Oscillation applicator for MR rheology

A method of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of at least a portion of a body of a patient placed in a magnetic field within the examination volume of a MR device, the method comprising:

• subjecting the at least a portion of the body to an oscillating mechanical excitation using transducers configured to oscillate at a given frequency, wherein a belt of varying width is configured to convey oscillating motion of the transducers to the body, and wherein the subjecting the at least a portion of the body to the oscillating mechanical excitation is controlled by placing a portion of reduced width of the belt where it is desired to apply increased pressure;
• subjecting the at least a portion of the body to an imaging sequence comprising one or more radiofrequency (RF) pulses and switched magnetic field gradients, whereby MR signals are acquired from the at least a portion of the body;
• and
• deriving spatially resolved parameters reflecting the elasticity and/or the viscosity of a tissue of the body from the acquired MR signals.