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Human images by nuclear magnetic resonance
Author(s) -
Andrew E. Raymond
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
international journal of quantum chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.484
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-461X
pISSN - 0020-7608
DOI - 10.1002/qua.560320830
Subject(s) - nuclear magnetic resonance , magnetic resonance imaging , sagittal plane , coronal plane , contrast (vision) , relaxation (psychology) , transverse plane , computer science , materials science , physics , medicine , radiology , computer vision
Abstract Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals may be obtained from the human body in such a way as to produce images of anatomical slices. The NMR signal is mapped in the selected slice by application of field gradients which provide spatial encoding. Excellent NMR images are now obtained which are useful in clinical practice. Introduction of NMR imaging into major hospitals is proceeding rapidly, with 10 commercial companies supplying the market; over 500 whole body systems have been installed worldwide. As a method of medical imaging NMR has the advantage that it uses no ionizing radiation and is therefore inherently safe; moreover, it gives sections in transverse, coronal, and sagittal planes with equal ease, and has good tissue contrast and pathological contrast arising from relaxation time differences. Contrast may be improved by use of contrast agents. Current trends suggest that before very long, whole‐body NMR systems will be found in all major hospitals.