matter is
«light grey » « medium grey »
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages

Cortical bone is
« black» References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging
MRI Sequences: Why are They so Long?

Chapter Outline
MRI System
The acquisition time of an MRI sequence depends mainly on TR, on the number of phase encoding MRI Principle
lines (matrix) and on the number of slices :
• TR = Repetition time MRI Sequences: Why
Acquisition time = TR ∙ NPy ∙ Nslices are They so Long?
• NPy = Number of phase encoding lines
• Nslices = Number of slices The Gradient
Echo Sequence
Example for a T1 sequence : TR = 500 ms, 128 matrix size, 10 slices : Other Sequences: The
Acquisition time = 0.5 sec * 128 * 10 = 10 min 40 sec ! MRI Jungle
MRI is a slow acquisition technique ! Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
In practice, several techniques have been developed to accelerate sequence acquisition :
Typical acquisition time for a 2D sequence covering the whole brain is 2 to 4 minutes. Take Home Messages
Acquisition for 3D sequences is longer, typically around 4 to 6 minutes. References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging
The Gradient Echo (GRE) Sequence

Chapter Outline
MRI System
The GRadient Echo (GRE) sequence doesn’t use a 180° RF pulse to refocus the dephasing spins but uses instead a gradient to dephase
and then rephase the spins, thus creating an echo. MRI Principle
This can shorten a lot the TE and TR and make faster images ! Phase encoding :
Gradient in phase direction applied to encode y The Spin Echo Sequence
But… it adds dephasing errors, so it is more prone to artifacts.
direction, this gradient varies at each « TR » to
encode the different lines in phase direction. The Gradient
Echo Sequence
90° 90°
MRI Jungle
Slice selection :
Gradient in slice TE Contrast Agents in MRI
direction z is applied Frequency encoding :
during excitation pulse Gradient in frequency direction is Artefacts in MRI
Gslice applied to encode x direction, this
gradient is applied at the same time as MRI Advantages
Rephasing gradient the echo is produced and measured. and Disadvantages
in slice direction
Gphase Take Home Messages
Gfrequency References
TR Dephasing in frequency direction, Test Your Knowledge

gradient is applied to compensate the
rephasing produced during the echo.
Chapter:
MR Imaging
The Gradient Echo (GRE) Sequence

Chapter Outline
Since there is no more refocusing RF pulse, spin dephasing is now due to local magnetic field inhomogeneities in addition to the T2 MRI System
effect. Therefore, the signal decreases with the T2* constant. The difference between T2 and T2* is that T2 is the ideal spin-spin relaxation
caused by atomic/molecular interactions whereas T2* is the observed T2 (i.e., T2 affected by local field inhomogeneities MRI Principle
This effect allows a high sensitivity to local magnetic The Gradient

inhomogeneities typically around blood degradation products Echo Sequence
and calcifications that are locally disturbing the magnetic field.
MRI Jungle
Mxy The signal of blood Contrast Agents in MRI
products on the GRE
sequence is dark Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
37 % M0
Take Home Messages
T2 relaxation time References

T2* relaxation time Test Your Knowledge
T2* is always ≤ T2 !
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Other Sequences : The MRI Jungle

Chapter Outline
Trufi MRI System
mprage Time-of-flight VIBE
MRI Principle
STIR Thrive The Spin Echo Sequence

VISTA Space
The Gradient
Echo Sequence
Many different types of sequences are used for MR imaging named differently by each vendor.
Nearly all are derived from SE or GRE sequences. MRI Jungle

FLAIR
Diffusion Weighted TWIST RADIANCE Artefacts in MRI
Imaging (DWI)
Diffusion Tensor Imaging MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
4D track
VIBRANT Take Home Messages
BOLD
Haste References
Molli
Test Your Knowledge
BRAVO RESOLVE MOSTA
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Inversion Recovery (IR)

Chapter Outline
Adding a preparation pulse before the acquisition of the signal can increase tissue contrast or remove signal from a specific tissue.
The IR-sequence uses an inversion pulse (180°) before the sequence to invert the entire magnetization. IR techniques are widely MRI System
used in neuroradiology, head and neck and cardiac Imaging applications.
MRI Principle
The Gradient
Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle
Inversion Recovery
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
IR-prepared 3D T1-weighted GRE sequence: Fluid Attenuated IR (FLAIR) : Inversion pulse is STIR : Inversion pulse removes signal References
Inversion pulse increases white matter/grey used to remove signal from cerebrospinal fluid. from fat. Hyperintense signal due to
matter contrast (this image is acquired after Hyperintense signal in white matter lesions is fluids or oedema is more visible. Test Your Knowledge
contrast agent injection). more visible.
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI)

Chapter Outline
Diffusion is defined as the transport of matter resulting from the migration of atoms due to the MRI System
random movements caused by differences in temperature or concentration.
MRI can be sensitive to water molecule diffusion, which depends on the environment (intracellular, MRI Principle
extracellular, intravascular water). The MRI signal can, therefore, reflect cellular membrane integrity
or cellular density. The Spin Echo Sequence
The Gradient
One of the successes of MRI is the ability to detect cellular oedema in the very Echo Sequence
early stages of a stroke, before any other type of imaging modality can show the
stroke. Other Sequences: The
MRI Jungle
Diffusion
Weighted Imaging
<= Diffusion-weighted Images (b1000) in a normal brain (A) and
in a patient with stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory (B). Contrast Agents in MRI
Artefacts in MRI
In stroke, due to hypoperfusion, there is failure of the
sodium/potassium pumps of cell membranes in the affected MRI Advantages
areas. This creates an influx of intracellular water, thus decreasing and Disadvantages
diffusion movement (“restricted diffusion”). On MRI, there is an
increased signal on the DWI image. Take Home Messages
Hypercellular tumours also show restricted diffusion References

A B because the free movement of water molecules is
hindered by the densely packed cells. Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)

Chapter Outline
Biological tissues are highly anisotropic => i.e., the diffusion rate is NOT the same in all directions. MRI System
Water diffusion in the brain is constrained by fibres, The MRI signal is sensitive to the preferential direction of motion of water MRI Principle
molecules. This can be used to «track» fibres and depict white matter tracts. The anatomical orientation of axons and fibres is
coded with colours on DTI images, each colour corresponding to a specific direction of the fibres: The Spin Echo Sequence
• Red => transverse orientation
• Green => anterior-posterior or posterior-anterior The Gradient
• Blue => craniocaudal orientation Echo Sequence
Fibre tracts are then reconstructed depending on the clinical question using a dedicated software. Quantitative measures can be
obtained, e.g., measuring the fractional anisotropy (FA) which is thought to reflect fibre density, myelination and axonal diameter. Other Sequences: The
MRI Jungle
Diffusion
Tensor Imaging
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages

A B
References
Example of a DTI examination in trigeminal neuralgia. DTI images with overlaid colour-by-orientation fibres at the mid-pontine
level (A). Reconstructed tracts of the trigeminal nerves onto colour-by-code orientation (B). Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)

Chapter Outline
In addition to showing the 3D representation of fibre tracts, DTI can detect micro-structural changes in the absence of MRI System
morphologic changes. It can reveal altered white matter connectivity and allows quantitative evaluation of the integrity of
different brain circuits in a variety of conditions including tumours, demyelinating diseases, trauma, Parkinson disease, MRI Principle
pain syndromes, depression and anxiety disorders and many more.
The Gradient
Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle
Diffusion
Tensor Imaging
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Image illustrating white matter abnormalities in adolescents with
Example of a left temporo-insular low-grade glioma (LGG) and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Voxels are overlaid on the white
fibre tract involvement. 3D reconstruction of the tumour, which Take Home Messages
matter skeleton (green). The regions of significant FA reduction in
involves the fronto-occipital longitudinal fasciculus. comparison to adolescents without GAD are shown in red.
References
Reproduced from: Ius T et al. Risk Assessment by Pre-surgical Tractography in Reproduced from: Liao, M. et al. White matter abnormalities in adolescents with generalized
Left Hemisphere Low-Grade Gliomas. Front Neurol. 2021 Feb 15;12:648432. doi: anxiety disorder: a diffusion tensor imaging study. BMC Psychiatry 14, 41 (2014).
10.3389/fneur.2021.648432. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-14-41 Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Time of Flight (TOF) MR Angiography (MRA)

Chapter Outline
The Time of Flight (TOF) MRA sequence allows visualization of flowing blood in vessels thus providing angiographic images without the MRI System
need of injecting contrast agents. The TOF sequence is based on the principle of flow related enhancement (i.e., fresh blood has a high
initial magnetization as opposed to stationary tissues, which are magnetically saturated by multiple repetitive RF pulses). On the TOF MRI Principle
sequence, the signal of inflowing blood appears very bright (see below). The maximal flow enhancement occurs when the vessel is
perpendicular to the imaging plane. The Spin Echo Sequence
TOF is one of the most useful techniques for non-contrast neurovascular and peripheral MRA => See
The Gradient
e-book chapter on vascular imaging
Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle
Time of Flight
MR Angiography

B Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
A C References
TOF image : Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) of the polygon of Willis: axial (A), Test Your Knowledge
coronal (B) and sagittal (C) views.
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Functional MRI (fMRI) Chapter Outline

Blood Oxygenation Dependent (BOLD) imaging, Example of BOLD fMRI MRI System
is the standard functional MRI modality, which maps obtained in a
provides information about cerebral areas that are patient with a high-grade MRI Principle
activated while performing certain tasks. For glioma and silent word
generation task
example, it is possible to identify the areas of The Spin Echo Sequence
producing activation of
language in the brain. This is very useful to
the left prefrontal cortex
*
determine if an area is impacted by surgery or if a and Broca’s area. Figure The Gradient
lesion is located in immediate vicinity of an area courtesy José Manuel Echo Sequence
that needs to be resected. Baiao Boto, Division of
BOLD imaging is based on the principle that if a Neuroradiology, Geneva Other Sequences: The
task leads to an increase in the activity of a University Hospitals. MRI Jungle
specific brain region, there is an initial drop in Functional MR
oxygenated haemoglobin and an increase in CO2
and deoxygenated haemoglobin. After a delay of Contrast Agents in MRI
Example of BOLD fMRI
a few seconds, the increased cerebral blood flow maps obtained in a
(CBF) delivers a surplus of oxygenated Artefacts in MRI
patient with a high-grade
haemoglobin, which “washes away” glioma and right-sided
deoxyhaemoglobin. finger tapping. The MRI Advantages
contralateral (left) and Disadvantages
Oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin
*
sensorimotor cortex is
differ significantly with respect to their most strongly activated. Take Home Messages
paramagnetic properties. Figure courtesy José
T2* sequences are used to detect these Manuel Baiao Boto, References
differences, which are in the range of 1-5%. Division of
Neuroradiology, Geneva Test Your Knowledge
University Hospitals.
Chapter:
MR Imaging
MR Spectroscopy (MRS) Chapter Outline

MR Spectroscopy (MRS) is a method to measure the chemical composition of tissue. It allows measurement of metabolites in vivo in MRI System
specific brain regions such as N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), Choline (Cho), Creatine (Cr), and others. MRS uses the fact that the proton
resonant frequency is slightly different for each metabolite compared to water. MRI Principle
MRS is mostly used in the brain, but it is not restricted to this area. Advances were made to increase the spatial resolution and even create
metabolite maps of the brain. Most common indications for MRS include imaging of gliomas, post-radiation changes, ischemia, white
matter and mitochondrial diseases. MRS increases specificity and correlates with the histologic grade of a tumour.
The Gradient
Echo Sequence
A
MRS obtained in a patient with
a high-grade glioma in the right B Other Sequences: The
MRI Jungle
basal ganglia (A) showing
metabolite changes. As the MR Spectroscopy
tumour grade increases, NAA
and Cho decrease whereas Contrast Agents in MRI
lipids (Lip) and lactate (Lac)
increase. Normal MRS
Artefacts in MRI
metabolites in the left basal
ganglia (B). Measurements on
the left are used as control. MRI Advantages
Note that the normal Cho, Cr and Disadvantages
and NAA peaks are on a line
which has a 45-degree angle Take Home Messages
with the x- axis (Hunter’s angle).
Figure courtesy José Manuel
References
Baiao Boto, Division of
Neuroradiology, Geneva
University Hospitals. Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
MRI Contrast Agents

Chapter Outline
Contrast agents (CA)s used in MRI are mostly based on Gadolinium chelates. Gadolinium is paramagnetic and has the property of reducing MRI System
T1 relaxation of surrounding tissues, thus rendering them hyperintense on T1 contrast. At high concentrations, Gadolinium-based CA also
shortens T2 relaxation time. It normally stays extracellular in the circulation and microcirculation system and it is excreted by the kidneys. MRI Principle

T1 SE T1 SE with Gd
The Gradient
Echo Sequence
Enhancing signal in Other Sequences: The

the lesion after MRI Jungle
contrast injection
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
Safety : Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) References

In 2006 Gadolinium-based contrast agents were recognized to be the potential triggers of a late inflammatory and fibrotic disease of
soft tissues in patients with severe renal function impairment : nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). Even though NSF is rare it remains Test Your Knowledge
mandatory to screen patients for renal dysfunction prior to Gd-chelate administration, and to assess risk and benefits prior to
contrast agent injection. => See e book chapter on contrast media.
Chapter:
MR Imaging
MRI Contrast Agents

Chapter Outline
MRI System
Gadolinium (Gd) Accumulation in the Central Nervous System MRI Principle
Accumulation of Gd in central nervous system (CNS), basically in the basal ganglia, was reported in patients with The Spin Echo Sequence
multiple administrations of Gd-chelates (2014).
The Gradient
Echo Sequence
The trans-metalation reaction is a possible mechanism by which the Gd ion is extracted from the chelate by another
cation. It has been shown that Gd-chelates with a linear configuration are more at risk to accumulate in the CNS Other Sequences: The
than macrocyclic chelates => see e book chapter on contrast media. MRI Jungle
This is the reason why the European Medicines Agency recommended to suspend or limit the use of commercially Contrast Agents in MRI
available linear Gd-based contrast agents.
Artefacts in MRI
Even though Gd accumulation is now well described, there is no evidence of clinical short- or long-term effects. MRI Advantages
Precaution principle has to be applied by reducing amount and frequency of Gd injection when possible. and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
References
Kanda T, Ishii K, Kawaguchi H, et al. High signal intensity in the dentate nucleus and globus pallidus on unenhanced Test Your Knowledge
T1-weighted MR images: relationship with increasing cumulative dose of a gadolinium-based contrast
material. Radiology 2014; 270:834-841. (Landmark first report of Gd accumulation in the brain).
Chapter:
MR Imaging
MRI Perfusion Weighted Imaging (PWI)

Chapter Outline
MRI PWI encompasses different MRI techniques used to assess the perfusion of tissues by blood. To assess perfusion, contrast-enhanced MRI System
techniques and non-contrast enhanced techniques (e.g., arterial spin labelling, ASL) can be applied.
MRI Principle
Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast (DSC) MRI PWI relies on the signal loss induced by a bolus of Gd-based contrast agent on T2*-weighted
sequences. The calculated parameters include a Time signal Intensity Curve (TIC) from which cerebral blood volume (CBV = volume of
blood in a given brain tissue amount in ml blood/100g brain tissue), cerebral blood flow (CBF = CBV per unit of time, in ml blood/100g
brain tissue/minute) and other parameters are calculated. These parameters are then used to create colour maps of regions of interest.
The Gradient
Due to the difficulty to precisely calculate CBV and CBF, most often CBV / CBF relative to an internal control, e.g., contralateral normal
Echo Sequence
white matter are calculated (rCBV and rCBF). rCBV and rCBF have no units as they correspond to ratios.
MRI Jungle

Perfusion
Weighted Imaging
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
A B Take Home Messages
References
T2*-weighted DSC MRI perfusion in a patient with a glioblastoma. A. TICs obtained in different regions of interest (ROIs). B. rCBV colour map and the
corresponding axial contrast enhanced T1 weighted image showing increased tumour perfusion. Figure courtesy José Manuel Baiao Boto, Division of
Neuroradiology, Geneva University Hospitals. Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
MRI Perfusion Weighted Imaging (PWI)

Chapter Outline
Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) MRI PWI is one of the most important MRI PWI techniques. Perfusion parameters are calculated on
MRI System
the basis of T1 shortening effects due to the bolus of Gd-based contrast agent passing through tissue. The following parameters are
calculated: TICs, k-trans (= volume transfer constant from blood plasma to extravascular extracellular space), fractional volume of
MRI Principle
extravascular-extracellular space, and others. TICs are very useful for the characterisation of certain tumours. For example, certain TIC
types can be found only in malignant tumours whereas other TIC types only in benign lesions.
DCE MRI PWI is mainly used for oncologic imaging.
The Gradient
A B C
Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle

Perfusion
Weighted Imaging
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
References
T1-weighted Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) PWI in a patient with a diffusely infiltrating left parotid tumour. A. Time resolved dynamic sequence.
B. ROIs placed for measurements (carotid artery, parotid tumour, muscle). C. Time-intensity curves (TIC)s in the different regions of interest shown
in B. TIC colours correspond to the ROIs indicated in B. Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Artefacts in MRI Chapter Outline

The image acquisition process can be responsible for different artifacts in the image, some can easily be MRI System
addressed while other not. MRI sequence optimization requires understanding of numerous parameters, this
ability is essential to obtain images with the best mitigation of artefacts. MRI Principle

Recognition of these artefacts in the images is an important part of the radiologist experience !
The Gradient
Origin of artefacts can be separated in three categories : Echo Sequence
• Technique :
• Type of sequence Can be corrected MRI Jungle
• Parameters Contrast Agents in MRI
• Patient :
Artefacts in MRI
• Motion (uncontrollable), Can be mitigated with specific techniques
• Breathing, blood flow, MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
• Implants, tattoo, piercing, …
Take Home Messages
• Hardware :
• Receiver coil, RF coil, gradient coils, Has to be repaired References
• Faraday cage Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Artefacts: Examples Chapter Outline

MRI System
Artefact due the technique : wrong Artefact due to the patient : blood flow in Artefact due to the patient :
parameters of the sequence. arteries. presence of braces MRI Principle
The Gradient
Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
Susceptibility artefact: signal loss due References

Fold over artefact: nose (outside of the field Flow artefact: signal from blood flowing in
to presence of metal in the mouth
of view) is projected in the centre of the arteries is propagated in the phase
(braces), magnetic field perturbation Test Your Knowledge
image ! encoding direction.
extends largely outside the mouth.
Chapter:
MR Imaging
MRI Advantages and Disadvantages Chapter Outline

MRI System
MRI Principle
The Gradient
• Not all implants are allowed in the Echo Sequence
• Non ionising modality suitable for follow-up
magnetic field
examinations Other Sequences: The
• Not suitable for claustrophobic patients MRI Jungle
• Excellent soft tissue contrast (ligaments,
(larger bore available nowadays)
tendons, muscles, brain grey and white Contrast Agents in MRI
• Noisy and generally long examinations
matter, …)
• More expensive than CT or X-ray Artefacts in MRI
• Different type of contrast images available
• Requires good knowledge of the
(sensitive to fluid, with fat suppression, …) MRI Advantages
technique (sequence optimization and
• Good image resolution, 2D images in any and Disadvantages
artefact mitigation)
orientation and 3D images possible Take Home Messages
• Anatomical but also functional imaging
possible (diffusion, perfusion, fMRI, MRS, …) References
Test Your Knowledge

Chapter:
MR Imaging
Take-Home Messages Chapter Outline

MRI System
• MRI is a non-ionizing, non-invasive imaging modality. MRI Principle
• It provides excellent soft tissue contrast and offers unique anatomical and functional The Spin Echo Sequence
information.
The Gradient
• Some restrictions or contraindications exist for patients with implanted material or devices. Echo Sequence
• The main magnet is used to magnetize the tissues. Other Sequences: The
MRI Jungle
• Radiofrequency is applied to tip magnetization out of equilibrium states.
• Gradients are added to encode the spatial origin of the signal. Contrast Agents in MRI
• Finally, the acquired signal requires a Fourier transform to obtain the final image. Artefacts in MRI
• Images can be sensitive to T1 and T2 relaxation of the tissues by appropriately tuning TE and TR MRI Advantages
of the sequence. and Disadvantages
• Two main type of sequences are the spin echo and the gradient echo sequences. Take Home Messages
• Contrast agents can be used to enhance pathology visualization; they are mainly Gadolinium- References
based.
Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
References Chapter Outline

MRI System
Excellent websites to understand the MRI technique and all its related questions : MRI Principle
• https://www.imaios.com/en/e-mri
• https://mriquestions.com/index.html The Spin Echo Sequence
MRI safety : The Gradient

A Practical Guide to MR Imaging Safety: What Radiologists Need to Know Echo Sequence
Leo L. Tsai, Aaron K. Grant, Koenraad J. Mortele, Justin W. Kung, and Martin P. Smith
RadioGraphics 2015 35:6, 1722-1737 Other Sequences: The
MRI Jungle
MRI physics :
Plewes, D.B. and Kucharczyk, W. (2012), Physics of MRI: A primer. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging, 35: 1038- Contrast Agents in MRI
1054. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmri.23642
Artefacts in MRI
Sequences:
Jung, B.A. and Weigel, M. (2013), Spin echo magnetic resonance imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging, 37: 805- MRI Advantages
817. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmri.24068 and Disadvantages
MR Pulse Sequences: What Every Radiologist Wants to Know but Is Afraid to Ask Take Home Messages
Richard Bitar, General Leung, Richard Perng, Sameh Tadros, Alan R. Moody, Josee Sarrazin, Caitlin McGregor, Monique
Christakis, Sean Symons, Andrew Nelson, and Timothy P. Roberts References
RadioGraphics 2006 26:2, 513-537
Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Test Your Knowledge Chapter Outline

Which of the following statements are correct ? MRI System
MRI Principle
1- Some objects will be attracted by an uncontrollable force into the MRI scanner bore due to the main magnetic field; these
are : The Spin Echo Sequence
a) Ferromagnetic objects (Iron, nickel, cobalt and their alloys)
b) Metallic objects (all that are electrically conductive) The Gradient
c) All medical implants without exception Echo Sequence
2- Which element of the MRI system allows encoding spatial origin of the signal emitted : Other Sequences: The
a) Main magnet MRI Jungle
b) Radiofrequency
c) Gradients x,y,z Contrast Agents in MRI
3- The magnetization of the tissues occurs when : Artefacts in MRI

a) The MRI sequence is starting
b) The subject receives radiofrequency wave MRI Advantages
c) The subject is lying on the table inside the scanner bore and Disadvantages
4- The echo time TE is the time between : Take Home Messages

a) The RF excitation pulse and the RF refocusing pulse in the spin echo sequence
b) The RF excitation pulse and the echo emission in the gradient echo sequence References
c) Two consecutive RF excitation pulses
Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging

Which of the following statements are correct ? MRI System
=> ANSWERS
MRI Principle
1- Some objects will be attracted by an uncontrollable force into the MRI scanner bore due to the main magnetic field; these
are : The Spin Echo Sequence
a) Ferromagnetic objects (Iron, nickel, cobalt and their alloys)
b) Metallic objects (all that are electrically conductive) The Gradient
c) All medical implants without exception Echo Sequence
2- Which element of the MRI system allows encoding spatial origin of the signal emitted : Other Sequences: The
a) Main magnet MRI Jungle
b) Radiofrequency
c) Gradients x,y,z Contrast Agents in MRI
3- The magnetization of the tissues occurs when : Artefacts in MRI

a) The MRI sequence is starting
b) The subject receives radiofrequency wave MRI Advantages
c) The subject is lying on the table inside the scanner bore and Disadvantages
4- The echo time TE is the time between : Take Home Messages

a) The RF excitation pulse and the RF refocusing pulse in the spin echo sequence
b) The RF excitation pulse and the echo emission in the gradient echo sequence References
c) Two consecutive RF excitation pulses
Test Your Knowledge
Chapter:
MR Imaging

MRI System
5- The repetition time TR is the time between :
a) The RF excitation pulse and the RF refocusing pulse in the spin echo sequence MRI Principle
b) The RF excitation pulse and the echo emission in the gradient echo sequence
c) Two consecutive RF excitation pulses The Spin Echo Sequence
6- T1-weighted contrast is obtained with The Gradient

a) A short TE and a short TR Echo Sequence
b) A long TE and a short TR
c) A long TE and a long TR Other Sequences: The
MRI Jungle
7- For a T2-weighted image, a long TR is used so that the magnetization is regrowing to its initial state at equilibrium between
each successive RF pulse. How should the TE be? Contrast Agents in MRI
a) Short TE
b) Long TE Artefacts in MRI
c) TE should equal TR/2
MRI Advantages
8- Which sentence is correct :
and Disadvantages
a) An MRI exam is cheap and fast
b) An MRI exam is long and more expensive than CT
Take Home Messages
c) An MRI exam is very quiet
9- With an MRI I can get : References

a) Excellent soft tissue contrast but no other information
b) Anatomical images, information about water diffusion, parameters related to brain activation for motor task Test Your Knowledge
c) Excellent bone contrast and poor discrimination of soft tissues
Chapter:
MR Imaging

=> ANSWERS
MRI System
5- The repetition time TR is the time between :
a) The RF excitation pulse and the RF refocusing pulse in the spin echo sequence MRI Principle
b) The RF excitation pulse and the echo emission in the gradient echo sequence
c) Two consecutive RF excitation pulses The Spin Echo Sequence
6- T1-weighted contrast is obtained with The Gradient

a) A short TE and a short TR Echo Sequence
b) A long TE and a short TR
c) A long TE and a long TR Other Sequences: The
MRI Jungle
7- For a T2-weighted image, a long TR is used so that the magnetization is regrowing to its initial state at equilibrium between
each successive RF pulse. How should the TE be? Contrast Agents in MRI
a) Short TE
b) Long TE Artefacts in MRI
c) TE should equal TR/2
MRI Advantages
8- Which sentence is correct :
and Disadvantages
a) An MRI exam is cheap and fast
b) An MRI exam is long and more expensive than CT
Take Home Messages
c) An MRI exam is very quiet
9- With an MRI I can get : References

a) Excellent soft tissue contrast but no other information
b) Anatomical images, information about water diffusion, parameters related to brain activation for motor task Test Your Knowledge
c) Excellent bone contrast and poor discrimination of soft tissues
Chapter:
MR Imaging
Chapter Outline
All material used (including intellectual property and illustration elements) either MRI System
originates from the authors, the authors were entitled to use the material by applicable MRI Principle
law or have obtained a transferable license from the copyright holder. The Spin Echo Sequence
The Gradient
Echo Sequence

MRI Jungle
Artefacts in MRI
MRI Advantages
and Disadvantages
Take Home Messages
References
Test Your Knowledge

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eBook for Undergraduate Education in Radiology

CHAPTER: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Preface Chapter Outline

Test Your Knowledge

Copyright and Terms of Use Chapter Outline

How to cite this work: Take Home Messages

Other Sequences: The

Contrast Agents in MRI

Further Knowledge References MRI Advantages

Take Home Messages

Chapter Outline Chapter Outline

• The Gradient Echo Sequence • References Take Home Messages

• Test Your Knowledge References

Test Your Knowledge