phase-contrast MRI
Also written as: PC-MRI — phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging
An MRI technique that measures tissue motion and flow by detecting phase shifts in the magnetic resonance signal.
Full Definition
Phase-contrast MRI is a specialized imaging technique that exploits the phase component of the MR signal to quantify tissue motion, including blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and brain tissue displacement. The technique applies motion-sensitizing gradients that cause moving spins to accumulate phase shifts proportional to their velocity, enabling non-invasive flow quantification and motion tracking. In neuroimaging, phase-contrast MRI is particularly valuable for studying cerebral blood flow, CSF flow patterns, and brain pulsatility. Editors reviewing neurovascular and hydrocephalus literature should understand this technique's capabilities and limitations for flow assessment and motion quantification.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as PC-MRI in technical literature.
In Context
- "Phase-contrast MRI revealed reduced cerebrospinal fluid flow through the aqueduct in hydrocephalus patients." — CSF dynamics study
- "Quantitative cerebral blood flow measurements were obtained using phase-contrast MRI with cardiac gating." — cerebrovascular imaging methodology