SMRT Educational Seminars
The Basics of Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Volume 2, Number 4
Physical Principles and Application of Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Objectives:
Review principles of tissue signal as it relates to the measured transverse magnetization (Mxy) in both spin echo and gradient echo imaging.

Review imaging parameters used to achieve a "steady state" condition.

Discuss Time-of-Flight (TOF) imaging techniques.

Consider methods of flow saturation in black blood imaging methods.

Review the principles of Phase Contrast (PC) imaging.

Discuss the function of bipolar gradients and the resultant effects on the transverse magnetization and phase shift of moving spins.

Consider the relationship of flow velocity and phase shift when determining Maximum Encoding Velocity (VENC) values.

Discuss various PC imaging techniques.

Compare TOF and PC techniques with respect to signal characteristics, spatial resolution, and acquisition time.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various techniques.

Review methods of image presentation.

Compare MRA techniques to contrast angiography.

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