[Technical survey: from local MRI to whole-body MR using fast imaging techniques]

Since the introduction of MR as a clinical diagnostic modality, the technique has been continuously developed and improved. This is related to hardware as well as to software and scanning techniques. This article summarizes the main innovative steps in coil development, ranging from the early LP coils, to array coils and the matrix coils. Associated with the increased performance of gradient systems and the developments in scan sequences, MR has reached a very high level, combining excellent image quality with high resolution in relatively short examination times -- thereby covering the entire body from head to toe.