Abstract
A computer program to create magnetic resonance images simulating the main features of a magnetic resonance imaging (MR) machine was developed on a personal computer. The simulated MR images are calculated using the relevant equations describing a chosen pulse sequence on the basis of proton density,T 1 andT 2 images acquired from whole-body MR equipment. The imaging parameters (i.e., TR, TE, TI, etc.) are provided by the user. This program produces highly realistic simulated images and includes features such as choice of echo time, inversion time, repetition time and flip angle, as well as standard features of image display programs such as setting of window level/width, zooming and region of interest definition. A novel additional feature is the ability to define artificial pathologies in user-defined areas by specifying changes in the relaxation times and proton density. The simulator has been developed for teaching and training purposes. A prototype version has been used for teaching MRI with extremely positive reactions from students.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Rinck PA (ed.) (1993)Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. The Basic Textbook of the European Magnetic Resonance Forum 3rd ed. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publishers.
Hveem P (1992)Computer Aided Learning, Simulations, and Electrical Motor Drives. PhD thesis. University of Trond-heim, Norwegian Institute of Technology, Norway.
Bower GH, Hilgard ER (1981)Theories of Learning 5th ed. London: Prentice-Hall International Inc.
Anderson JR (1990)Cognitive Psychology and Its Implication 3rd ed. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.
McClelland JL, Rumelhart D, Feldman JA et al. (1986)Parallel Distributed Processing Explorations in the Microstruc-ture of Cognition. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press.
Booch G (1991)Object Oriented Design with Applications. Redwood City, CA: The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc.
Philips Medical Systems (1992)Gyroscan S15/HQ MR Application Guide. Eindhoven: Philips Medical Systems.
Hutchison JMS, Edelstein WA, Johnson G (1980) A whole body NMR imaging machine.J Phys E Sci Instrum 13: 947–955.
in Den Kleef JJE, Cuppen JJM (1987) RLSQ: Tl, T2 and p calculations, combining ratios and least squaresMagn Reson Med 5: 513–524.
van Der Meulen P, Groen JP, Tinus AMC, Bruntink G (1988) Fast field echo imaging: An overview and contrast calculations.Magn Reson Imaging 6: 355–368.
Zur Y, Stokar S, Bendel P (1988) An analysis of fast imaging sequences with steady-state transverse magnetization refocusing.Magn Reson Med 6: 175–193.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Torheim, G., Rinck, P.A., Jones, R.A. et al. A simulator for teaching MR image contrast behavior. MAGMA 2, 515–522 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01766086
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01766086