Unlike CT scanning, which use radiation, MRI examines the body only
with magnetic fields and the pulses of radio waves.
v1_What Is an MRI_1m30s.mp4
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MRI A topic of more than 2 Nobel Prizes
Nobel Prize in Physics (1952)
Felix Bloch (1905-1983) Edward Purcell (19121997)
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5.2 Spin Physics
What is spin?
Spin is a fundamental property of nature like electrical charge or mass.
Spin comes in multiples of 1/2 and can be + or -.
Protons, electrons, and neutrons possess spin.
Individual unpaired electrons, protons, and neutrons each possesses a spin of
1/2.
Body tissue contains about 60% water ( H2O),
each water molecule has two hydrogen nuclei or protons (1H nuclei)
Each hydrogen proton spins or has a spin.
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5.2.2 Precession
Proton moves in like spinning top in two axis wobbling motion (called
Precession), depends on magnetic field strength
Precession is a change in
the orientation of the
rotational axis of
a rotating body.
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Larmor Equation
f = B0
where
f is precession frequency in Hz or MHz
is gyromagnetic ratio of of the particle,
for hydrogen protons =42.58 MHz/T
B0 in magnetic field strength in Tesla (T)
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Coordinate System
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Net magnetic force
Protons pointing in opposite directions cancel each others
magnetic field effect in respective directions
Example:
9 protons align up and 5 down, resulting 4 protons up force
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Net magnetic force
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Human magnetic vector
In a strong external
magnetic field, a new
magnetic vector is
induced in the patient,
who becomes a magnet
himself.
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Measuring magnetization
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5.2.3 Magnetic Resonance
After protons aligned with the external magnetic force, RF pulse
is sent for energy exchange. Which is only possible if RF pulse
has same frequency as protons precession frequency
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Absorption of RF energy
When placed in a magnetic field of strength B0, a particle with a net spin can
absorb a photon of the precession frequency.
The net magnetization points in a direction parallel to the main magnetic field
(also called the longitudinal direction).
As energy is absorbed from the RF pulse, the net magnetization rotates away
from the longitudinal direction.
The amount of rotation (termed the flip angle) depends on the strength and
duration of the RF pulse
Prior to an RF pulse, the net An RF pulse at the Larmor frequency will allow energy to
magnetization (small black be absorbed by the protons, thus causing the net
arrow) is aligned parallel to the magnetization to rotate away from the z axis
main magnetic field and the z
axis EE8094/EE0001/5-16
90 and 180 RF pulses
If the RF pulse rotates the net magnetization into the transverse
plane, that is termed a 90 RF pulse.
If the RF pulse rotates the net magnetization 180 into the z
direction, that is termed a 180 RF pulse.
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5.2.4 Relaxation
In physics, the spinspin relaxation is the mechanism by which the
transverse component of the magnetization vector, exponentially decays
towards its equilibrium value of zero, in MRI.
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Longitudinal Relaxation (T1)
Also termed as T1 relaxation or T1 decay
Application of a 90 RF pulse causes longitudinal
magnetization to become zero.
Over time, the longitudinal magnetization will grow back in a
direction parallel to the main magnetic field
T1 curve
v2_T1_decay_15s.mp4
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Transverse Relaxation (T2)
Also termed as T2 relaxation or T2 decay
Immediately after application of a 90 RF pulse, transverse
magnetization is maximized;
After the 90 RF pulse is switched off, protons loose phase
coherence, they get out of step (dephase)
The signals from these dephasing protons begin to cancel out, and the MR
signal decreases
Magnetization
T2 curve
Transverse
Time
v3_T2_decay_12s.mp4 EE8094/EE0001/5-20
5.2.5 Spin Echo (SE)
After a 90 RF pulse, protons that were in phase begin to dephase in
the transverse plane
Application of a 180 RF pulse will allow formation of an echo
at a time TE (time to echo).
Multiple 180 pulses will form multiple echoes.
The 180 pulse refocuses the dephasing
protons which results in a stronger signal,
the spin echo after the time TE.
The protons then dephase again and can be
refocused another time by a 180 pulse and
so on.
Thus it is possible to obtain more than one
spin-echo (MR signal).
The spin-echo, however differ in intensity
due to so-called T2-decay.
The signal intensity reduces but A curve connecting the spin echo intensities is the T2
frequency is constant. This is called curve. If we did not use the 180 pulse, the signal intensity
would decay faster. A curve describing the signal
free induction decay (FID) signal.
intensity in that case the T2* curve.
v4_Spin_Echo_36s.mp4 EE8094/EE0001/5-21
180 Turn
t=0 When a rabbit and a
90 pulse
turtle run in one direction
for a certain time,
then turn around and run
t = TE/2 in the opposite direction
180 pulse with the same speed for
the same time,
they will arrive at the
starting point at the same
t = TE time.
echo
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How to differentiate various tissues?
Various tissues can be differentiated based on how quickly they
release energy after pulse is turned off.
It is possible to determine
signal intensity for a tissue
using a spin echo sequence by
combining the T1-and the T2-
curve for that tissue.
T1- and T2-weighted images
may be created with this pulse
sequence.
G = gradient field.
(Cerebro-Spinal Fluid)
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MR signal detection
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5.2.6 Magnetic Field Gradient
Constant B0 cannot provide spatial information
The hydrogen spin-flip frequency is the same for all parts of the sample.
Once excited by the RF signal, the hydrogens will tend to return to their lower
state in a process called "relaxation" and will re-emit RF radiation at their Larmor
frequency. This signal is detected as a function of time, and then is converted to
signal strength as a function of frequency by means of a Fourier transformation.
Since the protons in each of the active areas of the sample are subjected to the
same magnetic field, they will produce the same frequency of radiation and the
Fourier transform of the detected signal will have only one peak. This one peak
demonstrates the presence of hydrogen atoms, but gives no information to locate
them in the sample.
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Magnetic Field Gradient
Use Gradient Field BG for Spatial Information
Information about the location of the hydrogen atoms can be obtained by adding a
calibrated gradient field across the region of the sample.
With an increasing magnetic field as you move to the right across the sample, the
spin-flip energy and therefore the frequency of the emitted signal increases from
left to right.
When excited by an RF transmitter, the emitted signal contains different
frequencies for the two proton concentration (spin) areas. These frequencies can be
separated by means of the Fourier transform and the example gives two different
regions of frequency for the two sample areas.
In the sketch, it only locates them along the horizontal direction, giving no
indication that they are at different heights.
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Using z-gradient to select a slice
To select a particular slice of a body, we can transmit a
pulse of a frequency that would cause the particular slice
to resonate
z
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Use x-gradient for frequency coding
We then tune our system to focus on a particular phase of the
matrix to definitely locate a magnetic moment
Each of the signals has a unique phase and frequency which can be
localized in 3D space
x
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MRI Image Formation
Each voxels are assigned a grey scale value corresponding to the
strength of local signal to create a image
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5.3 MRI Scanner
v6_UnderstandingMRI_5m22s.mp4
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5.4 MRI Applications
MRI can be used to image every part of the body, and is
particularly useful for tissues with many hydrogen nuclei
and little density contrast, such as the brain, muscle,
connective tissue and most tumors.
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Examples
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Examples
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The Neural Highway
MRI can be used to understand brain structure
v7_NeuralHighway_3m13s.mp4
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5.5 Functional MRI
Functional MRI (fMRI)
is a functional neuroimaging procedure using MRI technology that measures
brain activity by detecting associated changes in blood flow.
This technique relies on the fact that cerebral blood flow and neuronal
activation are coupled. When an area of the brain is in use, blood flow to that
region also increases.
The primary form of fMRI uses the Blood-Oxygen-Level Dependent (BOLD)
contrast
This is a type of specialized brain and body scan used to map neural activity
in the brain or spinal cord of humans or other animals by imaging the change
in blood flow (hemodynamic response) related to energy use by brain cells.
Since the early 1990s, fMRI has come to dominate brain mapping research
because it does not require people to undergo shots, surgery, or to ingest
substances, or be exposed to radiation.
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Functional MRI
The procedure is similar to MRI but uses the change in
magnetization between oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood as its
basic measure.
The resulting brain activation can be presented graphically by color-coding
the strength of activation across the brain or the specific region studied.
The technique can localize activity to within millimeters but, using standard
techniques, no better than within a window of a few seconds.
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fMRI Example
These fMRI images are from a study showing parts of the brain lighting up on
seeing houses and other parts on seeing faces.
The 'r' values are correlations, with higher positive or negative values indicating a
better match.
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5.6 MRI Scan versus CT Scan
CT Scan MRI Scan
Imaging Uses X-rays for imaging Uses large external field, RF pulse and 3
principle different gradient fields
Time Usually completed within 5 minutes. Scan typically runs for about 30 minutes.
Actual scan time usually less than 30
seconds.
Cost CT Scan usually costs less than MRIs More expensive than CT Scan, X-rays, and
(e.g., CT brain scan: S$312-S$956) most other examing methods
(e.g., MRI brain scan: S$520-S$1393)
Radiation safety Low ionizing radiation with risk. No radiation.
Usually not recommended for No biological hazards have been reported
pregnant women or children unless with the use of the MRI.
absolutely necessary.
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http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/pressRoomItemRelease/2005/radiology_charges_in_singapore.html
MRI Scan versus CT Scan
CT Scan MRI Scan
Scope of CT can outline bone inside the MRI is more versatile than the X-Ray
applications body very accurately. and is used to examine a large variety of
medical conditions.
Application Suited for bone injuries, Lung and Suited for Soft tissue evaluation, e.g.
Chest imaging, cancer detection. ligament and tendon injury, spinal cord
Widely used on Emergency Room injury, brain tumors etc.
patients.
Details of bony Provides good details about bony Less detailed compared to X-ray.
structures structures
Details of soft A major advantage of CT is that it Much higher soft tissue detail as
tissues: is able to image bone, soft tissue compare to CT scan.
and blood vessels all at the same
time.
Limitation for Patients with metal implants can In most cases the examination is safe for
Scanning get CT scan. patients with metal implants, with the
patients: exception of a few types of implants:
Cardiac Pacemakers, ferromagnetic
object which may cause trauma/burn.
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Advantages of MRI Scan over CT Scan
A CT scan uses X rays to build up a picture. A MRI scan uses a magnetic
field to do the same and has no known side effects related to radiation
exposure.
MRI gives higher detail in soft tissues.
One of the greatest advantages of MRI is the ability to change the contrast of
the images.
Small changes in radio waves and magnetic fields can completely change the contrast of
the image.
Different contrast settings will highlight different types of tissue.
Contrast agents are also used in MRI but they are not made of iodine.
There are fewer documented cases of reactions to MRI contrast and it is considered to be
safer than X-ray dyes.
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Advantages of CT Scan over MRI Scan
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5.7 Summary
Basic concepts
Proton spin
Precession
Magnetic resonance
Relaxation
MRI procedure
Patient is put in a magnet
90 and 180 RF pulses are sent
Patient emits a signal (spin-echo) which is recorded and used for
Reconstruction of image
MRI Scan versus CT Scan
In terms of safety, scope of applications, cost,
v9_spin_49s.mp4
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5.8 References
What is an MRI (1m30s, for slide 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0adTNhzGxU
MRI Physics Tutorial (many small animations, slides 19, 20, 21)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAE12114468910462
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5.9 Raise Your Grades
Do you understand ?
Basic concepts of MRI physics
Proton spin
Precession
Magnetic resonance
Calculation of procession frequency
The idea of using 90 and 180 RF pulses
How to get spatial information
Purposes of using 3 magnetic field gradients in x, y, and z directions
Advantages of MRI scan over CT scan
Advantages of CT scan over MRI scan
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5.10 Tutorial : MRI Image Formation
T5a: For a 22 MRI imaging area, if The phase coding along y-direction is
p=[0, 90],
the frequency coding along x-direction is
f=(0.8+0.2x) [T] where x=[1, 2],
form the MRI image by filling the 22 pixel imaging area with the color map in
Figure 1 based on the received signal strength data in the Table below
Figure 3
Figure 2 EE8094/EE0001/5-50