The Physics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety

Abstract

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging relies on a strong static magnetic field in conjunction with careful orchestration of pulsed linear gradient magnetic fields and radiofrequency magnetic fields in order to generate images. The interaction of these fields with patients as well as materials with magnetic or conducting properties can be a source of risk in the MR environment. This article provides a basic review of the physical underpinnings of the primary risks in MR imaging to foster development of intuition with respect to both patient and risk management in the MR environment.

Keywords: Acoustic noise; Heating; Magnetic resonance safety; Peripheral stimulation; Pulsed gradient magnetic field; Radiofrequency field; Spatial field gradient; Static magnetic field.