[How to analyze a nuclear magnetic resonance image. Application to the study of the pelvis]

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is based on the behaviour of some atomic nuclei when they are placed in a magnetic field and subjected to radiofrequency waves of a specific length. The resonance signals they emit under such conditions are collected as localized digital data which are used to construct an image. The signals vary according to multiple tissue characteristics, notably proton density, relaxation times T1 and T2 and, where applicable, blood flow direction and velocity. The relative influences exerted by these tissue factors on resonance signals can be evaluated by altering the technical parameters of the examination, that is practically the radiofrequency wave sequence. Special formulae make it possible to predict signal variations and to increase, decrease or even reverse contrast, thus obtaining as many morphological or functional images of the different media in the body. NMR semiology therefore is copious, complex and variable, but a diagrammatic description of the interplay between parameters provides a key to elementary analysis. Images of pelvic structures taken as examples illustrate the necessity to select the exploratory procedure according to the purpose of the exploration or to manipulate sequences with greater safety.