Chapter 4 - Advances in magnetic resonance tomography

This chapter sets out the most promising modern directions of research in the field of magnetic resonance imaging. These include multinuclear studies aimed at the exploration of magnetic resonance (MR) image contrast induced by exogeneous (fluorine-19, hyperpolarized noble gases) and “built-in” (phosphorus-31, sodium-23) contrast agents for potential clinical benefits. The chapter covers electrodynamic elements of MR scanners that increase signal-to-noise ratio in low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hyperpolarization techniques that allow several orders of magnitude improved sensitivity in low-field MRI, as well as MRI methods to study dynamics of pharmaceuticals introduced into the body. Special attention is given to MRI methods based upon magnetization transfer aimed at the detection of myelination defects of axons in the brain and functional MRI characterizing brain dynamic response to external stimuli.