| MRI can be used to reveal tumors throughout the body, indicating their precise location and extent. It can also produce detailed images of the internal structure of the brain, spinal cord, eye, and ear and is useful for examining joints and soft tissues, particularly in the knee and shoulder. It is useful in evaluating the cause of many disorders of uncertain origin, such as seizures, headache, blurred vision, and lower back pain.
In addition to imaging solid structures, MRI protocols have been developed for highlighting fluid flow, allowing investigation of blood vessels (MRI angiography). Evaluation of cardiac function is becoming practical. Some facilities are acquiring the capability for very rapid imaging studies (cine MRI), permitting the study of movements throughout the cardiac cycle.
Although images produced by MRI and those produced by CT scanning are similar in many ways, MRI generally gives a much greater contrast between normal and abnormal tissues. MRI is often used to confirm findings of ultrasound or CT scans. MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool and has a role in selected cases in which other techniques are unreliable. For example, dense breast tissue (as in young women) makes mammography difficult to read. So does scarring, or the presence of silicone implants. In such circumstances, if the woman is at high-risk for breast cancer, MRI may be preferable to traditional mammography. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor