ABSTRACT
I. Introduction 143
II. Basic Physics 144
III. Proton Density MRI 147
IV. Half-Fourier Techniques 147
V. Arterial Spin Labeling 147
VI. MR Angiography 149
VII. Hyperpolarized Noble Gas MRI 149
References 150
I. Introduction
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has made a tremendous impact on the way in
which we use diagnostic tests. This was recently recognized, when the 2003
Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to two MRI pioneers (Paul Lauterbur
and Sir Peter Mansfield). This was not the first (and probably not the last)
Nobel Prize related to work in MRI, and it highlights the multidisciplinary
nature of this area of medicine (Table 6.1). It is not surprising that it is not
possible to describe all the potential applications of MRI in this short chapter.
Furthermore, the authors of the following chapters have written the methods
used in sufficient detail. However, for the uninitiated reader, it is important to
have some basic information on the workings of MRI. If the interest should be
awakened, there are many dedicated textbooks on the topic (ranging from
basic to advanced).
