Summary
The basic features of an NMR imaging system are outlined and three pulse sequences which produce images with varying dependence on proton density T1 and T2 are described. The first of these sequences, Repeated Free Induction Decay produces images which demonstrate changes in proton density as well as flow effects. The second sequence, Inversion-recovery, produces images which are dependent on T1 and show a high level of grey, white matter contrast giving considerable anatomical detail. In addition pathological processes such as infarction, haemorrhage, demyelination and malignancy produce changes in T1 enabling lesions to be localised. The third sequence, Spin-echo, produces images which are dependent on T2. These show very little grey, white matter contrast but demonstrate acute and space occupying lesions as well as cerebral oedema. The high level of grey, white matter contrast, lack of bone artefact, variety of sequences, capacity for multiplanar imaging, sensitivity to pathological change and lack of known hazard make NMR an important addition to existing techniques of neurological diagnosis.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Young IR, Bailes DR, Burl M, Collins AG, Smith DT, McDonnell MJ, Orr JS, Banks LM, Bydder GM, Greenspan RH, Steiner RE (1982) Initial clinical evaluation of a whole body NMR tomograph. J Comput Assist Tomogr 6:1–18
National Radiological Protection Board (1980) Exposure to nuclear magnetic resonance clinical imaging. NRPB, Harwell, Oxon
Saunders RD (1982) The biological hazards of NMR. In: Witcofski RL, karstaedt N, Partain CL (eds) NMR Imaging Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, p 65–71
Budinger TF (1981) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). In: Vivo studies. Known thresholds for health effects. J Comput Assist Tomogr 5:800–811
Doyle FH, Gore JC, Pennock JM, Bydder GM, Orr JS, Steiner RE, Young IR, Burl M, Clow H, Gilderdale DJ, Bailes DR, Walters PE (1981) Imaging of the brain by nuclear magnetic resonance. Lancet II:53–57
Buonanno FS, Pykett IL, Vielma J, Brady TJ, Burt CT, Goldman MR, Newhouse JH, New PFJ, Hinshaw WS, Pohost GM, Kistler JP (1982) Proton NMR imaging of normal and abnormal brain. Experimental and clinical observations. In: Witcofski RL, Karstaedt N, Partain CL (eds) NMR Imaging Bowman Gray Medical School, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, p 147–157
Young IR, Burl M, Clarke GJ, Hall AS, Pasmore T, Collins AG, Smith DT, Bydder GM, Greenspan RH, Doyle FH, Steiner RE (1981) Posterior fossa: magnetic resonance properties. AJR 137:895–901
Young IR, Hall AS, Pallis CA, Legg NJ, Bydder GM, Steiner RE (1981) Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in multiple sclerosis. Lancet II:1063–66
Holland GN, Hawkes RC, Moore WS (1980) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) tomography of the brain: coronal and sagittal sections. J Comput Assist Tomogr 4:429–433
Hawkes RC, Holland GN, Moore WS, Worthington BS (1980) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) tomography of the brain: a preliminary clinical assessment with demonstration of pathology. J Comput Assist Tomogr 4:577–586
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bydder, G.M., Steiner, R.E. NMR imaging of the brain. Neuroradiology 23, 231–240 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00339389
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00339389