Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique most commonly used in radiology to visualize the internal structure and function of the body. MRI provides much greater contrast between the different soft tissues of the body than computed tomography (CT) does, making it especially useful in neurological (brain), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological (cancer) imaging. Unlike CT, it uses no ionizing radiation, but uses a powerful magnetic field to align the nuclear magnetization of (usually) hydrogen atoms in water in the body. Radio frequency (RF) fields are used to systematically alter the alignment of this magnetization, causing the hydrogen nuclei to produce a rotating magnetic field detectable by the scanner. This signal can be manipulated by additional magnetic fields to build up enough information to construct an image of the body. MRI is preferred over CT for cases when a patient is to undergo the exam several times successively in the short term, because, unlike CT, it does not expose the patient to the hazards of ionizing radiation.

MRI is believed to have little to no significant effect on the body, and no significant side effects. The use of Gadolinium, a contrast agent employed to improve the diagnostic capability of the scanner, does have some potential for side effects, however. Implanted electronic devices, ferromagnetic implants, and iron-containing shrapnel or splinters may preclude the use of MRI.