Results of the quality control of magnetic resonance images

: The results are reported of an image quality control performed by the Medical Physics Dept. of Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy, after the implementation of an MR unit (Siemens-Magnetom 1.5 T) in the Radiology Department. Image quality parameters were evaluated, with the methods suggested in literature, for test objects images acquired in the conventional projections (axial, sagittal, and coronal) using RF body and head coils. Our aim was to evaluate system evolution during optimization of the equipment and to identify, when possible, eventual situations of stability and the time needed to achieve them. The results obtained for the uniformity and the signal-to-noise ratio parameters are evaluated as time curves with the analysis of linear regressions of parameters evolution over time. The measurements were made over a 14-month period, on a fortnight basis. The long-term variations are emphasized. The uniformity parameter exhibits no significant changes over time, while signal-to-noise ratio tends to increase, mostly due to noise decrease. Noise was observed to stabilize in the last months. A second analysis, with a statistical test on the difference of two subsequent measurements, was carried out to confirm this trend. Stability periods could be identified for all parameters. As for noise, in particular, a stability interval from May to October 1990 confirmed the regression results. A normality range was defined in this period as a reference for subsequent measurements.