What Is an MRI?

Article submitted by Michelle Dunn of Morris Imaging of Morris.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a method obtaining safe and non-invasive pictures of internal body structures, such as muscle, fat, bone, soft tissue structure of the joints as well as internal organs, without the use of radiation substances of any kind. This is accomplished by placing the patient into a magnetic field while radio waves are turned on an off. This causes the body to admit its own radio signals, which vary according to human tissue characteristics. These signals are then picked up by a sensitive antenna and fed to a computer, which then produces detailed images of the human body for interpretation by trained radiologists.

There are two types of MRI systems: High-Field MRI and Open MRI. Both types of systems are high-resolution whole body imaging systems. The different features offered by these two types of MRI are functions of their structural design. For many routine MRI exams, either type can be used. However, clinical or patient-specific considerations exist which may favor one or the other.

All medical professionals are committed to providing the best medical diagnostic imaging available by offering the patient and referring physician a choice for their MRI. Experience with both systems convinced physicians that High Field MRI is preferable whenever possible. For those patients who cannot be evaluated in a High Field system, the next best patient care choice is an Open MRI. Patients can be matched to the appropriate magnet so the best study can be performed.

In addition to the Open MRI, some facilities now have the leading edge 1.5 High Field system with EXCITE technology. This revolutionary data management pipeline provides unprecedented speed and resolution to make MRI studies more efficient with improved image quality.

Some of the new imaging techniques that expand MRI diagnostic options are: Stroke evaluation, Peripheral vascular imaging, (MRA-angiography) Sports medicine and MRI breast imaging.
There is a lot of enthusiasm for this new technology as the speed, image quality and new techniques that it enables professionals to accomplish are essential to continuing excellence in healthcare technology.