Magnetization transfer in MRI: a review.

This review describes magnetization transfer (MT) contrast in magnetic resonance imaging. A qualitative description of how MT works is provided along with experimental evidence that leads to a quantitative model for MT in tissues. The implementation of MT saturation in imaging sequences and the interpretation of the MT-induced signal change in terms of exchange processes and direct effects are presented. Finally, highlights of clinical uses of MT are outlined and future directions for investigation proposed.