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Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle Disease

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Physics of MRI: a primer.

Donald B Plewes¹, Walter Kucharczyk

¹Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. don.plewes@sunnybrook.ca

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI

|April 14, 2012

Summary

This article provides an intuitive, non-mathematical introduction to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) physics. It explains fundamental concepts like spin physics, signal generation, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation, and image formation using magnetic field gradients and pulse sequences.

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Area of Science:

Medical Imaging Physics
Biophysics

Background:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a complex field.
A conceptual foundation is needed for understanding MRI image formation.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an intuitive, non-mathematical introduction to MRI physics.
To lay a conceptual foundation for understanding MR image formation.

Main Methods:

Relies on simple, intuitive models.
Progresses from basic spin physics to advanced concepts.
Non-mathematical approach.

Main Results:

Explains MR signal generation and detection.
Covers nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation.
Details Fourier transform and spatial encoding with gradients.
Discusses pulse sequences and image contrast.

Conclusions:

Provides a foundational understanding of MRI physics.
Aims to make MR image formation accessible to clinicians.
Covers essential elements from spin physics to image contrast.