Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Medicine and Physiology

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 250; no. 4977; pp. 53 - 61
• Main Authors: Chrit T. W. Moonen, Peter C. M. van Zijl, Frank, Joseph A., Le Bihan, Denis, Becker, Edwin D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Society for the Advancement of Science 05.10.1990; American Association for the Advancement of Science; The American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Subjects: 550600 - Medicine; Advances in Instrumentation; ANATOMY; Anatomy & physiology; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Brain - anatomy & histology; Capillaries; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Diagnosis; DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES; DIAGNOSTIC USES; Equipment and supplies; Humans; Hydrogen; Imaging; Innovations; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Magnetic fields; Magnetic resonance; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Magnetization; Medical imaging; Medical imaging equipment; Medical research; Medical sciences; MEDICINE; Medicine, Experimental; Miscellaneous. Technology; NMR IMAGING; Perfusion; PHYSIOLOGY; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Radiology; RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE; Technology; Tumors; USES; Radionuclide study; Physiology; Functional study; Review; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; Positron emission tomography; Medical application; Comparative study
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.2218514

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a well-established diagnostic tool that provides detailed information about macroscopic structure and anatomy. Recent advances in MRI allow the noninvasive spatial evaluation of various biophysical and biochemical processes in living systems. Specifically, the motion of water can be measured in processes such as vascular flow, capillary flow, diffusion, and exchange. In addition, the concentrations of various metabolites can be determined for the assessment of regional regulation of metabolism. Examples are given that demonstrate the use of functional MRI for clinical and research purposes. This development adds a new dimension to the application of magnetic resonance to medicine and physiology.