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 Magnetic
Resonance Imaging is a modern computerized method of scanning,
creating images using a strong magnetic field and radio waves.
The hydrogen atoms in the patient's body react to the magnetic
field and emit signals which are analyzed by a computer to
produce images. The images obtained help in detecting various
abnormalities in the tissues scanned.
MRI is a non-invasive,
sophisticated diagnostic imaging technique that utilizes a
strong magnetic field in conjunction with low energy
electromagnetic waves to produce high-resolution images of
internal body organs and tissue from any angle and direction
and without surgical invasion. MRI has proven to be invaluable
to the diagnosis of a broad range of conditions,
including
- brain
tumors;
- disorders
of the eyes and inner ear;
- cancer;
- stroke
and heart disease; and
- Joint
and musculoskeletal disorders and diseases of the knee,
shoulder, spine, hips, wrists and hands, where it allows
evaluation of parts of the body not possible with other
imaging techniques.
MRI can also create images
of vessels without depending on the significant volume of
contrast agent required by X-ray angiography, which can
cause tissue damage in high doses and to which patients
may be sensitive.
MR Angiography (MRA) allows the physician to:
- examine
the structure and functioning of the heart, aorta and
blood vessels, and to determine the extent of damage
caused by a heart attack of progressive heart disease;
- evaluate
aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and
occlusions of the intra cranial vessels; and
- screen
for atherosclerotic plaques and abnormalities in the
carotid and iliofemoral circulation, including in
the extremities, abdomen and chest.
MRA is also well suited
for evaluation of the slow flow present within the dural
venous sinuses and to rule out superior sagittal sinus
thrombosis, and also clearly depicts arteries in the
Circle of Willis as well as the proximal portions of the
anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries.
At Health Medical Imaging we have a mid-field open
MRI machine. This is different from the closed
cylindrical magnet because the patient is not fully
enclosed. Our open MRI provides a more comfortable
environment for the procedure especially for patients
who may be claustrophobic or large. In addition the
images produced are nearly equal to the quality of those
produced in the high-field machine although the scan
time may be a bit longer.
Importance
of MRI
- MRI
is painless and has no known side effects.
- It
usually reveals more details than other imaging
modalities. Usually there is a clear distinction
between healthy and diseased tissue on MRI.
- Harmful
effects of radiation are avoided.
MRI
does not use X-rays or radiation.
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