Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and soft tissues. Excellent for brain, spine, and joint imaging.
What is MRI?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues. Unlike CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it safer for repeated imaging.
How it works: Your body is placed in a strong magnetic field which aligns hydrogen atoms in your tissues. Radio waves then disrupt this alignment, and as the atoms realign, they emit signals that are captured and processed into detailed images.
Common Uses of MRI
Brain and spinal cord imaging
Detect tumors, strokes, multiple sclerosis, and spinal disorders
Joint and musculoskeletal assessment
Evaluate torn ligaments, cartilage damage, and joint abnormalities
Cardiac imaging
Assess heart structure, function, and blood flow
Abdominal organ evaluation
Examine liver, kidneys, pancreas, and other abdominal organs
Breast cancer screening
Supplement mammography for high-risk patients
Advantages
- ✓Noninvasive or minimally invasive
- ✓Widely available in centers
- ✓Guides management
- ✓Superior soft tissue contrast
- ✓No radiation exposure
- ✓Multiplanar imaging capability
Limitations
- ⚠Limited by operator or motion
- ⚠May need contrast or prep
- ⚠Not perfect specificity
- ⚠Long scan times
- ⚠Claustrophobia
- ⚠Metallic implants contraindicated
Preparation Checklist
0 of 6 completed
⚖️MRI vs CT
Related Imaging Modalities
Combine with CT for bone detail and faster imaging, ultrasound for real-time guidance, and PET for metabolic assessment. MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast without cumulative radiation exposure.
CT
CT scans use X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. They are particularly useful for detecting bone fractures, tumors, and internal bleeding.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images. Commonly used for pregnancy monitoring and examining organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this imaging modality.
Browse MRI Terms
Explore common terms in MRI reports, each with detailed explanations, clinical significance, and related lab tests to help you understand your imaging results. lab tests.
ACL Tear on MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Preparation
Discontinuous or lax, wavy anterior cruciate ligament fibers with abnormal orientation; hemorrhage/edema in intercondylar notch; bone contusions at lateral femoral condyle and posterolateral tibia (pivot-shift injury)
Avascular Necrosis of the Hip on MRI: What It Shows, Cost &
Subchondral serpiginous low-signal rim with inner high T2 signal (double-line sign); marrow edema in early stages; subchondral fracture/collapse indicates advanced disease
Cerebral Aneurysm: What It Shows, Cost & Preparation
Round or saccular outpouching from cerebral artery, typically at vessel bifurcations
Herniated Disc (Disc Herniation): What It Shows, Cost & Prep
Disc material protruding beyond normal disc space margins
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis on MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Prepara
Narrowed central canal with crowding of cauda equina nerve roots; hypertrophic ligamentum flavum and facet arthropathy contribute; thecal sac often compressed to <10mm AP diameter
Meniscus Tear on MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Preparation
Linear or irregular high-signal intensity contacting meniscal surface on T2-weighted images; displaced fragments may form bucket-handle tears; parameniscal cysts may accompany horizontal tears
Multiple Sclerosis Plaques on MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Pre
Ovoid T2/FLAIR hyperintense lesions oriented perpendicular to lateral ventricles (Dawson's fingers); active plaques enhance with gadolinium; chronic lesions may appear as 'black holes' on T1
Pituitary Adenoma on MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Preparation
Sellar mass; microadenoma <10mm shows delayed enhancement, macroadenoma >= 10mm may expand sella, invade cavernous sinus, or compress optic chiasm
Rotator Cuff Tear on MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Preparation
Discontinuity or retraction of supraspinatus/infraspinatus tendon with fluid signal intensity in defect; muscle atrophy or fatty infiltration on T1; subacromial/subdeltoid bursal fluid
White Matter Hyperintensities (WMH): What It Shows, Cost & P
Bright areas in brain white matter on T2/FLAIR sequences
Explore More Medical Resources
Have a MRI Report?
Upload your imaging report for instant plain-language explanations of terms. WellAlly helps you understand your radiology results.