What is the smallest object that can be resolved in an image acquired with a 24cm FOV and a 272 x 272 matrix?

To determine the smallest resolvable object in an MRI image, you can calculate the pixel size using the field of view (FOV) and the matrix size. The formula for pixel size is:

Pixel size = FOV / Matrix size

In this case, the FOV is 24 cm, which can be converted to millimeters since the options are given in millimeters (1 cm = 10 mm, so 24 cm = 240 mm). The matrix size is 272 x 272.

First, you calculate the pixel size for both dimensions:

Pixel size = 240 mm / 272

Calculating that gives:

Pixel size = 0.882 mm

This number represents the width and height of each pixel in the acquired image. The smallest resolvable object is typically related to pixel size, and it is generally accepted that the smallest object that can be adequately resolved is around the size of one pixel or slightly more.

Since the calculated pixel size is approximately 0.88 mm, this correlates with the answer that identifies 0.88 mm as the smallest resolvable object. It accurately represents the physical limit of resolution based on the FOV and matrix dimensions employed in this scenario, confirming that option provides