Which of the following effects is associated with higher receiver bandwidth in MRI?

• A. Improves patient comfort
• B. Decreases SNR
• C. Increases slice thickness
• D. Reduces scan time

Answer: (B)

Higher receiver bandwidth in MRI is associated with a decrease in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This occurs because increasing the bandwidth allows for a wider range of frequencies to be captured during the imaging process. While this can lead to quicker signal acquisition and reduced factors that could cause signal distortion, it inherently spreads the energy of the received signal over a broader frequency spectrum.

When the bandwidth is increased, the noise that gets collected alongside the desired signal also rises, which typically leads to a dilution of the signal component relative to noise. This results in a lower SNR, which can affect the clarity and quality of the images produced.

Options such as improving patient comfort, increasing slice thickness, and reducing scan time do not directly correlate with the consequences of higher receiver bandwidth. While increased bandwidth can potentially reduce scan time due to faster acquisition, the primary effect that is fundamentally associated with a higher receiver bandwidth is the decrease in SNR.