Mogmric Vol. I, pp. I-2.1982 Printed in the USA. All rights reserved.

Resonance Imaging.

073~725X/82/0l000l4,253.00/0 Copyright 0 I982 krpmon Press Ltd.

l Editorial

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING The journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is for physicians, both in academic medicine and in private practice. Whenever a new, promising diagnostic modality makes its appearance, it is crucial to the practice of good medicine that all aspects of this new technique-the fundamental principles of the method, the complex instrumentation, the true potential and possible risks in human use-be extensively explored and well understood by the user, Magnetic resonance imaging is such a new modality and MRI, starting from this very first issue, is designed to fulfill all its needs.
Fun&mental Principles

There are many different schemes to perform magnetic resonance imaging. Any given scheme will emphasize a specific magnetic resonance parameter such as the spin density, the relaxation time Tl, or the relaxation time T2. Since these parameters are directly related to the pathology of the disease process, the contrast resolution in a given diagnostic task becomes dependent on the scheme being used for imaging. This raises the essential question-which particular scheme should be used for a given diagnostic task? The answer is being pursued in many of the current clinical trials.
Complex Instrumentation

Part of the equipment used in this new imaging technique is quite familiar ;o the diagnostician-the computer, the discs, the magnetic tapes, the video displays and so on. But there is another part that the physicians, the basic scientists, the engineers or the administrators in the medical environment are totally unfamiliar with. This relates to the magnets used, both the resistive and the superconductive, and to the electronics that deals with the radio-frequency generation, transmission and detection.
True Potential

Magnetic resonance imaging has already shown its potential to differentiate soft tissues such as grey and white matter or renal cortex and medulla. This technique has been shown to be sensitive to blood flow. It has the capability of providing three-dimensional images in any orientation. It does not suffer from artifacts related to the presence of bone. It is capable of giving parameters that are directly related to biochemistry. The diagnostic potential of such tissue characterization will only be limited by the effort of the investigator.
Risks in Human Use

The early workers in the field of X-ray and y-ray imaging did not have sufficient knowledge or data to evaluate the risks in the human use of those agents. By the same token, it would be utterly presumptuous on our part to talk about risks in the use of magnetic resonance in humans. We can accurately and precisely calculate the energy deposited in tissue when radio frequency and/or magnetic fields are used for imaging. But there are some unanswered questions and more data are needed. Like the early workers in the field of X-ray and y-ray imaging, we must weigh potential risks in the light of obvious benefits.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging will publish original work related to all the aspects mentioned

above. It will also carry

guest editorials,

reviews, technical

notes, market

information,

Magnetic Resonance Imaging 0 Volume 1. Number 1, 1982

continuing education articles, letters to the editor, book reviews, calendar of events and other important material that is necessary for the understanding and the progress of magnetic resonance imaging. It is, therefore, also a journal for those professionals who are actively involved in investigating any of the above aspects of magnetic resonance. Such professionals come from too many different disciplines to mention here. The strength and diversity of MRIs Editorial Board indicates our intentions. However, the real strength of any journal is in its readership on which its depends for its contributions. The Editor, on his part, promises fast and fair peer review and rapid publication. Let us endeavor together to make MRI a successful journal. Sharad R. Amtey
Editor