Lesson: Physical Principles

of MRI Image Formation

Kimberly Harn October 3, 2017
 Learning Objectives
In this lesson we are are going to go over the basic steps in forming a MRI
image.

How to apply this in a clinical setting?

Why do we need to know these steps?

What do you need to know for the registry?

 ● MRI does not use Radiation

Basic MRI ● MRI uses Hydrogen atoms as a source

of Magnetism
Physics ● H+ nuclei possess SPIN

What do we know so ● H+ aligns to B0 in scanner

far? ● Precession to Larmor frequency f=y*B0

● Added RF pulses excite the system

● Spins absorb this energy and then

release it

● Different relaxation times for Fat & Water

● Coils collect the energy from RF pulses

How do we ● Magnetic gradients

● Coordinate System
form a MRI ● Phase encoding gradient
image? ● Frequency encoding gradient

● K-space

● Fourier Transform

● Image on computer
Gradients

Alterations in main magnetic field

Generated by coils of wire in bore of magnet

Subtracts or Adds to main magnetic field

Three gradients that allow us to spatially encode the data in an area called K
space
MRI Layout

Gradient Coil location

Induces the Gradient

(magnetic) field around it
MRI layout

Where are gradient coils?

3 Gradient Coils

Named according to axis

Z gradient alters the long axis of the magnet

Y gradient alters the vertical axis of the magnet

X gradient alters the horizontal axis of the magnet

Magnetic isocenter = center point of the axis of all three gradients and the bore
of main magnet
Coordinate System
Typical Superconducting
Magnet

Z green coils

X red coils

Y blue coils
Gradient Coil Locations
Tip

This is typical direction of

gradient coils

Great way to remember

where they are!
FIRST GRADIENT: SLICE SELECTION
Slice Selection

We have to choose a slice or slices that we want Depending on sequence,

to image.
Slice selection can use Z, Y
When we turn on the gradients a specific point
can be selected
or X gradient
These nuclei will have a precessional frequency Axial = Z
We can apply RF with a band of frequency that
matches the slice defined by the gradient Coronal = Y
These slices will be excited and resonance will
occur
Sagittal = X
Slice Selection
Slice Thickness

THICK SLICES:

Shallow slice select gradient

Broad Transmit Bandwidth

THIN SLICES:

Steep slice select gradient

Small Transmit Bandwidth

Example of
gradient slope
Z gradient is turned on, RF pulse
applied. Now we have selected a
slice and thickness of one
particular area. What do we do
next?
Z gradient is turned off- Y
(frequency encoding) and X (phase
encoding) gradients are turned on.
A location within X and Y is
determined.
*This all happens within 8ms - super fast
Phase Encoding
Can be X, Y or Z gradient depending on exam

Definition: the process of locating an MR signal by

altering the phase of spins

Switched on AFTER excitation pulse

It is applied in the Y direction (short axis) to encode

location
 Frequency Encoding (readout gradient)
X, Y or Z gradient depending on exam

Remember: LONG axis of body

Definition: locating a signal according to it’s frequency

CREATES A FREQUENCY CHANGE IN EMITTED SIGNAL produces lines or

columns of data

This gradient is switched on DURING collection of signal also called

READOUT
Example
One spot is located by frequency
and phase

Remember: Frequency is the rate

of precession

Phase is the location the proton

is on it’s precession
 Slice, Frequency, Phase Encoding Directions
(X,Y, Z) are INTERCHANGEABLE
Just remember

Slice selection is first

Frequency encoding is the LONG axis of anatomy

Phase Encoding is SHORT axis of anatomy

You can change them manually

Each Frequency and Phase
Combination defines its location
within a slice. This data is collected
by the RF receiver coils. When data
of each signal position is collected
they are stored as data points in the
computer called K space.
 K space
Not a real space

Is not the Image

A matrix to store data

Data points are spatial frequencies - envision variation in brightness of image

Each spatial frequency contain information about the entire final image

Typically filled line by line 2D acquisition

 K space
Edges of K space = High Spatial frequency= resolution/detail

Middle of K space = Contrast

We need ALL parts to create a diagnostic image

Scan time is the time to fill K space

Stored in array processor of computer

K space Mapping
and Filling
Several different ways

Most common: Cartesian

Spiral: Contrast MRA imaging

Radial: Limited MRA Contrast

Zig Zag: Echo Planar Imaging

K space
example
Top Image: All of K space: Good
Image

Middle Image: Only Middle of K

space: Contributes to Contrast of
Image

Last Image: Outer edges of K

space: Contributes to Resolution
and detail
 Fourier Transform
Shape can be reconstructed from
periodic signals
 Using Fourier Transform
Fast Fourier Transform: mathematical process to produce an image from
acquired data points.

Turns K space into Pixels. Each pixel is allocated a color on the grayscale
corresponding to frequency which equals a location.

Each data point contains info from the whole slice

Matrix, Voxel, Pixel
Matrix: determined by the
number of frequency and phase
encoding steps in each direction

Voxel: Volume of tissue

determined by slice thickness
represented in 3D

Pixel: the face of the Voxel is the

Pixel 2D
 Slice
Patient in Fourier
selection/ K space 2 D image
MRI Transform
Gradients
An Analogy:
Imagine Driving A Car

1. Ignition -Turn on the Engine/Patient in magnet

2. Accelerate - Apply RF pulses
3. Steering - with Gradients
4. Final Destination - Image
How do we use this info In clinical...

Setting up and Planning sequences:

REMEMBER: Use 2 planes to plan Use Localizer Images Doublecheck!

Axial sequence: Plan slices on a Coronal and Sagittal image

Coronal sequence: Plan slices on an Axial and Sagittal image

Sagittal Image: Plan slices on a Coronal and Axial image

 Why?
It is important to know this information because it will directly correlate to slice
planning at your workstation

It will enable you to obtain quality, diagnostic images in the shortest amount of
time

You will understand how to fix mistakes or poor images

You will feel confident to be creative when you have to think “outside the box”
This will be YOU a MR star!
Planning Example
 MRI Imaging Process: Physical Principles of
Image Formation

Slice Selection: A slice is selected from the body

Frequency encoding and Phase Encoding: Magnetic Field gradient is applied to the slice in the Phase
encoding and Frequency encoding directions
–only the protons within the slice to oscillate between their two energy states (spin states)
At the same time radio frequency pulses are applied to the slice with a bandwidth capable of exciting
all resonances simultaneously
The emitted energy is measured by a radio frequency receiver and converted into a K space in the
array processor of the computer
 MRI Imaging Process cont...

Fourier Transform: Mathematical equation that translates the K space data into grayscale pixels that
can be viewed as an 2D accurate image of the physical slice
For the ARRT registry...

Spatial Localization

a. X,Y,Z coordinate system

b. Physical gradient
c. Slice select gradient
d. Phase encoding gradient
e. Frequency (readout) gradient
f. K-space (raw data) including mapping and filling
g. Fast Fourier Transform
Common Questions

Why does the MRI scanner make so much Can the phase encoding gradient be applied the
noise? same time as the frequency encoding gradient?

Difference between CT and MRI images? Why is it called “K space?”

How is slice thickness increased? Why does MRI take so long?

How many MRI signal measurement are needed What is spatial resolution?
to form an image?
Objectives for Next Class
Critical Thinking Assignment:
● Read Chapter Four
● Phase encoding and frequency encoding
(1.)If the Fourier Transform equation was not
diagrams
discovered would we still be able to form an
● Data Manipulation
image from MRI? Why or why not?
● Post processing
(2.) Find another area where Fourier Transform
plays an integral role and give a synopsis.

This will require a little research. Minimum 300

words. One APA resource.

Post to Discussion Board Due Sunday 11:59pm

Extra Learning Resources

MRI Sounds: MRI overview video:

https://youtu.be/BFDvIC8AtfQ https://youtu.be/0Puo4DJTzAM

Interesting Study: K space quick video

https://www.itnonline.com/content/residual-ech https://youtu.be/8K0b3MVEkJc
o-ancient-humans-may-hold-clues-mental-disord
ers