RAD4010

Medical imaging and methods 3 (MRI)

Objectives This subject aims to provide students with an understanding of the scientific principles underpinning magnetic resonance imaging. On completion of this subject students will have a thorough understanding of the associated instrumentation and clinical applications of magnetic resonance imaging. Students will have the appropriate knowledge to participate in specific examinations of the head and neck, abdomen and joints.

Synopsis The subject will introduce the physical principles: of NMR, spin echo and spin lattice relaxation. These fundamental concepts will be extended to the techniques used to form an image from the NMR signal: frequency transformation, physical principles of MRI image formation, image reconstruction. MRI instrumentation: imaging magnets, gradient coils, RF coils, pulse sequencing, pulse echo, gradient echo. Biological effects of MRI instrumentation; positioning and processing requirements for all routine MRI procedures; evaluation of the efficacy of various protocols in demonstrating pathology and anatomical structures; evaluation of the resultant images and recognition and description of the relevant anatomical structures and their relationship together with common pathological processes.

Assessment To be advised

Texts

Bushong S C Magnetic resonance imaging Mosby, 1996
Westbrook C and Kaut C MRI in clinical practice Blackwell Scientific, 1993