MR imaging technique in which a set of projection profiles of the body is obtained by observing MR signals in the presence of a suitable corresponding set of magnetic field gradients. Images can then be reconstructed using techniques analogous to those used in conventional computed tomography (CT), such as filtered back projection. It can be used for volume imaging or, with plane selection techniques, for sequential plane imaging.

Spectrum of NMR signal whose frequency components are broadened by a magnetic field gradient. In the simplest case (negligible line width, no relaxation effects, and no effects of prior gradients), it corresponds to a one-dimensional projection of the spin density along the direction of the gradient; in this form it is used in projection reconstruction imaging.

See Projection Reconstruction Imaging.

(MIP) MRA images can be processed by Maximum Intensity Projection to interactively create different projections. The MIP connects the high intensity dots of the blood vessels in three dimensions, providing an angiogram that can be viewed from any projection. Each point in the MIP represents the highest intensity experienced in that location on any partition within the imaging volume.
For complete interpretation the base slices should also be reviewed individually and with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) software. The MIP can then be displayed in a CINE format or filmed as multiple images acquired from different projections. Although the maximum intensity projection (MIP) algorithm is sensitive to high signal from inflowing spins, it is also sensitive to high signal of any other etiology.