MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is a non-invasive imaging method that uses powerful magnets to create a strong magnetic field that compels protons in the body to align with it to create three-dimensional detailed anatomical images (Berger, 2002). A patient is placed inside a huge magnet to obtain an MRI image and must remain very motionless during the imaging process to avoid blurring the image. Contrast agents may be administered intravenously to a patient prior to or during the MRI to speed up the rate at which protons realign with the magnetic field. The image brightens as the protons realign quicker (Berger, 2002). MRI is often used for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring. It is based on sophisticated technology that excites and detects the change in the direction of the rotational axis of protons found in the water that makes up living tissues overview of services:

1. Brain MRI

2. Spinal MRI

3. Abdominal and pelvic MRI

4. MRI Extremities

1. Brain MRI

MRI scans can reveal many forms of brain tissue such as grey matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid (Rosenbloom & Pfefferbaum. 2008). This imaging technique is used to detect and assess a variety of neurological disorders, including:

Determining the location, size, and features of brain tumours.
Give clinicians with comprehensive images of brain tissue, allowing them to assess the extent of stroke damage and establish the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic).
Show the level of brain damage caused by traumatic injuries such as concussions or more serious head traumas.
Locate regions of inflammation and infection in the brain, as in encephalitis or meningitis.

2. Spinal MRI

Spinal MRI obtain detailed images of the spine's structures. It is a non-invasive method of viewing the spinal cord, vertebrae, intervertebral discs, nerves, and surrounding structures (Winegar & Taljanovic., 2020). Spine MRI is a diagnostic and evaluation tool that is used to:

Examine the spinal canal or neural foramina for narrowing, which can cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Visualise intervertebral disc degeneration, a common cause of back pain and spinal disorders.
Identifying tumours or growths in the spinal canal and assisting clinicians in determining their location, size, and features.
MRI can reveal damage to the spinal cord in cases of catastrophic spinal injury.

3. Pelvic and Abdominal MRI

This procedure is done to see structures in both the pelvic and abdominal areas of the body. It can be used to aid in the diagnosis or monitoring of numerous abdominal and pelvic disorders (Radiologyinfo, 2023). Is useful for:

Conditions affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and other urinary structures, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and other urological disorders.
Evaluating of the organs in both the pelvic and abdominal regions, such as the liver, spleen, pancreas, and intestines to diagnose issues like liver disease, pancreatic disorders, or gastrointestinal abnormalities.
Cases of certain cancers that may affect both the pelvic and abdominal regions, such as ovarian, colorectal, or kidney cancers to assess staging the disease and determining its extent.

4. MRI Extremities

MRI of the extremities creates detailed images of the structures within the arms and legs by using magnetic fields and radio waves. The extremities are the body's limbs, which include the shoulders, arms, hands, hips, legs, and feet. Extremity MRI is used to diagnose and assess a variety of disorders affecting these areas, such as bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues (RAI. 2023).

Here are some common reasons why an extremity MRI might be performed:

Assess joint health and diagnose conditions such as arthritis, joint effusion (fluid accumulation), ligament injuries, and cartilage damage.
Visualize soft tissue injuries, fractures, and stress fractures in bones, helping to determine the extent of damage and guide treatment.
Identify injuries or tears in tendons and ligaments, such as rotator cuff tears in the shoulder or ACL tears in the knee.
Show nerve compression or entrapment, such as carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist or sciatica in the leg.