"The third edition of this successful book was published in August 2003, and the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has seen many advances since then. The new fourth edition maintains the well-received format of the third edition, minimizing math formulas and technical details, but still providing an accurate description of the physics and clinical applications of MRI, and including a thorough but concise review and updating of all the latest MRI advances and cutting-edge applications. Dozens of brand-new images support the text, as well as added discussions on 3D imaging, real time imaging, cardiac imaging, and parallel acquisition techniques. Clinical protocols have been thoroughly updated and revised to reflect current methodologies.Here are some of the more major changes in the MRI field that have been included in the fourth edition:Nephrotoxic effects of gadolinium-based contrast media have been reported; this is a truly major development in the field.New scan techniques such as radial scanning have become more commonplace.Parallel acquisition and cardiovascular imaging techniques have become more commonplace.New applications such as spin tagging and diffusion tensor imaging are becoming more mainstream.3 Tesla scanning is becoming the field strength of choice and 7 Tesla scanning is under investigation.Additional hardware innovations such as large-scale array coils have been implemented.New motion compensation techniques have been developed.There are many smaller editorial and content changes that have been undertaken. Feedback from current readers has been very positive, and many individuals have kindly alerted the authors to everything from typographical errors, to possible revisions of syntax and even additions of new materials. The authors have included such feedback wherever possible"--Provided by publisher.

"The new fourth edition maintains the well-received format of the third edition, minimizing math formulas and technical details, but still providing an accurate description of the physics and clinical applications of MRI, and including a thorough but concise review and updating of all the latest MRI advances and cutting-edge applications. Dozens of brand-new images support the text, as well as added discussions on 3D imaging, real time imaging, cardiac imaging, and parallel acquisition techniques. Clinical protocols have been thoroughly updated and revised to reflect current methodologies"--Provided by publisher.