Magnetic

Resonance
Imaging (MRI)
Asst. Prof. Nazlı EZER ÖZER
[email protected]
InternationalSchoolofMedicine
DepartmentofBiophysics
 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• MRI is an imaging technique that is used in radiology and should not be
confused with radiography, which is based on the utilization of X-rays.

• Paul Lauterbur and Sir Peter

Mansfield received the Nobel Prize
in Physiology or Medicine in 2003,
for their discoveries concerning
MRI.

• MRI gets use of the nuclear

magnetic resonance (NMR), for
atomic nuclei imaging inside the
body.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• It provides more detailed
images than those obtained
using X-rays and improved
contrast makes it especially
useful in imaging the cancerous
tissue, brain, heart and
muscles.

• So, MRI has applications in

neurology, angiography,
gastroenterology; and used for
the diagnosis of brain tumors,
abdomen organs and
osteoporosis.
 How does it work?
➢ It is based on advanced technology that excites
and detects the change in the direction of the
rotational axis of protons found in the water that
makes up living tissues.
➢ An MRI machine uses a powerful magnetic field to
align the magnetization of some atoms in the
body.
➢ Radio frequency fields systematically alter the
alignment of this magnetization.
➢ This causes the nuclei to produce a rotating
magnetic field detectable by the scanner.
➢ This information is recorded to construct an image
of the body.
The Device System - How It Works
 There are three types of
magnets:

1.Resistive Magnets

2.Permanent Magnets

3.Superconducting Magnets
• The largest and most important components of the MRI
machine are the magnets.
• The magnet strength is measured in units of Tesla or Gauss.
1 Tesla = 10,000 Gauss
• Today’s MRI machines have magnets with strengths from 1.5 T
to 3 T.

❑ To give perspective on the

strength of these magnets,
the earth’s magnetic field is
about 0.5 Gauss, making
the MRI machine 10,000 to
30,000 times stronger.
• The resistive magnet has many coils of wire that wrap around
the bore, through which electrical currents are passed,
creating a magnetic field.
• This magnet requires a large amount of electricity to run but
are quite cheap to produce.

• The permanent magnet is one that delivers a magnetic field,

which is always on at full strength and therefore, does not
require electricity.
• The cost to run the machine is low due to the constant
magnetic force.
• However, the major drawback of these magnets is the weight
in relation to the magnetic field they produce.
• The superconducting magnets are very similar to the design of
the resistive magnets, in that they too have coils through which
electricity is passed creating a magnetic field.
• However, the major difference between the resistive magnet and
the superconducting magnet is the fact that the coils are
constantly bathed in liquid helium at approximately -269oC.
• This cold temperature causes the resistance of the wire to be
near zero, therefore reducing the electrical requirement of the
system.
• All of these factors allow for the machine to remain a manageable
size, can create high quality images, and still operate at a
reasonable cost.
❑ The superconducting magnet is the most used in machines
today, giving the highest quality images of all three magnet
types.
 COILS
Gradient Coil

• They allow the magnetic

field power to be changed
quickly and in different
planes.
• They vary the power of the
magnetic field along the X, Y,
Z axes according to the
imaging planes.
 Gradient Coil

Sounds generated during imaging due to mechanical stress within

gradient coils.
 RF (Radio Frequency) Coil
RF coils are needed to create resonance for MR signals

• The MR signal is produced by the

process of resonance, which is the
result of radiofrequency coils.
• They consist of two
electromagnetic coils, the
transmitter and receiver, which
generate the field and receive the
resulting signal.
• Atomic nuclei of interest in MRI
studies have their own resonant
frequencies, in the radiofrequency
must arrange the magnitude field strength.
Must send higher strength to the brain
compared to the feet (strength of magnetic
portion of the electromagnetic
field dependent on body part)
spectrum.
What kinds of nuclei can be used for
MRI?
• Nucleus needs to have 2 properties:
– Spin
– Charge
• Nuclei are made of protons and neutrons
– Both have spin
– Protons have charge
• Pairs of spins tend to cancel, so only atoms with an
odd number of protons or neutrons have spin
– Good MRI nuclei are 1H, 13C, 19F, 23Na, 31P
 Hydrogen atoms are best for MRI
• Biological tissues are predominantly 12C, 16O,
1H, and 14N

• Hydrogen atom is the only major species that

is MRI sensitive
• Hydrogen is the most abundant atom in the
body
• Most of the hydrogen is in water (H2O)
• Essentially all MRI is hydrogen (proton)
imaging
 MRI Basics
• Nucleons inside the nucleus spin and generate a
magnetic moment.
• Neutrons generate magnetic moment as well, although they don’t have an electrical
charge. This is due to charge polarization from inside towards outside of the neutrons.

• The spin axis of the nucleons generally cancel each

other in an atom but the total spins of an atom with
an odd number of nucleons generate a magnetic
dipole, like a magnet.

Magnetic dipole Magnetic dipole

moment of a rotating moment of a
(spin) proton. stable magnet.

Figures and information are taken from the relevant lecture materials of Prof. Dr. Tunaya Kalkan from Cerrahpaşa Univesity, Faculty of Medicine,
Department of Biophysics.
 MRI Basics ➢ Like the Earth spinning
on its axis with a north
and south magnetic pole,
each spinning hydrogen
proton is like a tiny
magnet that spins around
on its own axis.
➢ This spinning motion is
known as precession. At
any moment in time, all
the billions of hydrogen
motiion of a spinning hydrogen = precession protons in our bodies are
Water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and all in random positions
one oxygen atom. The hydrogen nucleus (shown and spinning on their
in red as P+) contains one positive charge—a
proton spinning around on its axis, which acts axes.
like a tiny magnet.
 MRI Basics
- Nucleons in a Static Magnetic Field -
Magnetic dipole moment
direction of proton
Strong magnetic field (B) direction

Directions of rotation (spin)

moment of a peg top under
the effect of the Earth’s
gravitational field (B)
Magnetic dipole moment of protons with
different directions (vectorial sum is 0).
There is no external magnetic field yet… Similar!

Magnetic dipole moment of a proton wobbling around its own axis, under
the affect of a strong external magnetic field (B) is like the magnetic dipole
moment of a peg top that is wobbling around its own axis, under the effect
of the Earth’s gravitational field (g).
* Figures and information are taken from the relevant lecture materials of Prof. Dr. Tunaya Kalkan from Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department
of Biophysics.
 MRI Basics
- Nucleons in a Static Magnetic Field -

Oscillation of a stab magnet Oscillation of a simple pendulum

under the affect of a strong under the effect of the Earth’s
external magnetic field (B). gravitational field (g).
Similar!

Graph of the oscillation Damped sinusoidal

motion in a frictionless graph of the oscillation
medium(sine wave). motion in a medium
with friction.

Function of the vectorial deviation with respect to time will end up with a sinusoidal
graph, which will be a damped sinusoidal graph in a medium with friction.

* Figures and information are taken from the relevant lecture materials of Prof. Dr. Tunaya Kalkan from Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department
of Biophysics.
❖ In the MRI scanner, the protons align with the B0 magnetic field, some
“up” (red), and slightly less “down” (white).
❖ The total magnetic field generated from all the hydrogen protons almost
cancel each other out, to leave only the magnetic field from the small
proportion of extra “up” protons, and it is this small magnetic field that
we can measure using MRI.
 Precession Frequency and Larmor
Equation
• The B0 field not only affects the hydrogen proton’s
alignment, but also affects how fast these protons
spin (called precessional frequency).
• The precessional frequency depends on the strength
of the magnetic field. The stronger the magnetic field,
the faster they spin.
•=
 = Precessional Frequency
 = Gyromagnetic Ratio
 = External Magnetic Field
Strength
The precession frequency is calculated using
the equation called Larmor equation.
 Resonance
• Resonance: In general terms, resonance is the transfer of energy to
a system that vibrates or oscillates at a given frequency.

✓ When an RF
wave/pulse with
the same frequency
as the proton’s
precessional
frequency is turned
on, the “up”
protons flip away
from the B0 field, as
they absorb the RF
RF pulse can be sent from the RF coils, has to have the same frequency as the
proton’s precessional frequency. Protons can be deflected 90 or 180 degrees
energy.
(?)
 ✓ When an RF
wave/pulse with
the same
frequency as the
proton’s
precessional
frequency is
turned on, the
“up” protons flip
away from the B0
field, as they
absorb the RF
energy.
Atomic nuclei deviated 90o from the +z axis by
the effect of RF waves xy axis Atomic nuclei deviated 180o from the +z axis by the
-z axis
effect of RF waves

➢ As the RF electromagnetic radiation is sent through the patient, the atomic

nuclei in the body will absorb the energy. This absorption of energy causes
nuclei to change the direction of their spin.
➢ The frequency of the RF pulse must be the same as the frequency of the
spinning hydrogen protons, so that they are on resonance.
➢ After some time, these protons will "relax" and give off energy to return to
the lower energy state. This energy will be given off at the same frequency,
and it's this signal that we measure.
✓The nuclei that have moved to the horizontal
(transverse) position (90o) or the vertical (inverse)
(180o) position lose energy due to friction after the
RF wave is cut off.
✓Therefore, they start to return to their previous
positions (external magnetic field direction).
(Relaxation phenomenon)
✓Currently, each of them emits an electromagnetic
wave to the environment (Free Induction Decay-
FID).
➢The change in the magnetic moment vector of
each nucleus creates a small electric current in
coils placed around it according to Lenz's rule.

➢These are then evaluated on computers and the

positions of atoms with an odd number of
protons (mostly hydrogen atoms) are converted
into images.
 Basic Physics of the MR Signal
nucleons are made up of
protons and neutrons, have
charge and spin

Net
Magnetization
Vector

➢ As 1H nuclei spin, they induce their own magnetic field (tan), with the direction (magnetic axis) depicted by a
yellow arrow. The 1H nuclei initially precess with a wobble at various angles (1–6), but upon exposure to an
external magnetic field (B0), they align with it. Sum of all magnetic moments is the Net Magnetization Vector.

➢ When a radiofrequency (RF) pulse is applied with a very powerful magnet, the net
magnetization vector is flipped at an angle (α), which produces two magnetization
components: longitudinal magnetization (Mz) and transverse magnetization (Mxy).
➢ As the transverse magnetization (Mxy) precesses around a receiver coil, it induces a
current that becomes the MR signal ( i ).
Ref: Bitar R et al. Radiographics 2006; 26:513-537.
 Types of Relaxation

When the RF generator is turned off, T1 recovery and T2 and T2* decay occur
Different tissues have different T1, T2, and T2* values. …

T1 (spin-lattice) relaxation:

The T1 relaxation time, also known as the spin-lattice relaxation time or

longitudinal relaxation time, is a measure of how quickly the net
magnetization vector (NMV) recovers to its ground state in the direction
of B0. The return of excited nuclei from the high energy state to the low
energy or ground state is associated with loss of energy to the
surrounding nuclei.

Ref: Bitar R et al. Radiographics 2006; 26:513-537.

 Basic Physics of the MR Signal

When the RF generator is turned off, T1 recovery and T2 and T2* decay occur
Different tissues have different T1, T2, and T2* values. …
dont need to know T2* decay

T2 (spin-spin) relaxation: T1 and T2 is very important

T2 relaxation, also known as spin-spin relaxation or transverse relaxation,

refers to the progressive dephasing of spinning dipoles resulting in decay
in the magnetization in the transverse plane (Mxy).

T2 relaxation occurs due to tissue-particular characteristics, primarily

those that affect the rate of movement of protons, most of which are
found in water molecules.

Ref: Bitar R et al. Radiographics 2006; 26:513-537.

 Jeon, Mike & Halbert, Mackenzie & Stephen, Zachary & Zhang, Miqin. (2020).
Advanced Materials. 33. 1906539.
a) When an external magnetic field B0 (orange arrow) is applied (z‐direction), protons
(red spheres) tend to align with B0. This alignment results in a net magnetization vector
(M0, blue arrow). When an RF pulse is applied, M0 tilts 90° into the transverse (x–y)
plane (Mxy, green arrow).
b) T1 relaxation: T1 is a measure of the time it takes the initial longitudinal magnetic
moment (M0) to recover.
c) T2 relaxation: T2 measures the loss of the transverse magnetic moment (Mxy) due to
dephasing.
 Basic Physics of the MR Signal

As 1H nuclei spin, they induce their own magnetic field (tan), with the direction (magnetic axis) depicted by a
yellow arrow. The 1H nuclei initially precess with a wobble at various angles (1–6), but upon exposure to an
external magnetic field (B0), they align with it. Sum of all magnetic moments is the Net Magnetization Vector.

During T1 (spin-lattice) relaxation, the longitudinal magnetization recovers as the

spinning nuclei release energy into the environment. During T2 (spin-spin) relaxation,
the transverse magnetization is dephased because of interaction between the
spinning nuclei and their magnetic fields. In T2* signal decay, the transverse
magnetization is dephased because of magnetic field inhomogeneities (the spatial
uniformity of the external field).

Ref: Bitar R et al. Radiographics 2006; 26:513-537.

 Basic Physics of the MR Signal

When the RF generator is turned off, T1 recovery and T2 and T2* decay occur
Different tissues have different T1, T2, and T2* values. …
Differences in T1, T2, and proton density (ie, the number of 1H nuclei) in various
tissues create differences in tissue contrast on images. Two parameters—repetition
time (TR) and echo time (TE)—are key to the creation of image contrast. …
TR is the time (usually measured in msec) between the application of an RF excitation
pulse and the start of the next RF pulse.

TE (also usually measured in msec) is the time between the

application of the RF pulse and the peak of the echo detected.
Both (TR and TE) parameters affect contrast on MR images
Ref: Bitar R et al. Radiographics 2006; 26:513-537.
 MRI IMAGING SEQUENCES
T1 Weighting T2 Weighting
• A short TR and short TE will result in • A long TR and long TE will result in a
a T1 weighted image T2 weighted image

– e.g. TR between 100-500 msec and – e.g. TR between 2000 msec and TE 80
TE 20 msec. msec.

• Excellent for demonstrating • Excellent for demonstrating

anatomy due to the increased pathology, such as inflammatory
contrast changes, tumors, joint effusions and
perforations
• T1 images are also called fat images
because fat has shortest T1 • T2 images are also called water
relaxation time and therefore it images because water has longest T2
results in a high signal and bright relaxation time and therefore it
image results in a high signal and bright
image
 Advantages and Disadvantages of MRI
Advantages Disadvantages

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to show detailed images of organs, soft tissues, bones,
ligaments and cartilage
•Usually non-invasive and painless •Can be a lengthy and noisy procedure

•Does not use ionizing radiation •Slight movement can ruin the image, requiring
retesting
•Can help diagnose and guide treatment for a
wide range of conditions •Can make some people feel claustrophobic

•Can provide similar information to CT in some •Sedation or anesthesia may be required for
types of investigations young children or others who can’t remain still

•Injection of a contrast medium (dye) if needed

can cause kidney problems or result in allergic
or injection-site reactions in some people

•Can’t be undertaken in some situations (e.g.,

when a heart pacemaker is present)
http://www.nps.org.au/medical-tests/medical-imaging/for-individuals/advantages-and-disadvantages
http://www.diffen.com/difference/CT_Scan_vs_MRI CT Scan vs MRI
Usually completed within 5 minutes.
Time taken for complete scan: Actual scan time usually less than 30
seconds. Therefore, CT is less sensitive to Scan typically runs for about 30 minutes.
patient movement than MRI.

The effective radiation dose from CT

ranges from 2 to 10 mSv, which is about
the same as the average person receives
Radiation exposure: from background radiation in 3 to 5 years. None. MRI machines control/limit energy
deposition in patients.
Usually, CT is not recommended for
pregnant women or children unless
necessary.

With capability of MDCT, isotropic MRI machines can produce images in any
Ability to change the imaging plane imaging is possible. After helical scan plane. Plus, 3D isotropic imaging also can
without moving the patient: with Multiplanar Reformation function, also produce Multiplanar Reformation.
an operator can construct any plane.

Effects on the body: Despite being small, CT can pose the risk No biological hazards have been reported
of irradiation. Painless, noninvasive. with the use of the MRI.

Scope of application: CT can outline bone inside the body very MRI is more versatile than the X-Ray and
is used to examine a large variety of
accurately.
medical conditions.

Suited for bone injuries, lung and chest Suited for soft tissue evaluation, e.g.
Application: imaging, cancer detection. Widely used ligament and tendon injury, spinal cord
on Emergency Room patients. injury, brain tumors etc.

Details of bony structures: Provides good details about bony Less detailed compared to X-ray
structures
Acronym for: Computed (Axial) Tomography Magnetic Resonance Imaging
http://www.diffen.com/difference/CT_Scan_vs_MRI CT Scan vs MRI
A major advantage of CT is that it can
Details of soft tissues: image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels Much higher soft tissue detail as
compared to CT scan.
all at the same time.

Principle used for imaging: Uses X-rays for imaging Uses large external field, RF pulse and 3
different gradient fields

X-ray attenuation is detected by detector Body tissues that contain hydrogen atoms
& DAS system, followed by math. model (e.g. in water) are made to emit a radio
Principle: to calculate the value of pixelism that signal which are detected by the scanner.
becomes an image.

Good soft tissue differentiation especially

with intravenous contrast. Higher imaging Demonstrates subtle differences between
Image specifics: resolution and less motion artifact due to different kinds of soft tissues.
fast imaging speed.

Patients with cardiac pacemakers and

Patients with metal implants can get CT metal implants are contraindicated due
scan. A person who is very large (e.g. over to possible injury to patient or image
Limitation for Scanning patients: 450 lb) may not fit into the opening of a distortion (artifact). Patient over 350 lb
conventional CT scanner or may be over may be over table's weight limit. Any
the weight limit for the moving table. ferromagnetic object may cause
trauma/burn.

Non-ionic iodinated agents covalently Very rare allergic reaction. Risk of

bind the iodine and have fewer side nephrogenic systemic fibrosis with free
effects. Allergic reaction is rare but more Gadolinium in the blood and severe renal
Intravenous Contrast Agent: common than MRI contrast. Risk of failure. It is contraindicated in patients
contrast induced nephropathy (especially with GFR under 60 and especially under
in renal insufficiency (GFR<60), diabetes 30 ml/min.
& dehydration).

Comfort level for patient: Seldom creates claustrophobia Often creates claustrophobia in
susceptible patients.
MRI treatment is a wonderful option for most
patients, but there are some people who are
not candidates.

Those include:
1) Patients with pacemakers cannot have the scan
done as the magnet from the MRI interferes with
the signal sent from the pacemaker and
deactivates it.
2) Patients who are too tall, or too obese.
3) Patients who have orthopedic hardware can get
distortion in the image, and the scan quality is not
as high.
 Magnetic Resonance Angiography
(MRA)

• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a

procedure used to evaluate blood flow through
arteries.
• MRA can also be used to detect aneurysms in the
brain and vascular malformations — abnormalities
of blood vessels in the brain, spinal cord or other
parts of the body.
 Magnetic Resonance Angiography
(MRA)
• An MRA of the brain may be ordered by your
doctor to help diagnose possible disorders of the
blood vessels supplying the brain:

• Brain aneurysms
• Narrowing of blood vessels
• Blockage
• Blood clots
• Bleeding within the brain
Similarities:
Neither procedure use radiation.
They are both non‐invasive tools used to diagnose or rule out certain
ailments and conditions.
Differences:
Unlike MRA, MRI allows radiologists to examine larger sections of the
body.
MRA is primarily meant to diagnose abnormalities in blood vessels,
while MRI is used mainly to examine various organs and tissues, including
the brain.
 Key Takeaways
• MRI is a type of diagnostic test that can create detailed images of nearly
every structure and organ inside the body.
• It is a form of medical imaging that uses non-ionizing radiation.
• MRI uses magnets and radio waves to produce images on a computer.
MRI does not use ionizing radiation.
• Produces very clear, detailed pictures of the organs and structures in the
body.
• MRI makes use of the property of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to
image nuclei of atoms inside the body.
• T1-weighted MRI enhances the signal of the fatty tissue and suppresses
the signal of the water. T2-weighted MRI enhances the signal of the
water.
 EXAMPLES
• Choose the false statement for MRI.
• A) MRI involves the absorption and emission of energy by
nuclei at a specific resonant (Larmor) frequency. True
• B) The commonly used MRI’s have a magnetic strength of 1.5-
3 T. True
• C) Hydrogen atom is the only major species that is MRI
sensitive. True
• D) There are 3 types of magnets in MRI: resistive magnets,
permanent magnets, superconducting magnets. True
• E) T2-weighted MRI enhances the signal of the fatty tissue and
suppresses the signal of the water. T1-weighted MRI enhances
the signal of the water. T1 weighted MRI enhances the signal of fatty/soft tissue
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging
technique most used in medical field for visualizing the
internal structure and function of the body. Which of the
followings is about MRI indicates a drawback of this imaging
technology?
• A. Patients who have orthopedic hardware can get distortion
in the image, and the scan quality is not as high.
• B. MRI is very safe for the patient because it does not use any
ionizing radiation.
• C. MRI technology can be used to observe changes in brain
activity.
• D. MRI can produce multiple two-dimensional images of body
structures and three-dimensional reconstructions of them.
• E. MRI shows vasculature without contrast.
• In which situation would an MRI scan be
preferred over a CT scan?
• A) Diagnosing acute fractures
• B) Evaluating head trauma
• C) Detecting pulmonary embolism
• D) Imaging soft tissue tumors
• E) Screening for kidney stones
• In an MRI system, what does the term "echo
time (TE)" refer to?
• A) The time between the initial RF pulse and
the peak of the emitted signal
• B) The time required for the hydrogen atoms
to realign with the magnetic field
• C) The time between successive RF pulses
• D) The delay between applying the gradient
and acquiring the signal
• E) The time taken for the patient to be fully
scanned