Elias R. Melhem, MDElias R. Melhem, MD

MR Imaging:

Basic Principles

Overview

Generation of MR Image

MR Image Quality

MR Imaging Protocols for Clinical Brain Imaging

Generation of MR Image

Nuclear magnetic resonance Spin density Spin lattice relaxation (T1) Spin spin relaxation (T2)

Spatial encoding

MR Image Quality

Spatial Resolution

Contrast Resolution

Signal-to-Noise

Artifacts

MR Imaging Protocols

Tailored Based on: Clinical Question

Capabilities of the MR scanner

Basic Brain Protocol

Sagittal T1-W SE Axial T2-W FSE Axial Fast FLAIR Axial D-W (b-1000)

Metastases and Primary Brain Tumors

Basic Brain Protocol + Gd-enhanced: Axial T1-W SE Coronal T1-W SE Fast FLAIR (Subarachnoid Metastases)

Pediatric (Age < 2 years-old)

Basic Brain Protocol + Axial T1-W SE Coronal Phase-Sensitive Fast IR

Pediatric (Age < 2 years-old)

Basic Brain Protocol + Axial T1-W SE Coronal Phase-Sensitive Fast IR

Stroke Protocol

Basic Brain Protocol + 3D TOF MRA of the Circle-of-Willis Gd-based perfusion imaging

Cervical Carotid Artery Protocol

2D TOF MRA Single slab 3D TOF MRA at the bifurcation Contrast-enhanced Coronal 3D MRA Axial T1-W SE with Fat Saturation (Dissection)

Internal Auditory Canal Protocol

Basic Brain Protocol + High Resolution: Axial 3D T2-W FSE

Axial T1-W SE Coronal T1-W SE

with and without Gd -enhancement

May consider Fat Saturation

for post-operative evaluation

Orbital Protocol

Basic Brain Protocol + High Resolution: Coronal STIR or FLAIR with Fat Saturation

Axial T1-W SE Coronal T1-W SE

with and without Gd -enhancement

Pituitary Protocol

Basic Brain Protocol + High Resolution:

Sagittal T1-W SE Coronal T1-W SE

with and without Gd -enhancement

May consider Fat Saturation

for post-operative evaluation

Epilepsy (Age < 35 year-old)

Basic Brain Protocol + Oblique Coronal: T2-W-FSE Fast FALIR Phase-Sensitive Fast IR

Fetal Imaging

HASTE / Single Shot FSE