Initial assessment of the performance of an 0.3 T permanent magnet in whole body NMR imaging.

An 0.3 Tesla permanent magnet was constructed and incorporated into a complete whole body NMR imager. Axial, sagittal and coronal images from human subjects were obtained using a two-dimensional Fourier Transform analysis of selected planes 8 mm thick, combined with an efficient multislice technique that produces sections centered 12 mm apart. Images were obtained based on inversion recovery and spin echo modes. The permanent magnetic field is uniform to 10 ppm over 38 cm. The magnet requires no special maintenance and has an extremely small fringe field. The magnet design, with its field vertical to the long axis of the subject, permits use of a solenoidal radiofrequency receiving coil for optimal signal-to-noise ratio. Images were shown that are of high quality and produced under conditions simulating those necessary for efficient patient throughout in a clinical setting. Many of the unique features of NMR imaging, such as ability to directly obtain axial, sagittal and coronal projections, the variety of imaging modes, the natural sources of contrast, and the ability to visualize clearly medium and large blood vessels, were demonstrated.