Reviewer: Michael A. Jacobs, PhD (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)
Description: This book presents a nonmathematical introduction to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), covering all major topics: MRI signal, spin, relaxation, image contrast, equipment, optimizing signal, and advanced applications.
Purpose: The book, based upon concepts of MRI, is intended to be "read and not used a reference." Here, the author does something that has not been accomplished before, providing a nice overview that is not too math-heavy for those just entering the field of MRI. The book does an excellent job of introducing the NMR signal and its origins, followed by chapters that build upon this base to cover applications, including diffusion weighted imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Given the increase in the use of clinical body MRI and MRS (e.g. breast and prostate) for oncology, this book is needed to increase the knowledge base for the issues and challenges of MRI.
Audience: The author, an expert in body MRI, has covered the major topics that are relevant for residents, physicians, students, and technologists. In short, this book is valuable to anyone new in the field.
Features: This is a real user's guide to MRI that provides readers with the necessary background to understand applications of MRI and MRS and read pulse sequence diagrams. The first of the book's three major parts explains qualitatively the basis for MRI signal, for example, magnetization, spin, and quantum mechanics. Then the author proceeds to quite nicely explain the mechanisms of MR signal, using side captions to emphasize major points. This is followed up by discussion of relaxation and, most important, MR equipment. Chapter 5 has a nice discussion of RF coils that includes tuning, impedance matching, and coil types. Part 2 covers MR imaging and spatial localization, which includes a nice comparison of pulse sequences to sheet music, which can help readers get a basic understanding of the material. This part is the meat of the book and the chapters are well thought out and useful. Part 3 covers advanced applications such as diffusion weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, magnetization transfer, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This part covers new, cutting-edge areas in clinical MRI. The only problem I noted was the book began to fall apart after multiple reads.
Assessment: Overall, this is a good introduction that will be useful for people entering the MRI field; the nonmathematical derivations can be grasped easily. The step-by-step pulse sequence breakdown is useful and interested readers will be able to seek the further information without any difficulty. A comparable book, MRI: The Basics, 2nd edition, by Hashemi et al. (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004) is more mathematical, but it could fill in the gaps of Lipton's well written book.
From the reviews:
"This book presents a nonmathematical introduction to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), covering all major topics … . The author, an expert in body MRI, has covered the major topics that are relevant for residents, physicians, students, and technologists. … Overall, this is a good introduction that will be useful for people entering the MRI field; the nonmathematical derivations can be grasped easily. The step-by-step pulse sequence breakdown is useful and interested readers will be able to seek the further information without any difficulty." (Michael A. Jacobs, Doody’s Review Service, September, 2008)
“Totally Accessible MRI provides an introduction to the principles of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging physics and practical use of MR imaging technology. … It will probably be most useful to residents beginning their MR rotations particularly those with an interest in neuroradiology. It also provides a concise review for my one interested in a deeper understanding of MR imaging and it is likely that even expert users will pick up a few pearls along the way.” (James F. Glockner, Radiology, Vol. 255 (2), May, 2010)
