MRI makes use of the property of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to image nuclei of atoms inside the body. MRI can create more detailed images of the human body than are possible with X-rays. Advances in MRI have improved the ability to produce images in Axial, Coronal, and Sagittal and multiple oblique planes with equal ease.

How MRI Works

In MRI device, an electric current is passed through coiled wires to create a temporary magnetic field around a patient’s body and in open-MRI devices, permanent magnets are used. Radio waves are sent from and received by a transmitter/receiver in the machine, and these signals are used to produce digital images of the area of interest. MRI uses strong  magnetic  fields to align atomic nuclei (usually hydrogen protons) within body tissues, then uses a radio signal to disturb the  axis of  rotation of  these  nuclei and  observes  the  radio frequency signals are generated as  the  nuclei return to the  base line states  plus all surrounding areas. The radio signals are collected by small antenna coils, placed near the area of interest.

Uses of MRI

MRI Scan gives the best soft tissue contrast of all images modalities. With the enhancement in technology, the scanning speed and spatial resolution, accuracy in diagnosis has increased many folds. Improvement in computer 3D algorithms and hardware has become the basic tool in musculoskeletal and neuroradiology diagnosis. MRI has greatly benefited in imaging the brain, spines, and Musclosketal system. The  use of  MRI is   contraindications  in patients  who are using  pacemaker cochlear implants  ,indwelling  pumps, certain types of  cerebral aneurysm clips, metal fragment  in  the  eyes and some metallic hardware due  to power full magnetic  fields and  strong  fluctuating  radio signals  the  body is  exposed to. MRI Scans are useful in diagnosis of following:-

• Brain and spinal cord abnormalities
• Tumors, cysts, and other abnormalities in various parts of the body
• Injuries or abnormalities of the joints
• Certain types of heart problems
• Diseases of the liver and other abdominal organs
• Causes of pelvic pain in women e.g. fibroids, endometriosis
• Suspected uterine abnormalities in women undergoing evaluation for infertility

Risks of MRI

• There are no known harmful side-effects associated with temporary exposure to the strong magnetic field used by MRI scanners. MRI does not use ionizing radiation that can potentially cause damage to DNA, like the x-rays used CT scans. Cases of Claustrophobia have been reported in 5% of the patients.
• The  use of  MRI is   contraindications  in patients  who are using  pacemaker cochlear implants  ,indwelling  pumps, certain types of  cerebral aneurysm clips, metal fragment  in  the  eyes and some metallic hardware due  to power full magnetic  fields and  strong  fluctuating  radio signals  the  body is  exposed to.
• Prolonged exposure to radio waves during the scan could lead to slight warming of the body.