Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
What is MRI of the Body?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that helps
physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer
to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually
all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on
a computer by a radiologist. The images can be stored and copied on a
CD. The MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).
Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of
the body and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with
other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography.
MRI of the body is performed to evaluate:
- Blood Vessels
- Breasts
- Organs of the chest and abdomen - including the heart, liver, biliary tract,
kidney, spleen, and pancreas and adrenal glands
- Pelvic organs including the reproductive organs in the male (prostate and
testicles) and the female (uterus, cervix and ovaries)
Physicians use the MRI examination to help diagnose or monitor treatment
for conditions such as:
- Blockages, or enlargements of blood vessels, including the aorta, renal
arteries, and arteries in the legs
- Breast cancer and implants
- Causes of pelvic pain in women, such as fibroids, endometriosis and adenomyosis
- Certain types of heart problems
- Cysts and solid tumors in the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract
- Diseases of the liver, such as cirrhosis and that of other abdominal organs,
including the dile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreatic ducts
- Suspected uterine congential abnormalities/anomalies in women undergoing
evaluation for infertility
- Tumors and other abnormalities of the reproductive organs (e.g. uterus,
ovaries, testicles, prostate)
- Tumors of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis