Magnetic resonance contrast agents. Physical basis of relaxation

Only through a combined understanding of contrast agent properties and fundamental contrast mechanisms, optimal administration and imaging techniques can be applied to contrast-enhanced MR imaging. It is impossible to cover all aspects of the physics of paramagnetic contrast agents in a short review. The basic theories of paramagnetic relaxation enhancement and susceptibility effects, presented in this article, are intended to help readers understand the behavior of existing contrast agents in clinical studies. Additional information about these phenomena can be found in other published reviews, and for a more in-depth coverage, the reader should turn to monographs and scientific papers that discuss the particular topics of interest.