What is the difference between T1 and T2 MRI images?

T1 and T2 MRI images differ in their contrast and brightness, providing different information about tissues.

T1 and T2 MRI images are two types of magnetic resonance imaging that provide different information about tissues in the body. T1 images have a short repetition time (TR) and a short echo time (TE), resulting in bright signals from fat and fluids, and dark signals from bone and air. This makes T1 images useful for visualising anatomical structures and identifying lesions in the brain, spine, and joints.

T2 images, on the other hand, have a long TR and a long TE, resulting in bright signals from fluids and dark signals from fat and bone. This makes T2 images useful for detecting inflammation, oedema, and tumours, as well as for assessing the integrity of cartilage and ligaments. T2 images are also used in functional MRI (fMRI) to map brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

In summary, T1 and T2 MRI images differ in their contrast and brightness, providing complementary information about tissues in the body. Understanding the differences between these two types of images is important for interpreting MRI scans and making accurate diagnoses.