Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Practice Test

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What happens to the available number of slices as the TE is increased?

Increases
Decreases
Remains the same
Varies with the type of scan

The correct answer is: Decreases

Increasing the echo time (TE) in MRI affects the available number of slices primarily due to its impact on the imaging sequence and timing. TE is the time elapsed between the application of the radiofrequency pulse and the peak of the echo signal received. When TE is increased, there is a longer interval before the signal is read, which means that other imaging parameters—such as the repetition time (TR)—are also affected. Longer TE delays the acquisition of the signal from each slice, significantly extending the total time required to complete the scan. As a result, fewer slices can be obtained within the same total scan time, leading to a decrease in the number of slices that can be acquired effectively. This is particularly relevant in clinical settings where time is often limited. Moreover, the extended TE can affect the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the overall quality of the images, which might further influence the operational decision regarding the number of slices to be taken during a single scan. Hence, the relationship between increasing TE and the decreased number of available slices is directly related to the timing dynamics and scan efficiency in MRI.