Understanding the Imaging process called MRI

Overview

What is MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-surgical procedure that uses radio waves, magnets, and computer applications to get detailed three-dimensional images of the body’s interior structures, such as muscles, soft tissues, and organs.

Like other popular techniques viz; X-ray and CT scan, MRI technique does not utilize radiations;⁴Overview| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov hence it is a safe procedure for people needing frequent scans for persistent illness. Doctors use MRI to identify and for treatment assessment of several health conditions such as tumors, heart issues, etc ¹Overview| Researched based study from Sciencedirect.com

The article will briefly glimpse the MRI scan, its working, procedure, uses, and risks.

Here are some quick facts about MRI

• MRI is a painless, non-invasive technique
• MRI technique is different from that of X-rays and CT-scans
• Raymond Damadian designed the first whole-body MRI and named it Indomitable
• In 2003, Lauterbur and Mansfield received the Nobel Prize for their discoveries regarding MRI ²Overview| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Types

Types of MRI

Types of MRI are as follow:

• Open MRI
• Closes MRI

Open MRI

• There are two magnets in the open MRI machine, one is on the top of the body, and the other is beneath.³Types| Researched based study from Sciencedirect.com

• The MRI machine’s boundaries are open, which makes it a good option for people with claustrophobia (fear within closed spaces). It produces superior-quality images of the body’s internal structures.

Closed MRI

• It is the traditional MRI machine whose edges are closed. For a closed MRI, the doctor allows the individual to lie in a tube-shaped channel, where the magnetic ring surrounds the entire body. It produces detailed images of the body’s internal structures ³Types| Researched based study from Sciencedirect.com

Uses

Uses of MRI

Doctors use MRI to identify a variety of medical illness. Some of the health issues that MRI can detect are as follows:

• Tumors in different body parts
• Abnormality in the spinal cord and brain
• Joint abnormalities in knee and back
• Heart problems
• Liver disease
• Uterine abnormalities in a woman
• Pelvic pain evaluation in women
• Heart blockage
• Identifying soft tissue injury
• Evaluating proper blood flow through arteries and veins ⁵Uses| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

The Process

MRI procedure

The doctor performs the MRI procedure in the following ways:

1. The individual will initially change and wear a paper gown and take away any metallic things viz; necklace, rings, and watches. They might provide ear-protective devices to tolerate the MRI machine noises
2. The doctor will then ask him to lie on the scanning table, and then gradually, he will be moved into the MRI machine. The medical staff will be able to talk with him during the procedure while inside the MRI machine
3. Once started, the machine will make certain loud beeping sounds of up to 120 decibels
4. During the scan, he might need to remain motionless. The person might feel warm in the scanned body areas
5. The scan might continue for twenty to ninety minutes, depending on the body’s location ⁶The Process| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

MRI Preparation

There is very little preparation before starting an MRI.

• For pelvic or abdominal MRI, the doctor might forbid the individual to take any food or drink for about five to six hours before the scan.
• However, for the scan of other body areas, the person might continue eating, drinking, and taking medications as usual.
• For MRI scans for children, the doctor might give sedatives (drugs to induce sleep) or anesthesia before the procedure. He might also mention specific instructions on eating and drinking in consideration of anesthesia ⁷The Process| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

During MRI scan

• Once the physician puts the patient in the tube-like channel of the MRI machine, the medical staff can speak to the individual through an intercom to ensure that he is comfortable. However, the doctor will not run the MRI if there is any anxiety or discomfort with the patient.
• The patient must stay motionless during the process, as any movement will ruin the images.
• The person will hear loud sounds during the entire procedure. Sometimes the doctor might ask the patient for momentary breath-holding depending on the type of pictures taken.

However, one feeling uncomfortable during the scanning procedure might talk to the medical staff through the intercom and request the immediate stopping of the system ⁷The Process| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Post MRI scan

• After the MRI scan, the patient might need to stay until the doctor ensures that all images are perfect.
• If the images are not good, the patient might require entering the MRI machine and retake those images.
• After everything seems good, the patient can change clothes and return home.
• However, patients given sedatives before the MRI scan must wait until he recovers from the effect before going home.

MRI interpretation

• The Radiologist or doctors specialized in reading medical imaging techniques will interpret the MRI results and write in detail the radiology report about the results of the findings.
• The patient might then require an appointment with the concerned doctor for further result evaluation and the subsequent treatment steps.

MRI using contrast

• The physician might sometimes direct for MRI using contrast. Before the procedure, the doctor will inject a contrast agent viz; gadolinium metal into the patient’s vein.
• The metal helps in giving a sharper, clear image of the body’s internal structures¹²The Process| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Side effects

Side effects of MRI

People on contrast material for MRI might have the following side effects:

• Pain in the injection site
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Allergic reactions such as itching, hives (in rare cases)⁸Side effects| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Other risks

• People with malfunctioning kidneys who undergo MRI with contrast material might suffer from a fatal disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (a condition that causes the thickening of the tissues and organs)⁸Side effects| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• The MRI machine uses strong magnets to take the internal image of the body. Hence the presence of any metal objects in the body can be a health hazard for the individual due to attraction by the magnet.
• To avoid potential risk, one must inform the doctor or the technician regarding any metallic devices in the body.
• Some examples of the list of metallic devices are Pacemaker, Metallic joints, Metallic plates, screws, or stents, Implants, IUD’s etc. ⁹Side effects| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Contraindications

Contraindications

MRI is usually safe for most people.

However, MRI might not be appropriate for some people with the following health conditions viz;

• Ones with a fear of enclosed spaces
• Pregnant women in the first three months
• Nursing mothers
• People with liver problem
• People with kidney malfunctioning and needing dialysis ¹⁰Contraindications| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Vs. CT Scan

MRI Vs CT Scan

• MRI uses radio waves, magnets, and computers to get a thorough picture of the body’s interiors. In contrast, CT (Computed tomography) scan uses X-ray (ionizing radiation) and computers to get a picture of the body’s internal structures.
• Doctors often suggest MRI than X-ray as MRI is a safer technique without harmful radiation. Also, MRI provides a clearer picture of the internal organs than CT scans.
• However, MRI is unsuitable for people with pacemakers or insulin pumps (devices to deliver insulin into the body). In that case, the doctors often recommend a CT scan as the second option to get a good image.
• MRI is an expensive technique compared to a CT scan ¹¹Vs. CT scan| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Takeaway

Key Takeaways

• MRI is a valuable instrument for getting detailed pictures of muscles, soft tissues, tumors, and other medical conditions
• MRI is a safe imaging procedure for people who require multiple scans in the treatment process
• Open MRI is another alternative for people considering closed spaces and loud noise.