MR Bone Imaging of the Brain Region: Fundamentals and Clinical Applications

MR bone imaging (also known as CT-like MRI) is a novel imaging technique with short TEs that was recently developed. It is capable of visualizing structures such as cortical bone, spongy bone, and calcification that are difficult to visualize using conventional MR imaging due to the low proton density and the very short T2- and T2* tissue. This article reviews the basics and imaging methods of MR bone imaging and introduces its clinical applications and pitfalls by presenting various intracranial and skull diseases.

Learning Objective: To learn the basic principle and the pitfalls of MR bone imaging and know the clinical applications to head lesions.