Basic concepts of MR imaging, diffusion MR imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast relies on intrinsic tissue characteristics and specific pulse sequences.
• Diffusion properties of water are increasingly utilized in various MRI applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of fundamental MR physics.
• To explain the physics behind diffusion MR imaging (dMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Main Methods:

• Review of basic Magnetic Resonance (MR) physics principles.
• Explanation of the physical basis for diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) techniques.
• Description of the physics underlying diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Main Results:

• Understanding MR physics is crucial for interpreting diffusion-based MRI.
• dMRI and DTI leverage water diffusion for enhanced tissue characterization.

Conclusions:

• This article serves as a foundational guide to the physics of diffusion MRI.
• It aims to improve comprehension of advanced diffusion imaging techniques like dMRI and DTI.