What best describes the impact of bandwidth on patient heating?

The impact of bandwidth on patient heating during an MRI examination is multifaceted. A wider bandwidth typically leads to a reduction in specific absorption rate (SAR), which is the measurement of the rate at which energy is absorbed by the body. This is because a wider bandwidth allows for a more efficient use of the radiofrequency (RF) pulse, dispersing the energy over a broader frequency range rather than concentrating it at a narrow band. As a result, this can reduce the amount of energy absorbed by the tissues, leading to less heating.

Conversely, a narrow bandwidth can increase heating due to the concentration of RF energy at a specific frequency, which may lead to a higher SAR and thus greater energy absorption in the tissues. Therefore, the statement that both narrow and wide bandwidths have equal impacts on patient heating is not accurate, as they influence heating differently.

To summarize, wider bandwidths generally lead to reduced patient heating, while narrower bandwidths can result in increased heating. This understanding underscores the importance of optimizing bandwidth settings in MRI protocols to enhance patient safety and comfort during scans.