Question 1

On T1 MRI:&#10;A) Fat appears dark gray&#10;B) Inflammation is bright&#10;C) Tendons appear light gray&#10;D) Healthy tendons appear black

Accepted Answer

Healthy tendons appear black on T1 MRI due to their low water content and dense structure, which results in low signal intensity.

Question 2

&#10;&#10;-What type of imaging is displayed in this image?&#10;A) T1 MRI&#10;B) T2 MRI&#10;C) STIR&#10;D) MRI myelography

Accepted Answer

T1 MRI&#10;

Question 3

&#10;&#10;-These are sagittal T1 (left) and T2 (right) MRIs of the knee of a gymnast who had a hard landing on extended knees. Based on imaging characteristics, what do the arrows indicate?&#10;A) Fatty tumor&#10;B) Bone marrow edema&#10;C) A fracture line&#10;D) Ossification

Accepted Answer

The arrows on the MRI images likely indicate bone marrow edema, which is characterized by increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images (right) and can be associated with trauma, such as a hard landing on extended knees. This is a common finding in acute injuries and does not have the imaging characteristics of a fatty tumor, fracture line, or ossification.

Question 4

&#10;&#10;-Compared with T1 MR images, T2 images:&#10;A) Show greater resolution&#10;B) Have higher signal from muscles&#10;C) Have lower signal intensity from fat&#10;D) Have lower signal intensity from water

Accepted Answer

T2-weighted MR images typically show higher signal intensity from water and lower signal intensity from fat compared to T1-weighted images.

Question 5

&#10;&#10;-When selecting an MRI protocol for the highest anatomic detail, you would choose:&#10;A) T2 MRI&#10;B) STIR&#10;C) T1 with gadolinium contrast&#10;D) Proton density imaging

Accepted Answer

The answer of  &#10;&#10;-When selecting an MRI protocol for...

Question 6

&#10;&#10;-This is an axial T2 image at the level of the femoral condyles. The open arrow points to the medial patellar retinaculum. What does the solid arrow point to?&#10;A) Edema&#10;B) Fatty tumor&#10;C) Hemorrhage&#10;D) Osteogenic tumor

Accepted Answer

The solid arrow indicating edema is consistent with the appearance on a T2-weighted MRI, where edema is characterized by increased signal intensity, making it appear brighter than the surrounding tissues.

Question 7

Open and upright MRI scanners have the advantages of:&#10;A) Higher field strengths and thus better resolution&#10;B) Ability to perform movements while scanning&#10;C) Shorter scanning times&#10;D) Less chance of image degradation

Accepted Answer

Open and upright MRI scanners primarily offer the advantage of allowing patients to perform movements during scans, which can be particularly useful for capturing images of joints or the spine in various positions. They do not generally offer higher field strengths, shorter scanning times, or less chance of image degradation compared to traditional closed MRI systems.

Question 8

The advantages of MRI include:&#10;A) No ionizing radiation&#10;B) Fast imaging times&#10;C) Optimal imaging of cortical bone&#10;D) Relatively inexpensive

Accepted Answer

MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it safer for patients, especially for repeated use. Imaging times can be long, it is not optimal for imaging cortical bone, and it is relatively expensive compared to other imaging modalities.

Question 9

MRI myelography:&#10;A) Refers to the use of gadolinium contrast injected into the cerebrospinal fluid&#10;B) Refers to the study of the spinal canal with high-resolution T2 MRI&#10;C) Is done in conjunction with radiographic myelography&#10;D) Is the use of enhanced proton density imaging

Accepted Answer

MRI myelography refers to the study of the spinal canal using high-resolution T2-weighted MRI sequences, which provide clear images of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces without the need for contrast injection. This technique is particularly useful for visualizing the nerve roots and the spinal cord.

Question 10

The value of STIR images lies in their superior ability to detect:&#10;A) Fractures&#10;B) Bone marrow&#10;C) Edema&#10;D) Muscle detail

Accepted Answer

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery) images are particularly useful for detecting edema (fluid or swelling) because the technique is designed to suppress fat signals, making water-containing tissues or abnormalities (like edema) appear bright and therefore more easily detectable.

Deck 5: Magnetic Resonance Imaging