MRIcontrast 2.1

MRIcontrast™ is an interactive simulator designed for healthcare professionals specializing in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) seeking to enhance their understanding of how scan parameters influence MR images.

The application presents lifelike MRI images of various anatomical regions and permits users to adjust scan parameters such as repetition time, echo time, flip angle, and magnetic field strength (1.5T or 3T), with instantaneous updates of the MR image following any parameter modifications.

For individuals new to MRI, a comprehensive tutorial within the app elucidates the significance of each parameter and its impact on the MR image. Detailed explanations of all imaging protocols are provided, alongside guidance on studying and exploring different phenomena.

MRIcontrast™ comes equipped with a selection of common sequence types (such as T1-, T2-, and PD-weighted spin echo, T2*-weighted gradient echo with and without RF-spoiling, steady-state free precession (SSFP), balanced SSFP, inversion recovery, turbo spin echo, and echo planar imaging) that allow users to observe the effects of adjusting predefined parameters.

Moreover, aside from image viewing capabilities, users can simulate the auditory experience of an MRI scanner, with sound variations corresponding to different scan parameter settings.

Key visualization elements and MRI phenomena currently covered in MRIcontrast™ include:

• Contrast variations based on TR, TE, and flip angle
• Signal-to-noise ratio considerations
• Fat/water differentiation in-phase and opposed-phase
• Identification of chemical shift artefacts
• Distinct image contrast and SNR comparisons between 3T and 1.5T settings
• T2*-relaxation visualization
• Gradient echo imaging with and without RF-spoiling, encompassing SSFP-Echo
• Echo-planar (EPI) geometrical distortions exposition
• bSSFP (True FISP) banding artefacts exploration