Magnetic field correlation imaging

TLDR

The study presents an MRI method to estimate magnetic field correlation caused by field inhomogeneities in biological tissues. The method uses asymmetric spin echoes and a detailed theory of MFI effects on NMR signal decay. Phantom experiments at 1.5 and 3 T and human brain images at 3 T confirm feasibility, and preliminary data suggest MFC imaging could quantify brain iron. Published in Magn Reson Med 2006; © 2006 Wiley‑Liss, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method is presented for estimating the magnetic field correlation (MFC) associated with magnetic field inhomogeneities (MFIs) within biological tissues. The method utilizes asymmetric spin echoes and is based on a detailed theory for the effect of MFIs on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal decay. The validity of the method is supported with results from phantom experiments at 1.5 and 3 T, and human brain images obtained at 3 T are shown to demonstrate the method's feasibility. The preliminary results suggest that MFC imaging may be useful for the quantitative assessment of iron within the brain. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.