Final answer:
Increasing the flip angle in medical imaging enhances the signal strength and sensitivity to magnetic susceptibility. It can be helpful for imaging structures with high susceptibility differences, but may also introduce artifacts in the image.
Step-by-step explanation:
The flip angle in medical imaging refers to the angle by which the magnetic field of the MRI scanner rotates the magnetization of the protons in the body. Increasing the flip angle leads to an increase in the signal strength of the image, resulting in a higher sensitivity to magnetic susceptibility. This can be useful for imaging structures with high susceptibility differences, such as lesions or bleeding in the brain.
For example, if there is a region in the brain with a high concentration of deoxygenated blood, increasing the flip angle can enhance the signal from this region, making it easier to detect.
However, it's important to note that increasing the flip angle also increases the risk of artifacts in the image, such as signal loss or distortion, which can affect the accuracy of the image interpretation.