Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract

NMR imaging is based on the ability to induce and monitor resonance of the magnetic moment of nuclei with an odd number of protons and/or neutrons in the presence of magnetic fields. By the use of magnetic fields whose strength varies with position, it is possible to define both the location and concentration of resonant nuclei, and, thereby, to create images that reflect their distribution in tissue. Hydrogen because it is the most sensitive of the stable nuclei to NMR and because it is also the most abundant nucleus in the body, is ideally suited for NMR imaging.