Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a rapidly developing field in basic applied science and clinical practice. Research efforts in this area have already been recognized with five Nobel prizes awarded to seven Nobel laureates in the past 70 years. Based on courses taught at The Johns Hopkins University, Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The Basics provides a solid introduction to this powerful technology.

The book begins with a general description of the phenomenon of magnetic resonance and a brief summary of Fourier transformations in two dimensions. It examines the fundamental principles of physics for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal formation and image construction and provides a detailed explanation of the mathematical formulation of MRI. Numerous image quantitative indices are discussed, including (among others) signal, noise, signal-to-noise, contrast, and resolution.

The second part of the book examines the hardware and electronics of an MRI scanner and the typical measurements and simulations of magnetic fields. It introduces NMR spectroscopy and spectral acquisition and imaging techniques employing various pulse sequences. The final section explores the advanced imaging technique of parallel imaging.

Structured so that each chapter builds on the knowledge gained in the previous one, the book is enriched by numerous worked examples and problem sets with selected solutions, giving readers a firm grasp of the foundations of MRI technology.

Review

“Overall this is excellent book and author has taken lot of time/effort to explain complex physiscs concepts. It will be of great use to all the radiology trainees who wish to learn more about MRI physiscs.”
―Jagadish Malla, The Society of Radiologists in Training

About the Author

Christakis Constantinides, PhD joined the faculty of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Cyprus in September 2005. He has also acted as a consultant to his start-up firm, Chi-Biomedical Ltd. ever since. His specific research interest focuses on the study of cardiac mechanical function, computational and tissue structure modeling and characterization, hardware design, and functional and cellular tracking methods using MRI. The goal of his research efforts is the complete characterization of the electromechanical function of the heart in small animals and humans, aiming to promote the understanding of mechanisms of human disease that is predominantly underlined by genetic causes.

Contents

Chapter 1: Fourier Transformations
Chapter 2: Fundamentals of Magnetic ResonanceI: Basic Physics
Chapter 3: The Molecular Environment and Relaxation
Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Magnetic Resonance II: Imaging
Chapter 5: Fundamentals of Magnetic Resonance HI: The Formalism of k-Space
Chapter 6: Pulse Sequences
Chapter 7: Introduction to Instrumentation
Chapter 8: Tour of an MRI Facility
Chapter 9: Signal, Noise, Resolution,and Image Contrast
Chapter 10: Spectroscopy and Spectroscopic Imaging
Chapter 11: Advanced Imaging Techniques: Parallel Imaging