Basics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Topics in Neurology, 1)

This book is not intended as a general text on MRI. It is written as an intro­ duction to the field, for nonexperts. We present here a simple exposition of certain aspects of MRI that are important to understand to use this valuable diagnostic tool intelligently in a clinical setting. The basic principles are presented nonmathematically, using no equations and a minimum of symbols and abbreviations. For those requiring a deeper understanding of MRI, this book will help facilitate the transition to standard texts. Chapters 1 through 4 provide a general introduction to the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance and how it is used in imaging. Chapter 1 discus­ ses magnetic resonance, using a compass needle as an example. In Chapter 2, the transition to the magnetic resonance of the atomic nucleus is made. Chapter 3 describes the principles of imaging. In Chapter 4, the terms T 1 and T 2 are described and their relationship to tissue characterization; the fun­ damental role of thermal magnetic noise in T 1 and T 2 is discussed.

` .. this is a useful book and the simple explanations may well be of use to others who although understanding the subject in general find it difficult to conceive some of the basic principles. It would therefore be of considerable use to physicians and surgeons commencing their study of the subject and also to the paramedical sciences who need a basic explanation of this very complex technology. '
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, October 1988