What are the different types of MRI sequences?

There are several types of MRI sequences, including T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and diffusion-weighted imaging.

T1-weighted imaging is a type of MRI sequence that provides high-resolution images of anatomical structures. It is useful for detecting abnormalities in tissues such as the brain, liver, and kidneys. T1-weighted images are created by measuring the relaxation time of protons in tissues.

T2-weighted imaging is another type of MRI sequence that provides images with high contrast between different types of tissues. It is particularly useful for detecting fluid-filled spaces in the body, such as cysts or abscesses. T2-weighted images are created by measuring the relaxation time of protons in tissues.

Diffusion-weighted imaging is a type of MRI sequence that provides information about the movement of water molecules in tissues. It is particularly useful for detecting abnormalities in the brain, such as stroke or tumours. Diffusion-weighted images are created by measuring the diffusion of water molecules in tissues.

Other types of MRI sequences include proton density-weighted imaging, which provides images with high contrast between tissues with different proton densities, and gradient-echo imaging, which is useful for detecting small lesions in the brain or liver. Each type of MRI sequence has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of sequence will depend on the specific clinical question being asked.