Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that uses the combination of high magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images from inside the body. In simple terms, MRI plots the concentration of water molecules within the body and is excellent at depicting soft tissues and vessels etc.

Unlike X-Ray and Nuclear medicine, MRI does not involve ionizing radiation and there are no obvious safety issues with routine clinical MRI equipment. The ability to capture a volume of image data and use computer-graphics to display the data in any orientation/plane helps to improve the diagnostic potential to ‘see' pathology. MRI techniques such as MR spectroscopy Functional MRI and MR angiography further improve clinical decision making.

The range of MR clinical applications continues to expand providing higher sensitivity to identify and characterise abnormalities and lesions in the brain, spine, abdomen, limbs etc. In particular, MRI has become the ‘gold standard' for the diagnosis and management of brain and spinal lesions due to its ability to differentiate grey and white matter in the brain as well as soft tissue, nerves, tendons, cartilage, fat and bone.

Contrast agents used with MRI help to identify pathology. Most of these agents are given intravenously where they temporarily change the MR signal characteristics. MRI imaging of breast tissue is just one area where contrast agents help to identify pathology - particularly in high risk patients where there is need to avoid ionizing radiation associated with mammography.

The huge latent potential of MRI from a scientific perspective suggests that MRI will continue to expand its clinical role for the foreseeable future.