MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

• Imaging modality utilizing the magnetic property of the nuclei
• Study of the response of magnetized tissue to a pulse of radiofrequency whereby pathological tissue returns different signals as compared to normal tissues

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Uses of MRI

1. Imaging modality of choice for study of the brain & spinal cord
2. Musculoskeletal (MSK)
   o Accurate imaging for joints, ligaments and muscles
3. Cardiac imaging related to the cardiac cycle
4. Assessment of mediastinalvascular structures
   (-) CM
5. Abdominal imaging with better visualization of each organ aided by presence of FAT
6. Pelvic imaging

• neoplasm (tumors) in males & females
• Male – prostate gland and urinary bladder
• Female – uterus, ovaries, fallopian tube, and urinary bladder

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Advantages of MRI

1. Multiplanar imaging
   – All the planes (axial, coronal, parasagittal, sagittal)
2. No ionizing radiation
3. Excellent anatomical detail (presentation of an organ)
4. (-) bone artifacts
5. Visualization of blood vessels without introduction of contrast material
6. Contrast material is less frequently used than in CT

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Disadvantages of MRI

1. High operation cost
2. Longer examination time – main disadvantage
3. Poor images for lungs
4. Inability to show calcification with accuracy
5. Acute hemorrhages or bleeding not as well-visualized as in CT
6. Contraindications in patients with devices that are affected by magnets

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Scientists

1. FELIX BLOCH withEDWARD PURCELL
   o Both discovered Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
2. RAYMOND DAMADIAN
   o Reported the differences in NMR images/parameters between normal tissues &abnormal tissues/tumors
3. PAUL LAUTERBUR
   o Publicized the 1st NMR image

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