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* Written By :Zainab Alaa

Report Around:
* Supervised By :
Dr. Ahmed Khleef
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique that uses a magnetic field and
radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body.
Amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a common procedure around the
world. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images
of the organs and tissues within the body. Since its invention, doctors and
researchers continue to refine MRI techniques to assist in medical procedures and
research. The development of MRI revolutionized medicine. Fast facts on MRI
scanning MRI scanning is a non-invasive and painless procedure. Raymond
Damadian created the first MRI full-body scanner, which he nicknamed the
Indomitable. The cost of a basic MRI scanner starts at $150,000, but can exceed
several million dollars. Japan has the most MRI scanners per capita, with 48
machines for every 100,000 citizens

what is an MRI scan?

MRI scans can produce a detailed image. An MRI scan uses a large magnet, radio
waves, and a computer to create a detailed, cross-sectional image of internal
organs and structures. The scanner itself typically resembles a large tube with a
table in the middle, allowing the patient to slide in. An MRI scan differs from CT
scan and X-rays, as it does not use potentially harmful ionizing radiation.

Main pros
 non-invasive and 3D
 no ionizing radiations
 very good spatial resolution (1mm isotropic for anatomy)
 anatomy, functional and physiological state of the internal organs
 both healthy and pathological tissues
 expensive
 long scan time (20-45 minutes)
 no metal (peacemaker, valves, etc.)
 not comfortable for the patient and loud
HISTORY
Nikola Tesla discovered the Rotating Magnetic Field in 1882 in Hungary. In
1956, the "Tesla Unit" was proclaimed. All MRI machines are calibrated in
"Tesla Units". The strength of a magnetic field is measured in Tesla or Gauss
Units.
1 Tesla = 10,000 Gauss ,
Low-Field MRI= Under 0.2 Tesla (2,000 Gauss) ,
Mid-Field MRI= 0.2 - 0.6 Tesla (2,000 - 6,000 Gauss)
High-Field MRI= 1.0 - 1.5 Tesla (10,000 - 15,000 Gauss)
Professor Isidor I. Rabi In 1937, Professor Isidor I. Rabi, observed the
quantum phenomenon dubbed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). He
recognized that the atomic nuclei show their presence by absorbing or emitting
radio waves when exposed to a sufficiently strong magnetic field. Raymond
Damadian Raymond Damadian, a physician, discovered that hydrogen signal in
cancerous tissue is different from that of healthy tissue because tumors contain
more water. More water means more hydrogen atoms. When the MRI machine
was switched off, the bath of radio waves from cancerous tissue will linger
longer then those from the healthy tissue. Paul Lauterbur In 1973, Paul
Lauterbur, a chemist, produced the first NMR image. On July 3, 1977, the first
human scan was made as the first MRI prototype. (The process took 5 hours)
How does an MRI scan work?
The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical (tube-shaped) machine that creates a
strong magnetic field around the patient. The magnetic field, along with radio
waves, alters the hydrogen atoms' natural alignment in the body. Pulses of radio
waves sent from a scanner knock the nuclei in your atoms out of their normal
position. As the nuclei realign back into proper position, the nuclei send out
radio signals. These signals are received by a computer that analyzes and
converts them into a two-dimensional (2D) image of the body structure or organ
being examined.
Magnetic resonance (MRI) may be used instead of computed tomography
(CT) in situations where organs or soft tissue are being studied, because MRI is
better at telling the difference between normal and abnormal soft tissue.
New uses and indications for MRI have contributed to the development of
additional magnetic resonance technology. Magnetic resonance angiography
(MRA) is a new procedure used to evaluate blood flow through arteries in a
noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) manner. MRA can also be used to
detect intracranial (within the brain) aneurysms and vascular malformations
(abnormalities of blood vessels within the brain, spinal cord, or other parts of
the body).
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is another noninvasive procedure used
to assess chemical abnormalities in body tissues, such as the brain. MRS may be
used to assess disorders such as HIV infection of the brain , stroke , head
injury , coma, Alzheimer's disease , tumors, and multiple sclerosis .
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (fMRI) is used to
determine the specific location of the brain where a certain function, such as
speech or memory, occurs. The general areas of the brain in which such
functions occur are known, but the exact location may vary from person to
person. During functional resonance imaging of the brain, you will be asked to
perform a specific task, such as recite the Pledge of Allegiance, while the scan
is being done. By pinpointing the exact location of the functional center in the
brain, doctors can plan surgery or other treatments for a particular disorder of
the brain.
What are the risks of an MRI?
Because radiation is not used, there is no risk of exposure to ionizing radiation
during an MRI exam. Due to the use of the strong magnet, special precautions
must be taken to perform an MRI on patients with certain implanted devices
such as pacemakers or cochlear implants. The MRI technologist will need some
information from you regarding the implanted device, such as the make and
model number, to determine if it is safe for you to have an MRI. Patients who
have internal metal objects, such as surgical clips, plates, screws or wire mesh,
might not be eligible for an MRI. If there is a possibility that you are
claustrophobic, then you can ask your physician to provide you with anti-
anxiety medication to take prior to your MRI examination. You should plan to
have someone drive you home after the MRI. If you are pregnant or suspect that
you may be pregnant, you should notify your health care provider. To date there
is no information indicating that MRI is harmful to an unborn child, however
MRI testing during the first trimester is discouraged.
A doctor may order a contrast dye to be used during some MRI exams in order
for the radiologist to better view internal tissues and blood vessels on the
completed images. If contrast is used, there is a risk for allergic reaction.
Patients who are allergic or sensitive to contrast dye or iodine should notify the
radiologist or technologist. There may be other risks depending on your specific
medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the
procedure.
You Have Kidney Problems
Some MRI scans use a contrast dye that contains the metal gadolinium. This
dye helps your doctor see the MRI picture more clearly. Usually it's very safe.
But if you have severe kidney disease, the dye can cause problems. In that case,
you might not get that dye made with gadolinium.
Rarely, the dye can cause what’s called “nephrogenic systemic fibrosis” in
people with kidney disease. This condition causes thickened and hardened
tissue to form on the skin, joints, and organs.

You Have Metal in Your Body

An MRI machine uses powerful magnets that can attract any metal in your
body. If this happens, you could get hurt.
It can also damage equipment that’s implanted in your body -- a pacemaker or
cochlear implant, for instance. Also, metal can reduce the quality of the MRI
image.
Let your doctor know before the test if you have any of these:
 An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker
 An implanted drug infusion pump or an insulin pump
 Artificial joints, limbs, or heart valves
 Body piercings
 Cochlear implants (which help with hearing)
 Metal fragments, bullets, or shrapnel anywhere in your body
 Surgical clips, plates, pins, staples, wire mesh, or screws
 Tattoos (some inks contain metal)

Applications
The development of the MRI scan represents a huge milestone for the medical
world. Doctors, scientists, and researchers are now able to examine the inside of
the human body in high detail using a non-invasive tool. The following are
examples in which an MRI scanner would be used. Anomalies of the brain and
spinal cord. Tumors cysts, and other anomalies in various parts of the body.
Breast cancer screening for women who face a high risk of breast cancer.
Injuries or abnormalities of the joints, such as the back and knee. Certain types
of heart problems. Diseases of the liver and other abdominal organs. This list is
by no means exhaustive. The use of MRI technology is always expanding in
scope and use. So we can summrize:
 Most ailments of the brain, including tumors
 Sport injuries
 Musculoskeletal problems
 Most spinal conditions/injuries
 Vascular abnormalities
 Female pelvic problems
 Prostate problems
 Some gastrointestinal tract conditions
 Certain ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions
 Soft tissues and bone pathology/conditions
 Diagnosing many neonatal and pediatric abnormalities.
 Studies of cardiac anatomy and function.
 Diagnosing tumors, cysts and other anomalies in various parts of the
body.
 Breast cancer screening for woman who face a high risk of breast cancer.
 Doctors, Scientists and Researchers are now able to examine the inside of
the human body in
 high detail using a non-invasive tool.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Magnetic field temporarily realigns hydrogen atoms in your body. Radio waves
cause these aligned atoms to produce signals Signals used to create cross-
sectional MRI images.

COMPONENTS OF MRI MACHINE

Magnet

There is a horizontal tube that runs through the magnet and is called a bore. Most
MRI magnets use a magnetic field of 0.5 to 2.0 tesla. (Earth’s magnetic field is
only 0.5 gauss.) The magnetic field is produced by passing current through
multiple coils that are inside the magnet.
COMPONENTS OF MRI

Gradient Coils

There are three different gradient coils located within the main magnet. Each one
of these produce three different magnetic fields that are each less strong that the
main field. The gradient coils create a variable field (x, y, z) that can be increased
or decreased to allow specific and different parts of the body to be scanned by
altering and adjusting the main magnetic field

Radio Frequency (RF) coils

Transmit radio frequency waves into the patient’s body. There are different coils
located inside the MRI scanner to transmit waves into different body parts. If a
certain area of the body is specified, then all the RF coils usually become focused
on the body part being imaged to allow for a better scan.
Patient Table

This component simply slides the patient into the MRI machine. The position at
which the patient lies down on the table is determined by the part of the body that
is being scanned. Area under examination is placed in the exact centre of the
magnetic field (isocentre).
Antenna/Computer System

The antenna detects the RF signals emitted by a patient’s body and feeds this
information into the computer system.

The computer system:

function is to receive, record, and analyze the images of the patient. It interprets
the data produce an understandable image

Would an MRI Be Unsafe for Me?

1. You're Allergic to the Contrast Dye
The contrast dye can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms of a
reaction include:

 Dizziness

 Hives

 Feeling sick in the stomach

 Rash
  Reddish (flushed) skin

A more serious reaction to the contrast is very rare, but it can cause symptoms
such as these:

 Swelling of the lips and mouth

 Trouble breathing

2. You're Afraid of Tight Spaces

A traditional MRI is an enclosed tube surrounded by a magnet. If you're afraid
of tight spaces (claustrophobic), you might not be comfortable inside the tube.

You don't have to skip the MRI entirely, but you may want to talk with your
doctor beforehand about taking medicine to relax you. Or, you can ask about
whether an open MRI, in which the machine is open on all sides, is available.

3. You Can't Lie Still

You'll have to lie still in the MRI machine for 30 minutes or more to get a clear
image.

If you've had a recent injury or surgery, or you have other health problems, it
might be hard for you to lie still for the whole test.

4. Talk to Your Doctor

To avoid any problems, talk to your doctor or radiologist before your MRI.

Tell them about any devices you wear or medical conditions you have. Ask
about the risks of having an MRI. Make sure any benefits to you outweigh
potential problems.
ADVANTAGES
 scanning and detection of abnormalities in soft tissue.
 There is no involvement of any kind of radiations in the MRI
 MRI scan can provide information about the blood circulation
 Painless
 images may be acquired in multiple planes (Axial,Sagittal, Coronal, or
Oblique) without repositioning the patient
 MRI images demonstrate superior soft tissue contrast than CT scans and
plain films making it the ideal examination of the brain, spine, joints and
other soft tissue body parts
 functional MRI allows visualization of both active parts of the brain
during certain activities and understanding of the underlying networks
DISADVANTAGES
 MRI scans are considered to be a safe procedure providing you do not
have any implants or objects on you that must not go in the scanner.
 The powerful magnetic fields generated by the MRI scanner will attract
metal objects
 The magnetic field of the MRI scanner can also pull on any metal-
containing object in your body, such as medicine pumps and aneurysm
 clips. Medical implants may heat up during the scan as a result of the
technology.
 MRI scans can cause heart pacemakers, defibrillation devices and
cochlearimplants to malfunction.
 Expensive

MRI VS. CT
CT MRI
Radiation exposure The effective radiation dose from CT None. MRI machines do not
ranges from 2 to 10 mSv, which is emit ionizing radiation
about the same as the average person
receives from background radiation in
3 to 5 years.

Cost costs range from $1,200 to $3,200; costs range from $1,200 to
they usually cost less than MRIs $4,000 (with contrast), which
(about half the price of MRI). is usually more expensive
than CT scans and Xrays, and
most examining methods

Time taken for Usually completed within 5 minutes. Depending on what the MRI is
complete scan Actual scan time usually less than 30 looking for, and where it is
seconds. Therefore, CT is less needing to look, the scan may
sensitive to patient movement than be quick (finished in 10-15
MRI. minutes) or may take a long
time (2 hours).
Effects on the body Despite being small, CT can pose the No biological hazards have
risk of irradiation. Painless, been reported with the use of
noninvasive. MRI. However, some may be
allergic to the contrast dye
Ability to change With capability of MDCT, isotropic MRI machines can produce
the imaging plane imaging is possible. After helical scan images in any plane. Plus, 3D
without moving the with Multiplanar Reformation isotropic imaging also can
patient function, an operator can construct also produce Multiplanar
any plane Reformation.

Application Suited for bone injuries, Lung and Suited for Soft tissue
Chest imaging, cancer detection. evaluation, e.g., ligament and
Widely used on Emergency Room tendon injury, spinal cord
patients. injury, brain tumors, etc
Details of bony Provides good details about bony Less detailed compared to X-
structures structures ray
A major advantage of CT is that it is Provides much more soft
able to image bone, soft tissue and tissue detail than a CT scan.
blood vessels all at the same time.
 Scope of application CT can outline bone inside the body MRI is more versatile than the
very accurately. X-Ray and is used to examine
a large variety of medical
conditions.

Intravenous Non-ionic iodinated agents covalently

Contrast Agent bind the iodine and have fewer side
effects. Allergic reaction is rare but
more common than MRI contrast

Comfort level for Seldom creates claustrophobia. Anxiety, especially anxiety

patient caused by claustrophobia, is
common, as is tiredness or
annoyance over having to
stay still on a hard table for a
long period of time
Limitation for Patients with metal implants can get . Patients with Cardiac
Scanning patients CT scan. A person who is very large Pacemakers, tattoos and
(e.g. over 200 kg) may not fit into the metal implants are
opening of a conventional CT scanner contraindicated due to
or may be over the weight limit for possible injury to patient or
the moving table image distortion (artifact).
Patient over 160 kg may be
over table's weight limit.

DIFFERENT DESIGNS OF MRI MACHINE:

OPEN-BORE MRI
Typically, an open MRI will have two flat magnets positioned over-and-under
with a large space between them for the patient to lay in. This configuration
keeps the space open on two sides and alleviates much of the claustrophobia
many patients experience. The clarity in this magnetic range is less than closed-
bore
WIDE-BORE MRI: MORE THAN 60 CM
Several manufacturers have responded by introducing “wide-bore” systems into
this higher-field magnet category. While these systems don’t create a wider
field of view, they do create a more comfortable atmosphere for the patient.

Preparation
A person can listen to music in headphones to mask the loud and sometimes
alarming sound of the MRI machine. There is very little preparation required, if
any, before an MRI scan. On arrival at the hospital, doctors may ask the patient
to change into a gown. As magnets are used, it is critical that no metal objects are
present in the scanner. The doctor will ask the patient to remove any metal
jewellery or accessories that might interfere with the machine. A person will
probably be unable to have an MRI if they have any metal inside their body, such
as bullets, shrapnel, or other metallic foreign bodies. This can also pacemakers.
Individuals who are anxious or nervous about enclosed spaces should tell their
doctor. Often they can be given medication prior to the MRI to help make the
procedure more comfortable. Patients will sometimes receive an injection of
intravenous (IV) contrast liquid to improve the visibility of a particular tissue that
is relevant to the scan. The radiologist, a doctor who specializes medical images,
will then talk the individual through the MRI scanning process and answer
aquestions they may have about the procedure. Once the patient has entered the
scanning room, the doctor will help them onto the scanner table to lie down. Staff
will ensure that tascomfortable as possible by providing blankets or cushions.
Earplugs or headphones will be provided to block out the loud noises of the
scanner. The latter is popular with children, as they can listen to music to calm
any anxiety during the procedure
During an MRI Scan
Once in the scanner, the MRI technician will communicate with the patient via
the intercom to make sure that they are comfortable. They will not start the scan
until the patient is ready. During the scan, it is vital to stay still. Any movement
will disrupt the images, much like a camera trying to take a picture of a moving
object. Loud clanging noises will come from the scanner. This is perfectly
normal. Depending on the images, at times it may be necessary for the person to
hold their breath. If the patient feels uncomfortable during the procedure, they
can speak to the MRI technician via the intercom and request that the scan be
stopped.
After an MRI Scan
After the scan, the radiologist will examine the images to check whether any
more are required. If the radiologist is satisfied, the patient can go home. The
radiologist will prepare a report for the requesting doctor. Patients are usually
asked to make an appointment with their doctor to discuss the results
Side Effects
It is extremely rare that a patient will experience side effects from an MRI scan.
However, the contrast dye can cause nausea, headaches, and pain or burning at
the point of injection in some people. Allergy to the contrast material is also
seldom seen but possible, and can cause hives or itchy eyes. Notify the who
experience claustrophobia or feel uncomfortable in enclosed spaces sometimes
express difficulties with undergoing an MRI scan
Function
MRI scans work by rearranging water molecules in the body with magnets. An
MRI scanner contains two powerful magnets. These are the most important parts
of the equipment. The human body is largely made of water molecules, which are
comprised of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. At the center of each atom lies an even
smaller particle called a proton, which serves as a magnet and is sensitive to any
magnetic field. Normally, the water molecules in the body are randomly arranged,
but on entering an MRI scanner, the first magnet causes the water molecules to
align in one direction, either north or south. The second magnetic field is then
turned on and off in a series of quick pulses, causing each hydrogen atom to
change its alignment when switched on and then quickly switch back to its
original relaxed state when switched off. Passing electricity through gradient
coils, which also cause the coils to vibrate, creates the magnetic field, causing a
knocking sound inside the scanner. Although the patient cannot feel these
changes, the scanner can detect them and, in conjunction with a computer, can
create a detailed cross-sectional image for the radiologist.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Functional magnetic resonance imaging or functional MRI (fMRI) uses MRI
technology to measure cognitive activity by monitoring blood flow to certain
areas of the brain. The blood flow increases in areas where neurons are active.
This gives an insight into the activity of neurons in the brain. This technique has
revolutionized brain mapping, by allowing researchers to assess the brain and
spinal cord without the need for invasive procedures or drug injections.
Functional MRI helps researchers learn about the function of a normal, diseased,
or injured brain. fMRI is also used in clinical practice. Standard MRI scans are
useful for detecting anomalies in tissue structure. However, an fMRI scan can
help detect anomalies in activity. In short, fMRI tests what tissues do rather than
how they look. As such, doctors use fMRI to assess the risks of brain surgery by
identifying the regions of the brain involved in critical functions, such as
speaking, movement, sensing, or planning. tumors, stroke, head and brain
injuries, or neurodegenerative Functional MRI can also be used to determine the
effects of diseases, such as Alzheimer's
MRI Images
tissues can be Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging process
that uses a magnetic field and radio frequency (RF) signals to produce images of
anatomical structures, of the presence of disease, and of various biological
functions within the human body. MRI produces images that are distinctly
different from the images produced by other imaging modalities. A primary
difference is that the MRI process can selectively image several different tissue
characteristics. A potential advantage of this is that if a pathologic process does
not alter one tissue characteristic and produce contrast, it might be visible in an
image because of its effect on other characteristics. This causes the MRI process
to be somewhat more complex than most imaging methods. In order to optimize
an MRI procedure for a specific clinical examination, the user must have a good
knowledge of the characteristics of the magnetic resonance (MR) image and how
those characteristics controlled. image, how the image relates to specific tissue
characteristics, and how image 6 quality characteristics can be controlled. The
MR image is a display of RF signals that are emitted by the tissue during the
image acquisition process. The source of the signals is a condition of
magnetization that is produced in the tissue when the patient is placed in the
strong magnetic field. The tissue magnetization depends on the presence of
magnetic nuclei. The specific physical characteristic of tissue or fluid that is
visible in the image depends on how the magnetic field is being changed during
the acquisition process. An image acquisition consists of an acquisition cycle, like
a heartbeat, that is repeated many times. During each cycle the tissue
magnetization is forced through a series of changes. As we will soon learn in
much more detail, all and fluids do not progress through these changes at the same
rate. It is the level of magnetization that is present at a special “picture snapping
time” at the end of each cycle that determines the intensity of the RF signal
produced and the resulting tissue brightness in the image. MR images are
generally identified with specific tissue characteristics or blood conditions that
are the predominant source of contrast. These characteristics determine the level
of tissue magnetization and contrast present at the time the “picture is snapped.”
The equipment operator, who sets the imaging protocol, determines the type of
image that is to be produced by adjusting various.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation
A statistical method for estimating population parameters (such as the mean and
variance) from sample data that selects as estimates those parameter values
maximizing the probability of obtaining the observed data. There are two general
methods of parameter estimation. They are least-squares estimation (LSE) and
maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). LSE, which unlike MLE requires no or
minimal distributional assumptions measure for the purpose of summarizing
observed data, is useful for obtaining a descriptive but it has no basis for testing
hypotheses or constructing confidence intervals. On the other hand, MLE is not
as widely recognized among modelers in psychology, but it is a standard approach
to parameter estimation and inference in statistics. MLE has many optimal
properties in estimation: sufficiency (complete information about the parameter
of interest contained in its MLE estimator) consistency (true parameter value that
generated the data recovered asymptotically, i.e. for data of sufficiently large
samples); efficiency (lowest-possible variance of parameter estimates achieved
asymptotically); and parameterization invariance (same MLE solution obtained
independent of the parametrization used). In contrast, no such things can be said
about LSE. As such, most statisticians would not view LSE as a general method
for parameter estimation.
What is Noise
Noise in imaging system usually presents during image acquisition, coding,
transmission, and processing steps. This noise appearance disturbs the original
information in voice, image and video signal. However time to time we have to
need the reinforcement learning of theoretical and practical ideas of entilt noises
present in digital images. Here, we are trying to present the solution of all these
problems through the review of noise models. In this section based on statistical
concepts of noise theory. We start with noise and the roll of noise in image
distortion. Noise is random signal. It is used to destroy most of the part of image
information. Image distortion is most pleasance problems in image processing.
Image distorted due to 12 various types of noise such as Gaussian noise, Poisson
noise, Speckle noise, Salt and Pepper noise and many more are fundamental noise
types in case of digital images. These noises may be came from a noise sources
present in the vicinity of image capturing devices, faulty memory location or may
be introduced due to imperfection/inaccuracy in the image capturing devices like
cameras, misaligned lenses, weak focal length, scattering. Noise tells unwanted
information in digital images. Noise produces undesirable effects such as
artifacts, unrealistic edges, unseen lines, corners, blurred objects and disturbs
background scenes. To reduce these undesirable effects, prior learning of noise
models is essential for further processing. Digital noise may arise from various
kinds of sources such as Charge Coupled Device (CCD) and Complementary
Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors.
Noise Characteristics in MRI
The sovereign source of noise in MRI is thermal in origin which is originated by
the stochastic motion of free electrons. The thermal noise is consulted to be white,
additive and follows a Gaussian distribution with a variance σ and mean zero. So
the acquire draw complex MR data in the presence of thermal noise in the k-space
are delineate by a Gaussian probability density function (PDF). The k-space data
is then Fourier transformed to retrieve the magnetization distribution. The
distribution of data in the term of real and imaginary components will still be
Gaussian due to the linearity and the orthogonality of the Fourier transform. In
contrast to Gaussian noise, Rician noise is not zero mean with the mean dependent
on the local intensity of the image The main source of noise in MRI is thermal in
origin which is originated by the stochastic motion of free electrons. The thermal
noise is consulted to be white, additive and follows a Gaussian distribution with
a variance σ and mean zero. In contrast to Gaussian noise, Rician noise is not zero
mean with the mean dependent on the local intensity of the image. Noise produces
undesirable effects such as artifacts, unrealistic edges, unseen lines, corners, and
blurred objects.
Rician Noise Reduction in MRI Images using Wave Atom
Transform
Magnetic resonance imaging is a medical imaging technique that measures the
response of atomic nuclei of body tissues to high frequency radio waves when
placed in a strong magnetic field and that produces images of the internal organs.
De-noising is always a challenging problem in magnetic resonance imaging and
important for clinical diagnosis and computerized analysis, such as tissue
classification and segmentation. It is well known that the noise in magnetic
resonance imaging has a Rician distribution. In this section, an improved de-
noising technique is proposed on Magnetic Resonance Images highly corrupted
with Rician Noise using wave atom shrinkage [3]. The distribution of measured
MR pixel intensities in the presence of noise is known to be Rician, and the width
of this distribution is directly related to the Gaussian noise on the measured real
and imaginary signals. It is the pixel magnitude values that follow the Rician
distribution, not the noise. The term Rician noise should be used cautiously or,
better still, avoided completely since inherent to this terminology is behavior that
is not normally associated with noise, such as dependence on signal strength [4].
Data received from an MRI system are intrinsically complex valued, and
represent the Fourier transformation (FT) of a magnetization distribution of a
volume at a certain point in time. After an inverse FT, these complex MR data
are generally transformed into magnitude and phase data 13 as one is more
interested in the magnitude and phase of the original magnetizations than in the
real and imaginary components. This is because magnitude and phase data are
more directly related to the physiological and anatomical quantities of interest.
Most of the current image processing applications applied to MR image data can
be formulated as a parameter estimation problem.
Image Processing
Image processing basically includes the following three steps, importing the
image via image acquisition tools, analyzing and manipulating the image, output
in which result can be altered image or report that is based on image analysis.
There are two types of methods used for image processing namely, analogue and
digital image processing.
Analogue Processing
Is a type of signal processing conducted on continuous analog signals by some
analog means (as opposed to the discrete digital signal processing where the
signal processing is carried out by a digital process). "Analog" indicates
something that is mathematically represented as a set of continuous values. This
differs from "digital" which uses a series of discrete quantities to represent signal.
Analog values are typically represented as a voltage, electric current, or electric
charge around quantities will result in a corresponding error in the signals
represented by such physical quantities
Digital Processing
One of the major advantages in having medical images in digital form is the
ability to perform a variety of processing procedures with a computer. These
procedures can be selected and adjusted to change the characteristics of the
images, usually for the purpose of improving quality of computer algorithms to
perform image processing on digital images. As a subcategory or field of digital
signal processing, digital image processing has many advantages over analog
image processing. It allows a much wider range of algorithms to be applied to the
input data and can avoid problems such as the build-up of noise and signal
distortion during processing. Since images are defined over two dimensions
(perhaps more) digital image processing may be modeled in the form of
multidimensional systems.
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