MRI uses powerful magnets to create clear images of organs and soft tissues like ligaments and tendons. It is particularly useful for examining the brain, spinal cord and muscles. It does not use ionizing radiation, making it safer for multiple scans and annual screenings.
MRIs require patients to remain very still. Any movement can produce blurred results. MRIs are not recommended for pregnant women or people with implanted ferromagnetic medical devices like pacemakers and aneurism clips.
Detection of Cancer
MRI can detect a wide range of cancers and is often used as a follow-up test after a CT scan has been done to ensure no cancer cells have spread. It can also show the location and extent of the tumour, if there is one, as well as whether it has invaded nearby tissues. It can also be used to see how well a patient is responding to treatment.
Unlike CT scans, MRI does not use any radiation. It uses a powerful magnet to produce extremely detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissue in the body from multiple angles. This enables physicians to examine internal organs, such as the liver, gallbladder, intestines and pancreas, in great detail.
An MRI scan can also detect tumours inside the blood vessels, which helps doctors decide on the best course of action for treatment. This can include surgery, chemotherapy or other types of therapy. An MRI can also show whether a tumour is benign or malignant, as well as assessing its grade, which tells doctors how likely it is to grow, spread and cause problems.
In addition, MRI is able to pick up changes in the structure of tissues and organs due to disease or injury. This can help physicians pinpoint the exact location of a tumour and evaluate its progress over time, which is especially useful in detecting recurrence after cancer treatments have been completed.
Before an MRI, your doctor will give you clear instructions about how to prepare for the test. You may be asked to remove or alter certain items, such as metal implants or shrapnel, because the magnetic field can interact with them and distort the results. If you have any medical devices, such as pacemakers or cochlear implants, make sure your doctor knows about them before the MRI.
You will usually lie on a motorised bed that moves into the scanner, which looks like a short cylinder open at both ends. You will need to stay still while the radiographer takes pictures from different angles. If you have claustrophobia or anxiety, you can ask for a sedative to relax you during the procedure. If you do this, you will need someone to drive you home afterwards, because the sedative will make you drowsy.
Detection of Infections
MRIs use a strong magnetic field to produce detailed pictures of the body, allowing them to be suitable for something like a breast cancer screening as well. The images are highly effective at examining soft tissue, which makes them ideal for detecting cancer and muscular or bone disorders. They also provide better detail of the internal structure of bones than CT scans do, but this advantage is offset by their lengthier scan times.
Infections can be hard to detect, especially when the symptoms are not readily apparent. Both MRIs and CT scans are effective in the detection of infections, but they each offer unique benefits for different conditions. CT is better suited for imaging bones and chest injuries, while MRI is often the preferred method for identifying pulmonary nodules.
The sensitivity of MRI in the detection of infection is limited by a number of factors, including the presence of ascites or fluid-filled pockets that distort the images and can make it difficult to distinguish normal tissue from cancerous tissue. If you have a lot of ascites, your doctor may prescribe other tests to assess your condition before using an MRI.
Another limitation of MRI is that the procedure requires patients to lie very still for 30-60 minutes. This can be difficult for those with claustrophobia or anxiety. A sedative can be provided to help ensure a patient can tolerate the exam.
If you have implanted electronic or medical devices like pacemakers, cochlear implants or drug pumps that pump narcotic or pain medications, the MRI environment presents safety hazards that must be carefully evaluated. The strong magnetic fields can cause these devices to move, which can damage the scanner or injure the patient or medical staff. The MRI procedure can also produce loud knocking sounds that can harm hearing.
Because MRI is such a powerful diagnostic tool, it’s important to have your scanned images reviewed by a radiologist who has subspecialty training in the area of your diagnosis. At Ezra, we can provide a second opinion from a board-certified radiologist who is an expert in the condition causing your symptoms. Whether you are concerned about a possible new diagnosis or want peace of mind that your current treatment plan is on track, a specialized MRI second opinion can make all the difference.
Detection of Heart Disease
MRI creates clearer images of soft tissue and organs than CT, making it more likely to detect damage or inflammation in these areas. It also allows doctors to see blood vessels and tissue more clearly. MRI is particularly useful in detecting and monitoring heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and valve problems. It can also help detect a number of other heart problems, including blood clots, infections, and certain types of arthritis.
Unlike x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, MRI does not use radiation. Instead, it uses a powerful magnet to temporarily change the position of hydrogen atoms that naturally exist in your body. These atoms then emit different amounts of energy, and the scanner captures this energy to create images of your body. A computer then creates a picture from these images.
The exam is painless, but you will need to remain still for extended periods of time while the scanner is taking pictures. This can be uncomfortable for some patients, especially those who are claustrophobic or who have trouble lying flat on the table. A nurse or technologist will be available to assist you during the exam. If you have claustrophobia or difficulty lying still, ask your doctor to prescribe a sedative for you before the test. These medications can make you sleepy, so you will need someone to drive you home after the test.
You should tell your doctor if you have any metal in your body, such as a pacemaker or implanted device. The magnetic field may affect these devices and cause them to malfunction or distort the scan results. You may also be given a contrast dye to improve the quality of your images. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
The radiologist will review your scans and send a report to the doctor who ordered them. Your doctor can then explain the results to you. If you had a sedative during your MRI, you will need to wait until the medication wears off before driving or operating machinery. Follow-up appointments with your doctor are usually necessary to discuss your test results and determine whether additional tests are needed.
Detection of Stroke
MRI is an important tool for diagnosing stroke, which can be caused by a blood clot or a hemorrhage in the brain. MRI is especially useful for determining the type of stroke, which helps doctors determine what treatment may be needed. MRI can also detect signs of a stroke even after the symptoms have subsided, which is not possible with CT scans.
Unlike a CT scan, an MRI does not use radiation and is considered safe for most people, including pregnant women. However, you should discuss your specific health history with your doctor to make sure MRI is the right option for you. If you have any metal implants or electronic devices, such as a pacemaker, you should inform your doctor before having an MRI. If you are claustrophobic, your doctor can give you medicine to help you relax before the test.
You will lie down on a table that moves through the scanner. The images are created by using magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of soft tissues, bones and other internal structures. MRI is the best diagnostic tool for many conditions, including aneurysms and stroke, cancers, and injuries to tendons, ligaments and muscles.
Some types of MRI can also measure how well a person’s brain is functioning. These tests, called functional MRI (fMRI), can show whether certain parts of the brain are working properly and help diagnose neurological disorders.
While a CT scan can identify the location of a blood clot in the head, MRI is better at identifying the type of stroke and showing which areas of the brain are affected. MRI can also find any blood vessels that are leaking or damaged, which is essential for determining the cause of the stroke and the best way to treat it.
