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Magnetic resonance

Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an in-vivo imaging modality enabling the acquisition of high-resolution volumetric data. Besides morphological applications, MRI further enables functional studies such as cardiac and kidney function analysis. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) facilitates the assessment of MR-sensitive metabolites, for example, in the brain (Cr, NAA, Lac,...); of triacylglycerols in adipose tissue and of the cell fuel adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) in muscle.

In contrast to X-ray-based imaging techniques MRI does not expose the subject to ionizing radiation and therefore permits non-invasive monitoring of dietary, therapeutic and treatment-induced alterations.