Advanced MR Neuroimaging: From Theory to Clinical Practice

Over the last decade, some of the greatest achievements in the field of neuroimaging have been related to remarkable advances in magnetic resonance techniques, including diffusion, perfusion, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and functional MRI. Such techniques have provided valuable insights into tissue microstructure, microvasculature, metabolism and brain connectivity. Previously available mostly in research environments, these techniques are now becoming part of everyday clinical practice in a plethora of clinical MR systems. Nevertheless, despite growing interest and wider acceptance, there remains a lack of a comprehensive body of knowledge on the subject, exploring the intrinsic complexity and physical difficulty of the techniques. This book focuses on the basic principles and theories of diffusion, perfusion, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and functional MRI. It also explores their clinical applications and places emphasis on the associated artifacts and pitfalls with a comprehensive and didactic approach. This book aims to bridge the gap between research applications and clinical practice. It will serve as an educational manual for neuroimaging researchers and radiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and physicists with an interest in advanced MR techniques. It will also be a useful reference text for experienced clinical scientists who wish to optimize their multi-parametric imaging approach.