Introduction

The diagnostic applications of MRI have led to some of the most significant advances in the history of modern medical science.

The origins of MRI can be traced back to 1924, when Wolgang Pauli first suggested the possibility of an intrinsic nuclear spin. Isador Rabi’s demonstration, in 1937, of his method of measuring the nuclear magnetic moment, gave further impetus to development.

A decade and a half later, Felix Bloch and Edward M. Purcell’s description of NMR, which won them the Nobel Prize in Physics (1952), marked another significant stage in the technology’s evolution.

Throughout the early 70’s, there were a number of other advances, such as Abe’s targeted NMR scanner, Damadian’s patent for an 'Apparatus and Method for Detecting Cancer in Tissue'.

Mansfield & Grannell’s improvements in image resolution and, with Galloway, NMR image formation and spin-warp technique.

It was Paul Lauterbur’s experimental work, in 1971, on the application of magnetic field gradients in three dimensions, and computerized axial tomography and, in 1973, on what were dubbed ‘zeugmatographic’ images, that heralded the next ‘quantum leap and led to his 1974 paper, which he presented to ISMAR.

Other important work continued, creating a synergetic momentum: Mansfield’s MR imaging studies (1974); Mansfield & Maudsley’s line technique (1975); Kumar, Welti & Ernst ‘s reconstruction method for MR imaging (1975); Damadian’s similar 'field-focusing NMR (Fonar)' (1976); Mansfield & Maudsley’s first human in vivo image (1977); Hinshaw, Bottomley & Holland’s wrist image (1977); Damadian’s cross section of a human chest (1977); Mansfield’s first image through the abdomen (1978); Clow & Young’s first transverse NMR image through a human head (1978).

This intense experimental activity was paralleled by work on practical applications.

It is generally accepted that the single most significant of the multifarious uses of MRI is its clinical diagnostic application and, in particular, the whole body scanner.

It is now an essential technology within the clinical environment, obviating the need for a range of invasive and often dangerous exploratory surgical interventions. As the technology is refined, practitioners within an increasing number of medical disciplines have come to rely upon it for accurate diagnoses.

The first whole body scanners to come into clinical use were at Hammersmith Hospital, London and at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, in 1980.