Spring 2010

ECTS credits: 4.5

The aim of the course is to provide the students with a thorough understanding of the underlying physics and principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Topics include nuclear magnetic resonance, image formation, sources of contrast, sources of noise and artifacts, instrumentation and clinical aspects.

Course Objectives

After successful completion of the course the students should be able to

• describe in detail the mechanisms of nuclear magnetic resonance and explain how it can be used to form the basis for the MRI signal.
• explain the imaging process of MRI, from spin excitation to slice selection to phase and frequency encoding.
• design and draw sequence diagrams to achieve a given imaging scheme.
• compute gradient amplitudes and times for a given sampling of k-space.
• describe which basic image artifacts that are associated with MRI and, if possible, how they can be avoided when designing imaging sequences.
• select a basic imaging sequence and compute adequate parameters to achieve a desired contrast between tissues of given material parameters.

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent. The course is intended for students in the Master program in Medical Imaging, but a limited number students from other programs are welcome too.

Examination

- Passed written exam (3 credits), grading A-F
- Passed home and lab work (1.5 credits), grading P/F

The course is divided into

- 8-9 x 2 hour lectures
- Computer exercises
- Laboratory exercise
- Written exam

Laborations and guest lectures at the MR-center are mandatory.

Laboratory exercise

A laboratory exercise given at Karolinska Huddinge is included in the course.

Course Literature

Principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Signal Processing Perspective, Liang, Z.-P. and Lauterbur, P.C.

Course Schedule

Lecture 1

Introduction. Spins in a magnetic field.
Reading: Ch. 2, 3-3.3.1
Lecturer: Peter Nillius
Time: Tuesday, April 20, 10.15-12.00
Place: Albanova, 5th floor, room FB55

Lecture 2

RF excitation
Reading: Ch. 3.2-3.3
Lecturer: Peter Nillius
Time: Thursday, April 22, 10.15-12.00
Place: Albanova, 5th floor, room FB53

Suggested exercises: 3.16, 3.17

Computer Exercise

Time: Friday, April 23, 13.00-15.00
Place: Building near Albanova, room RB33

Lab: Artifacts

Place: Karolinska Universitetssjuhuset i Huddinge
Directions: Enter the main extrance, look for the sign hanging down from the ceiling, "Till MAGNETKAMERA" and follow the signs.
Times:
Group A1: Saturday, April 24, 08.30-10.30
Group A2: Saturday, April 24, 08.30-10.30
Group B1: Saturday, April 24, 10.30-12.30
Group B2: Saturday, April 24, 10.30-12.30
Group C1: Saturday, April 24, 13.00-15.00
Group C2: Saturday, April 24, 13.00-15.00
Group D1: Saturday, April 24, 15.00-17.00
Group D2: Saturday, April 24, 15.00-17.00

Lecture 3

Clinical use of MRI.
Lecturer: Yords Österman
Time: Monday, April 26, 13.15-15.00
Place: FB52

Lecture 4

Signal detection, free induction decay and spin echoes.
Reading: Ch. 3.4, 4-4.3.1, 4.4
Lecturer: Peter Nillius
Time: Tuesday, April 27, 10.15-12.00
Place: Albanova, 5th floor, room FB54

Computer Exercise

Time: Wednesday, April 28, 13.00-15.00
Place: Building near Albanova, room RB33

Lecture 5

Signal localization.
Reading: Ch. 5-5.2.3.2
Lecturer: Peter Nillius
Time: Tuesday, May 4, 10.15-12.00
Place: Albanova, 5th floor, room FB54

Computer Exercise

Time: Wednesday, May 5, 10.00-12.00
Place: Building near Albanova, room RB33

Lecture 6

Basic Imaging, k-space sampling and image reconstruction
Reading: Ch. 5.3-5.4.2, 8.3-8.3.2
Lecturer: Peter Nillius
Time: Thursday, May 6, 10.15-12.00
Place: Albanova, 5th floor, room FB54

Lecture 7

Image contrast. Image artifacts.
Reading: Ch. 7, 8.3.3, 8.3.4
Lecturer: Peter Nillius
Time: Tuesday, May 11, 10.15-12.00
Place: Albanova, 5th floor, room FB53

Lecture 8

Course summary. Information on exam.
Lecturer: Peter Nillius
Time: Wednesday, May 12, 10.15-12.00
Place: Albanova, 5th floor, room FB52

Examination

Written examination.
Time: Monday, May 17, 08.00-13.00
Place: Albanova, 5th floor, room FB52

Course Responsible

Peter Nillius
Email: nillius@mi.physics.kth.se