MAGNETIC RESONANCE

IMAGING
By
KEERTHANA C
732921BMR043
 INTRODUCTION
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging
technology that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to
produces three dimensional detailed anatomical images. It is often
used for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.
• It is based on sophisticated 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.
 History of MRI
Era Magneti Technology Image Applications Key
c Field Resolution Features
Strength

Long scan
Basic
times, poor
Permanent and Limited, structural
image
Early MRI resistive lower imaging,
0.1–0.5 quality, and
Machines magnets with resolution due primarily in
Tesla limited
(1980s) low field to weaker neurology and
ability to
strengths fields musculoskelet
image fine
al studies
details

Routine use in
neurology,
Shorter scan
orthopedics,
Conventional Introduction of Moderate, times, better
and
MRI superconducting could image anatomical
cardiology;
Machines 1.5 Tesla magnets, soft tissues detail, ability
introduction
(1990s– enabling higher and structural to perform
of contrast
2000s field strengths abnormalities functional
agents for
MRI (fMRI)
enhanced
imaging
 Better
Expanded to
diagnostic
cardiac MRI,
High- High-field MRI capabilities
High, oncology,
Field with better for stroke,
significantly advanced brain
MRI 3 Tesla signal-to-noise epilepsy,
improved soft- imaging (e.g.,
(2000s– ratio for more and
tissue contrast diffusion tensor
2010s) complex imaging neurodegene
imaging, perfusion
rative
imaging)
diseases
Precise
imaging of
small brain
Primarily used in
nuclei,
Ultra- neurology, brain
Ultra-high-field subtle
High- Extremely research,
7 Tesla MRI for finer lesions,
Field high, with neurodegenerative
(Resear resolution and weak
MRI minute details diseases; also in
ch use) enhanced signal biochemical
(2010s– (up to 0.5 mm) musculoskeletal
sensitivity signals,
2020s) and vascular
advanced
imaging
brain
connectivity
research
 Advanced
Faster scan
Cutting-edge neuroimagin
Highest to times, larger
technology g, early-
date, patient bore
with AI stage disease
State-of-the- capturing (90 cm),
11.7 Tesla integration, detection
Art MRI tiny reduced
(Iseult helium-free (e.g.,
(2020s– neuronal claustrophob
MRI) technology Parkinson’s,
Present) structures ia, AI-
for cost and Alzheimer’s
(up to 0.2 enhanced
environmenta ), brain
mm) image
l benefits function
analysis
research
PRINCIPLE
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) operates on the principle of
nuclear magnetic resonance.
• When a patient is placed inside a strong magnetic field, the
hydrogen protons in the body align with the field. A
radiofrequency pulse is then applied, which temporarily knocks
these protons out of alignment.
• Once the pulse is turned off, the protons return to their original
positions, releasing energy in the process.
• This emitted energy is detected by the MRI machine and varies
based on the type of tissue, allowing the creation of detailed
images.
MRI SETUP
Components of an MRI System
• Magnet
• Gradient coils
• RadioFrequency coils
• RF Shielding
• Computer System
• Cooling System
• Patient Table
• Magnet Room and Operator Console
• Electromagnetic Shielding
• Power Supply
 MAGNET
• The magnet is the most crucial and largest component of an MRI
system.
• It is responsible for creating the strong magnetic field that is essential
for generating high-resolution images of the body’s internal structures.
• Main Magnet: This is the most important and largest component of
the MRI machine. It generates a powerful, uniform magnetic field that
aligns the protons in the human body (especially hydrogen atoms in
water molecules).
• Strength: MRI magnets are classified by their magnetic field strength,
measured in tesla (T). Clinical MRI scanners typically operate at 1.5T
or 3T, while research systems may use even higher field strengths (7T
or more).
• There are three primary types of magnets used in MRI systems:
 Permanent Magnets
 Resistive Magnets
 Superconducting Magnets (most common in clinical MRI)
Permanent Magnets:
Permanent magnets use materials like iron or alloys that naturally
produce a magnetic field without the need for electricity or cooling
systems.

Limitations: They have low magnetic field strength (usually less than
0.4T), so they are primarily used in open MRI systems for specific
applications (e.g., for patients who are claustrophobic).

Benefit: No need for electricity or cooling makes these magnets more

Limitations:
Resistive magnets can only generate relatively weak
magnetic fields (below 0.3T), and they require a large amount of
power to maintain the field, making them less efficient than
superconducting magnets.
Superconducting Magnets:
Superconducting magnets are the most widely used in modern
MRI systems because they can generate very strong magnetic
fields (up to 3T or more) with minimal power consumption.
These magnets are made from coils of wire (usually niobium-
titanium) that, when cooled to near absolute zero (about -269°C
or 4K), lose electrical resistance and become superconductors.
• To achieve these extremely low temperatures, liquid helium
is used as a coolant. This cryogenic cooling system ensures
that the magnet operates efficiently with a stable magnetic
field.
SPECIFICATIONS
• Actively shielded super-conducting magnet with an
operational field strength of 3 Tesla
• Devices for helium level monitoring in the magnet.
• Facility for quick shutdown of the magnet in case of
emergency.
• Liquid helium should be supplied for 10 years
 GRADIENT COIL
Purpose:
These are smaller, secondary magnets that create slight variations in
the main magnetic field. These variations allow for spatial encoding
of the signals emitted by the body’s protons.
Function:
The gradient coils are responsible for slice selection and
determining the spatial location of the signal in the x, y, and z
directions (thus creating the 3D images).
Types of Gradients:
Slice Selection Gradient: This gradient determines the
thickness and location of the slice being imaged.
Phase Encoding Gradient: Applied before the signal
acquisition to encode data along one axis.
Frequency Encoding Gradient: Applied during signal
readout to distinguish data along the perpendicular axis.
Importance of Gradient Coils:
• The efficiency and precision of gradient coils directly influence
the image quality and resolution.
• High-quality gradients enable sharper images with finer details.
• Optimized gradient performance can significantly reduce scan
times, enhancing patient throughput.
SPECIFICATION
• High performance FDA-approved gradient system, achieving
a maximum gradient strength of 80 milliTesla/meter with a
slew rate of 200 Tesla/meter/sec along each axis with a 100%
duty cycle.
• Effective cooling system for gradient coil and power supply.
RF COIL
• RF coil is the key component of the MRI system, which serves as the
transmitter as well as receiver in the formation of the final images .
• There are various kinds of RF coils. The difference between coils
lies in different parts of human body and different field strengths.
• According to imaging part of the human body, it can be classified
into head coils, body coils, knee coils or foot coils, etc. No matter
how many kinds of coils there may be, all the coils can be basically
treated as two kinds of coils, namely surface coil and volume coil.
• Surface coils are often used as receivers, the reason is that the field it
produces is inhomogeneous, which is detrimental to the imaging
process.
• But the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the surface coils is
higher than volume coils, partly because it can be located
closely to the imaging area.
• Nowadays, surface coils are not used alone to achieve the
receiving purpose. A bunch of surface coils , which we call
loop array, are used for its good performance in receiving as
well as transmitting.
• Another kind of RF coil is the volume coil, and the most popular
volume coil is the birdcage coil.
• A prominent character of birdcage coil is its quadrature excitation
strategies both spatially and temporally.
• The distinctive excitation technology generates a circularly
polarized field, which can result in a highly uniform B1 field.
• An alternative volume coil named TEM coil maybe used in ultra-high field
MRI.
• TEM is the most general term for “transmission line,” and it can be realized
through many kinds of circuit, such as coaxial lines, strip lines, microstrips
or waveguides.
• In birdcage coils, the end rings form the “return path” of the current on the
rungs. But in high frequencies, the end rings can be problematic.
• The inductance and resonant frequency of birdcage coils are limited by the
size of the end rings. And the end rings are related to the diameter of the coil.
Types of RF Coils
• Transmit/Receive Coils:
These coils are used for both transmitting RF pulses and receiving
signals. They are commonly used in many standard MRI applications.
• Surface Coils:
Placed directly on or near the area of interest, surface coils provide
enhanced signal reception from specific regions of the body,
improving image quality.
• Phased Array Coils:
Composed of multiple smaller coils, phased array coils can capture
signals from multiple angles, allowing for improved signal-to-noise
ratio and faster imaging.
• Dedicated Coils:
Specialized coils designed for specific anatomical areas (e.g., knee
coils, head coils) to enhance imaging quality in those regions
SPECIFICATION
• One 64-channel head/neck coil for brain imaging, EEG-fMRI,
TMS-fMRI and TDCS-fMRI systems that are already
available.
• Volume coil for imaging primate and small animal brains.
• Surface coil for localized tissues such as visual cortex
RF Shielding
To prevent interference from external RF signals (like
radio waves or other electromagnetic noise), MRI systems are
housed in rooms that have RF shielding. This is often
accomplished with a Faraday cage, a conductive enclosure that
blocks external RF signals.
Computer System
Control System:The MRI scanner is controlled by a computer that
operates the gradients, RF pulses, and collects the signals from the
RF coils.
Image Processing:After data is collected from the patient, the
computer processes these signals into interpretable images using
advanced algorithms (such as Fourier transforms).
User Interface:The operator interacts with the MRI machine through
a user interface that controls parameters such as slice thickness,
image contrast, and scan duration.
Cooling System
MRI machines generate a lot of heat, especially in the
magnet coils, which require cooling. Superconducting
magnets need to be cooled to extremely low temperatures
using cryogens like liquid helium. This system ensures the
magnets remain superconducting (zero electrical resistance).
Patient Table
The patient lies on a motorized table, which moves
into the center of the MRI scanner (inside the magnet bore).
The table is designed for patient comfort and to keep them as
still as possible during the scan, as motion can blur the
images.
Magnet Room:
The area where the MRI scanner is housed. It is specially
designed to shield against external magnetic and RF interference.
Operator Console
Located outside the magnet room, this is where the technologist
controls the MRI scanner.
It includes monitors for viewing the images and adjusting scan
parameters.
Superconducting magnets typically operate with currents ranging from
hundreds to thousands of amperes (up to 1500A or more) to maintain the
magnetic field. These magnets are cooled with liquid helium to stay
superconductive.
Gradient coils require lower currents, usually in the range of 100-1000A.
These are responsible for creating the gradient fields that help with spatial
encoding during imaging.
RF coils use much lower currents compared to the magnets, typically in the
range of a few amperes to tens of amperes, as they are used for transmitting
and receiving RF signals.
Electromagnetic Shielding
Magnetic field lines from the MRI’s magnet can affect
surrounding electronic equipment. To prevent interference,
special shielding is built into the scanner and the room to
contain the magnetic field within the MRI room.
Power Supply
An MRI machine requires a significant power supply to
operate the magnet, gradients, and RF system.
For safety reasons, backup power systems may be in
place to ensure that essential components like the cooling system
remain operational even in case of power loss.
WORKING
• MRIs employ powerful magnets which produce a strong magnetic
field that forces protons in the body to align with that field.
• When a radiofrequency current is then pulsed through the patient,
the protons are stimulated, and spin out of equilibrium, straining
against the pull of the magnetic field.
• When the radiofrequency field is turned off, the MRI sensors are
able to detect the energy released as the protons realign with the
magnetic field.
• The time it takes for the protons to realign with the magnetic field,
as well as the amount of energy released, changes depending on the
environment and the chemical nature of the molecules.
• To obtain an MRI image, a patient is placed inside a large magnet
and must remain very still during the imaging process in order not
to blur the image.
• Contrast agents (often containing the element Gadolinium) may be
given to a patient intravenously before or during the MRI to
increase the speed at which protons realign with the magnetic field.
• The faster the protons realign, the brighter the image.
BLOCK DIAGRAM
 Process how image is acquired in MRI
Patient Preparation and Placement
The patient is positioned on the patient table, which is then
moved into the center of the MRI scanner (inside the magnet bore).
The body part to be scanned is placed at the center of the
magnetic field, with a specific RF coil (e.g., head coil, body coil)
around it.
Magnetic Field Alignment (Main Magnet)
The MRI’s main magnet generates a powerful, uniform
magnetic field, usually ranging from 1.5 to 3 Tesla.
This magnetic field aligns the hydrogen nuclei (protons) in
the water molecules of the body. Normally, the protons are
randomly oriented, but in the magnetic field, they align in the
direction of the field, either parallel or antiparallel.
Radiofrequency (RF) Pulse Application
After the protons align, the MRI system uses the RF
transmit coils to send a radiofrequency pulse at a specific
frequency (known as the Larmor frequency) into the body.
This RF pulse excites the hydrogen protons, causing them to
absorb energy and tilt away from the magnetic field direction. They
are now in a high-energy state, no longer aligned with the main
magnetic field.
Relaxation Process
Once the RF pulse is turned off, the protons begin to return to
their original alignment with the magnetic field, releasing the absorbed
energy. This process is called relaxation, and it occurs in two forms:
1. T1 Relaxation (Longitudinal Relaxation): This is the process by
which protons realign with the magnetic field (the z-axis). T1
relaxation times vary between different tissues, leading to contrast
in MRI images.
2. T2 Relaxation (Transverse Relaxation): This involves the loss of
phase coherence between the protons in the transverse plane (x-y
axis). T2 relaxation also varies depending on the tissue type and
influences image contrast
Signal Detection
As the protons relax, they emit radio signals. The emitted
signals are picked up by receiver coils placed around the part of the
body being imaged. These signals are then processed and digitized
into image data.
Gradient Magnetic Fields
Spatial Encoding: To pinpoint the location of signals within the
body, the MRI machine uses gradient coils. These coils create slight
variations in the magnetic field strength along the x, y, and z axes.
These variations allow the MRI system to encode spatial information
and create 2D or 3D images.
The gradients help to divide the signals into different slices or
sections, so specific areas of the body can be imaged in different
planes (axial, sagittal, and coronal).
Fourier Transform and Image Reconstruction
Signal Processing: The raw data collected by the receiver coils
is in the form of radiofrequency signals. These signals are
transformed from the time domain into the frequency domain
using mathematical algorithms such as the Fourier Transform.
Image Formation: The processed signals are mapped out into a
grid, called k-space, which represents the spatial frequency of the
data. Using this information, the computer reconstructs detailed
cross-sectional images of the body’s internal structures
Contrast in MRI
The contrast in MRI images is based on the differences in the T1 and
T2 relaxation times of various tissues.
For example:
T1-weighted images: Highlight tissues with short T1 relaxation
times, such as fat. These images provide good anatomical detail.
T2-weighted images: Highlight tissues with long T2 relaxation
times, such as fluids. These images are excellent for detecting
pathologies like tumors and inflammation.
Pulse Sequences
MRI uses a series of RF pulses, gradients, and delays,
collectively called a pulse sequence. Different pulse sequences are
designed to emphasize specific tissue properties (T1, T2, or proton
density).
Common pulse sequences:
Spin Echo (SE): Produces both T1- and T2-weighted images
depending on the sequence parameters.
Gradient Echo (GRE): Allows for faster imaging with less
power consumption but may have lower signal-to-noise ratios.
Inversion Recovery (IR): Designed for T1-weighted imaging,
such as for suppressing certain tissues (e.g., fat) to improve
contrast.
Advantages of MRI over other imaging
modalities, such as CT or X-ray
No ionizing radiation: Unlike CT or X-ray, MRI does not use
ionizing radiation, making it safer for repeated use.
Superior soft tissue contrast: MRI provides better contrast for
soft tissues like the brain, muscles, and internal organs, making it
more effective for diagnosing conditions in these areas.
• Multiplanar imaging: MRI can obtain images in any plane
(axial, sagittal, coronal) without moving the patient.
 Limitations of MRI
Cost and accessibility: MRI machines are expensive to install
and maintain.
Longer scan times: Compared to other imaging methods like
CT, MRI scans take longer to complete.
Claustrophobia: The enclosed space of the MRI scanner can
cause discomfort for some patients.
• Metal implants: Some patients with metal implants cannot
undergo MRI safely.
Recent trends in MRI
• Helium-Free MRI Systems: Traditionally, MRI systems
rely on large quantities of helium for cooling. Newer
models, like the Philips 5300, use a sealed cooling system
that requires only a small fraction of helium, reducing
maintenance and operational costs.
• AI Integration: Artificial intelligence is being
increasingly integrated into MRI systems to assist with
image acquisition, protocol optimization, and diagnosis.
AI can streamline workflows by automating routine tasks
and improving image quality through advanced
reconstruction techniques.
Portable and Mobile MRI: There is a growing trend toward
mobile MRI units, making imaging more accessible in remote or
underserved areas. This advancement also aligns with the broader
movement toward point-of-care imaging, bringing diagnostic
tools closer to patients.
• Compressed Sensing and Faster Imaging: New techniques
like compressed sensing are reducing scan times without
compromising image quality. This makes MRI more efficient
and comfortable for patients.
THANK YOU