Computer simulation of the SWI protocol in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

In this paper a design of a computer simulator of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) protocol is presented. The ultimate application of the proposed system is to provide a framework for quantitative validation of SWI image processing algorithms. SWI is based on field non-uniformity caused by local susceptibility distribution and thus resulting in both measured signal phase shift and faster decay of transverse magnetization vector. The designed system accounts for both of these effects. Obtained simulated images demonstrate correctness of the results for simple objects, proving the propriety of the model.