(
MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive
medical imaging technique that uses the interaction between
radio frequency pulses, a strong
magnetic field and body tissue to obtain images of slices/planes from inside the body. These magnets generate fields from approx. 2000 times up to 30000 times stronger than that of the Earth. The use of
nuclear magnetic resonance principles produces extremely detailed pictures of the body tissue without the need for x-ray exposure and gives diagnostic information of various organs.
Measured are mobile hydrogen nuclei (protons are the hydrogen atoms of water, the 'H' in H
20), the majority of elements in the body. Only a small part of them contribute to the measured signal, caused by their different
alignment in the
magnetic field. Protons are capable of absorbing
energy if exposed to short radio wave pulses (electromagnetic
energy) at their
resonance frequency. After the absorption of this
energy, the nuclei release this
energy so that they return to their initial state of
equilibrium.
This transmission of
energy by the nuclei as they return to their initial state is what is observed as the
MRI signal. The subtle differing characteristic of that signal from different tissues combined with complex mathematical formulas analyzed on modern computers is what enables
MRI imaging to distinguish between various organs. Any imaging plane, or
slice, can be projected, and then stored or printed.
The measured
signal intensity depends jointly on the
spin density and the relaxation times (
T1 time and
T2 time), with their relative importance depending on the particular imaging technique and choice of
interpulse times. Any motion such as blood
flow, respiration, etc. also affects the image brightness.
Magnetic
resonance imaging is particularly sensitive in assessing anatomical structures, organs and soft tissues for the detection and diagnosis of a broad range of pathological conditions.
MRI pictures can provide
contrast between benign and pathological tissues and may be used to stage cancers as well as to evaluate the response to treatment of malignancies. The need for biopsy or exploratory surgery can be eliminated in some cases, and can result in earlier diagnosis of many diseases.
See also
MRI History and
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).