Moeller TB, Reif E, eds. MRI Parameters and Positioning. 2nd Ed. Thieme 2010, 352 pages, 340 illustrations, $39.95.
MRI Parameters and Positioning: Second Edition is a book that is set out to be a reference guide to all new physicians, clinicians or technologists in the MRI field. It describes, in a basic manner, the principles needed to build protocols. It has very detailed sequences and parameters which cover all body parts. It is well organized, and provides all the basic information in a small and compact fashion.
The book covers all areas of MRI ranging from patient preparation and positioning to additional sequences based on diagnoses. It includes the imaging parameters for each sequence, (TR, TE, FA, thickness, and gap), which are needed to build protocols.
The first chapter in the book is on Brain imaging. The book has excellent pictures showing the drawing of the anatomy area being imaged. The drawing includes the coverage area as well as saturation bands position. This section has information on new sequences such as high resolution 3D T1 with fat saturation, used for IAC imaging, and the IDEAL sequence for orbits. IDEAL is a new technique that provides homogenous fat saturation in the orbits. There is a protocol for CSF Flow imaging in the brain with velocity encoding for phase contrast sequences and positioning lines for areas of interest.
The book has a specific chapter for spine imaging. Once again, it contains protocol references and good parameters for each sequence. This chapter not only covers routine protocols but also gives suggestions for tumor and post operative protocols. It also has a section in which MR myelography is covered. This section provides protocols for 2D and 3D MR Myelography. It includes positioning lines and saturation bands.
There are chapters for Cardiac and Vascular imaging, which are very detail oriented in the protocols and parameters, as well as in the sequences based on diagnoses. For vascular imaging, newer techniques like 4D CE-MRA are discussed, and parameters are included. Contrast injection is covered, with an explanation of bolus detection techniques to optimize arterial enhancements. In the Cardiac section, the book includes detailed pictures for positioning in addition to anatomical landmarks. This chapter covers all protocols and techniques needed for cardiac MRI; it even has a part for Cardiac MR stress imaging, and phase contrast sequences for flow analysis. All cardiac sequences are included; from dark blood, to bright blood, to delayed enhancement imaging.
The chapter for Body imaging covers everything from breast to prostate imaging. It has great references for new sequences like body diffusion, BLADE, as well as for the new contrast for liver imaging, Eovist. It also has protocol and parameters for Bowel imaging, Urograms, and soft tissue pelvis.
The part of the book dedicated to Muscoskeletal makes recommendations for the types of coils used and positioning. It covers the most routine sequences and parameters used today in muscoskeletal imaging. There are some protocols that provide additional sequences based on diagnoses; for example, Gradient echo sequence for cartilage imaging in the ankle. There are specific protocols for tumor and joint imaging; which include sequences for indirect arthrography.
There are other books in the market like Handbook of MRI Technique, which provide MRI protocols, positioning, effects of signal to noise, and contrast to noise ratio; however, they do not provide the reader with the detail of sequences and parameters like this book does.
For future editions, I would recommend including anatomical landmarks with actual pictures for positioning, as well as post processing protocols none of which are mentioned in this book. It would have been an added plus for this book to have included parameters for 3 Tesla scanners, specifically for spine imaging and body imaging, since there are some restrictions and sequence modifications that have to be made in order to compensate for a higher magnetic field strength relaxation time. Also, a small explanation of pros and cons on why one sequence could substitute the other would have been of great help.
Overall, the book accomplished its goal, to provide a very detailed yet compact protocol book that includes patient preparation, positioning lines, protocols, sequences, parameters, and tips on improving the overall quality of the exam. It includes a wide range of protocols as well as new sequences. It provides proper references and a list of acronyms from different vendors. This book is not intended for experienced Radiologists, Physicians or Technologists who have a strong MRI background; however, it would be an important addition for those who are looking to build protocols, improve existing protocols, or simply become more familiarized with sequences and parameters needed for MRI.
