Top MRI Books in Radiology

Hey guys! Welcome to Greyscaletheories.  You may be a Radiologist, Technologist, a student or someone who need to dive into MRI! What’s a better way to learn than a good ol’ book? Here are some of the top books by leading authors from around the world, to learn from the basics, and also for updating yourself with the current trends in practice.

1. MRI in Practice – Westbrook, Catherine.

MRI in Practice is still the number one reference book and study guide for all the MRI aspirants out there. It is also the go to book for the registry review examination for MRI offered by the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).  The chapters covers all core areas, including: basic principles, image weighting and contrast, spin and gradient echo pulse sequences, spatial encoding, k-space, protocol optimization, artefacts, instrumentation, and MRI safety.

The leading MRI reference book.

Focuses more on the physics behind MRI.

Added equations, their explanations and scan tips.

Presented in full color, with additional illustrations and high-quality MRI images to aid understanding.

Includes refined, updated and expanded content throughout, along with more learning tips and practical applications.

 MRI in Practice is an important text for radiographers, technologists, radiology residents, radiologists, and other students and professionals working within imaging, including medical physicists and nurses.

2. MRI from Picture to Proton - by Donald W. McRobbie.

MRI from Picture to Proton is a text for the student of MR whatever their background: medical, technical or scientific. The book presents the basics of MR practice and theory in a unique way: backwards! The subject is approached just as a new MR practitioner would encounter MRI: starting from the images, equipment and scanning protocols, rather than pages of dry physics theory.

The reader is brought face-to-face with issues pertinent to practice immediately, filling in the theoretical background as their experience of scanning grows. Key ideas are introduced in an intuitive manner which is faithful to the underlying physics but avoids the need for difficult or distracting mathematics. Additional explanations for the more technically inquisitive are given in optional secondary text boxes. 

The new edition is fully up-dated to reflect the most recent advances, and includes a new chapter on parallel imaging. Informal in style and informed in content, written by recognized effective communicators of MR, this is an essential text for the student of MR.

3. MRI Made Easy (for Beginners)- Book by Govind B. Chavhan

 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan used to diagnose health conditions that affect organs, tissue and bone. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.

 Divided into two sections, this concise guide introduces radiology trainees to the principles, sequences and interpretation of MRI. The first section describes the basic principles, instrumentation and interpretation of MRI, whilst the second section discusses the higher applications of the technique.

 Authored by Canadian radiologist Govind Chavhan, this second edition includes 250 images and illustrations, as well as a photo CD, to assist trainees with learning. New edition introducing radiology trainees to principles, sequences and interpretation of MRI Authored by Canadian radiology specialist Features 250 images and illustrations Includes photo CD First edition published in 2007

4. The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging- Jerrold T. Bushberg, J. Anthony Seibert, Edwin M.

This renowned work is derived from the authors' acclaimed national review course (“Physics of Medical Imaging") at the University of California-Davis for radiology residents. The text is a guide to the fundamental principles of medical imaging physics, radiation protection and radiation biology, with complex topics presented in the clear and concise manner and style for which these authors are known.

Sections of the book address topics common to all forms of diagnostic imaging, including image quality and medical informatics as well as the non-ionizing medical imaging modalities of MRI and ultrasound. Current concepts and a number of helpful appendices complete this comprehensive textbook.

The text is enhanced by numerous full color charts, tables, images and superb illustrations that reinforce central concepts. The book is ideal for medical imaging professionals, and teachers and students in medical physics and biomedical engineering. Radiology residents will find this text especially useful in bolstering their understanding of MRI.

5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Physical Principles and Sequence Design by Robert W. Brown , Y.-C. Norman Cheng, E. Mark Haacke, Michael R. Thompson, Ramesh Venkatesan.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Physical Principles and Sequence Design remains the preeminent text in its field. Using consistent nomenclature and mathematical notations throughout all the chapters, this book explains the physical principles of magnetic resonance imaging design and implementation. In addition, detailed figures and MR images enable readers to better grasp core concepts, methods, and applications.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Second Edition begins with an introduction to fundamental principles, with coverage of magnetization, relaxation, quantum mechanics, signal detection and acquisition, Fourier imaging, image reconstruction, contrast, signal, and noise. The second part of the text explores MRI methods and applications, including fast imaging, water-fat separation, steady state gradient echo imaging, echo planar imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and induced magnetism. Lastly, the text discusses important hardware issues and parallel imaging.

Enhanced sections pertaining to Fourier transforms, filter effects on image resolution, and Bloch equation solutions when both RF pulse and slice select gradient fields are present. Valuable improvements throughout with respect to equations, formulas, and text and is a must read if you are pursuing research!

6. Handbook of MRI Technique, 4th Edition -Catherine Westbrook

Handbook of MRI Technique is written specifically for technologists and highly illustrated and it guides the uninitiated through scanning techniques and helps more experienced technologists to improve image quality. It incorporates new technologies and developments essential to good practice. Handbook of MRI Technique continues to be the ideal support both for radiographers new to MRI and for regular users looking for information on alternative techniques and suggestions on protocol modifications. 

The first part of the book considers the main aspects of theory that relate to scanning and also includes practical tips on gating, equipment use, patient care and safety, and information on contrast media. The second half provides step-by-step instruction for examining each anatomical area, beginning with a basic anatomy section followed by sections on indications, patient positioning, equipment, artefacts and tips on optimizing image quality.

7. Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Physical and Biological Principles by Stewart C. Bushong , Geoffrey Clarke PhD.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Physical and Biological Principles, offers comprehensive, well-illustrated coverage on this specialized subject at a level that does not require an extensive background in math and physics. It covers the fundamentals and principles of conventional MRI along with the latest fast imaging techniques and their applications.

 Beginning with an overview of the fundamentals of electricity and magnetism (Part 1), Parts 2 and 3 present an in-depth explanation of how MRI works. The latest imaging methods are presented in Parts 4 and 5, and the final section (Part 6) covers personnel and patient safety and administration issues. This book is perfect for student radiographers and practicing technologists.

Challenge questions at the end of each chapter help you assess your comprehension. Chapter outlines and objectives assist you in following the hierarchy of material in the text. Penguin boxes highlight key points in the book to help you retain the most important information and concepts in the text. Chapter on Partially Parallel Magnetic Resonance Imaging increases the comprehensiveness of the text.

Updated key terms have been added to each chapter with an updated glossary defining each term.