Contrast in static images in clinical magnetic resonance imaging

The second part of this educational article focuses on sequence techniques in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and on suitable parameter sets for different contrast weightings. The content is based on the recently published part 1 of this educational article providing a survey on tissue properties relevant for most important contrast mechanisms. Characteristics of contrast weightings are presented in exemplary images recorded from healthy volunteers. Typical clinical applications of the most commonly used contrast weightings are described and discussed. Sequences for the following contrast weightings are included: proton density (density of hydrogen in small mobile molecules), relaxation times T-1 and T-2, chemical shift (water and fat), effects of magnetic susceptibility, restricted diffusion of water molecules and magnetization transfer between macromolecules and water molecules.