There are so many different types of imaging studies, such as x-ray, computed tomography and ultrasound, that one might wonder about the capabilities and advantages of one of the most common imaging tests, magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI.
MRI is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the internal structures of the body. It can be used to diagnose and evaluate a wide range of conditions, in particular those affecting soft tissues, providing detailed images of even small abnormalities. MRI is capable of identifying soft tissue aberrations better than other imaging tests, is non-invasive, and is completely free of ionizing radiation. MRI may be performed with or without a contrast agent, making it uniquely versatile.
What an MRI Diagnoses
While MRI can be used to assess nearly every part of the head and body, it is most commonly used to diagnose the following:
Soft Tissue Injuries – MRI is particularly effective in visualizing soft tissues, such as muscles, fat, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. MRI’s clear images reveal even small injuries and abnormalities of the muscles, joints, ligaments and cartilage, as well as things like herniated discs. Because of its ability to define soft tissue injuries and defects, MRI is a go-to for sports medicine injuries, arthritis and pain syndromes like carpal tunnel.
Cardiovascular Disorders – MRI can assess the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels to help diagnose various conditions affecting the heart, including heart valve disorders, cardiac tumors, vascular abnormalities and congenital heart defects.
Brain and Spinal Cord Disorders – MRI is commonly used to examine the brain and spinal cord to discover abnormalities like tumors, bleeding, infections, multiple sclerosis, strokes, and structural problems like herniated discs and spinal cord compression.
Abdominal and Pelvic Conditions – MRI’s detailed imaging provides clear pictures of the abdominal and pelvic organs, including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, uterus, ovaries, and prostate gland. It is used to diagnose tumors, cysts, fibroids, infections and other abnormalities. A variation called MRI enterography is used to study the small intestine to diagnose and monitor inflammation, irritation, abscesses, tears, obstructions, fistulas, bleeding, Crohn’s disease and other issues.
Bone and Joint Disorders – MRI is excellent for evaluating bones and joints, including the knees, shoulders, hips and spine. It can be used to diagnose conditions like fractures, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, bone infections and other issues.
Breast Imaging – Breast MRI is a supplemental tool used in conjunction with mammography to evaluate breast abnormalities, determine the extent of any cancer, stage breast cancer treatment and monitor the response to therapy.
Cancer Detection and Staging – MRI can help in the detection and staging of many types of cancer. Its 3D quality pictures aid in identifying tumors, determining their size and location, and assessing their spread to nearby tissues and organs.
Brain/Spinal Conditions – MRI of the brain and/or spinal cord can reveal the presence of tumors, abscesses, aneurysms, venous malformations, degenerative diseases, congenital abnormalities, hydrocephalus, disc herniation and other problems. MRI can also be used to help stage surgeries of the spine.
Evaluation of Arteries – A specialized type of MRI is magnetic resonance angiography, or MRA. MRA is used to evaluate arteries, veins and blood-flow throughout the body to check for plaque buildup, narrowing of blood vessels, aneurysms and other problems, and to diagnose heart disorders and strokes.
Evaluation of the Liver – MRI elastography is used to measure the elasticity of the liver. Using sound waves, the liver is gently vibrated to discover if there is any rigidity that may suggest the presence of disease, such as cirrhosis.
These are just a few examples of MRI’s many uses and applications. MRI’s superior soft tissue visualization, multiplanar 3D-quality imaging, and ability to evaluate multiple body systems simultaneously make it among the most valuable diagnostic tools in radiology. The fact that MRI is accurate, painless, noninvasive and radiation-free makes it one of the greatest imaging technologies ever designed.
RAO For MRI
As a local leader in MRI technologies, RAO is proud to offer both high field MRI and open MRI services. We feature high performance open MRI at TimberRidge Imaging Center and high-field MRI at our Medical Imaging Center and Medical Imaging Center at Windsor Oaks.
All three facilities are MRI-accredited by the American College of Radiology for exceptional accuracy and safety. Our team of Board-certified radiologists includes doctors who specialize in musculoskeletal MRI, body MRI, diagnostic radiology, vascular and interventional radiology, breast imaging, neuroradiology and more. For the latest and best MRI services, the name to know is RAO.
