Head and body imaging by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance.

A hydrogen (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging study of the normal head, thorax, and limbs is reported. The images are 10 to 15 mm thick transverse slices obtained in 2 to 4 min using a two-dimensional Fourier transform technique. Spatial resolution in the imaging plane is about 2 mm, enabling the optic nerve and many small blood vessels to be observed. Thorax scans show details of the cardiac chambers, aorta wall, and lungs without artefacts arising from physiological motion.