Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods
Okell TW., Hattingen E., Klein JC., Miller KL.
© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become increasingly important for the evaluation of spinal cord disease. In this chapter we discuss why MRI is so well suited for this purpose, along with some of its potential problems. In order to help interpret MR images, we then give an intuitive overview of the origin of the MR signal, how contrast can be generated between different tissue types or lesions, the image formation process and some common image artefacts. Finally, we discuss tricks to improve image quality and reduce artefacts before providing some suggested spinal imaging protocols.