A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnetic forces, radiofrequency (RF) waves and a computer to make detailed 3-dimensional pictures of the organs, bones and tissues inside your body. Some MRI scans require a contrast medium to provide clearer images. No ionizing radiation is used in MRI.
It is important to tell the MRI team if you have any metal in your body. The magnetic force is so strong that it can damage or dislodge some devices.
MRI of the brain can help to diagnose: Tumors and cysts, aneurysms, disorders of the eyes and the inner ear, stroke, diseases of the pituitary gland, neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, evaluate traumatic brain injury, causes of headache, giddiness, vertigo, dementia or memory loss, seizures etc and any issues with brain development.
To evaluate and diagnose: congenital heart disease; some heart muscle conditions, such as cardiomyopathy; damage to your heart muscle if you've had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with heart failure; heart valve disease etc. Cardiac MRI scans also look at the blood supply to your heart. They can help your doctor to investigate conditions such as: reduced blood flow to the heart muscle that may cause chest pain (angina), coronary heart disease.
To show if there is any evidence of cancer in the prostate gland if you have a high or rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. To show more clearly, the extent of prostate cancer specifically to see if it is contained within the prostate gland or if it has spread outside the gland.
MRCP is generally done to examine diseases of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and pancreatic duct. These may include tumors, stones, inflammation or infection.
MRI angiography is a specialised tests used to study the blood flow in the arteries (vessels carrying pure blood). The following body parts are usually recommended for MR angiogram: Brain; Neck; Heart; Arms and hands; Chest; Abdomen; Pelvis; Legs and feet. This is to evaluate for any blockage, aneurysms or vascular malformations etc.MRI venography is a specialised tests used to study the blood flow in the veins (vessels carrying impure blood). This is to evaluate for any blockage, thrombosis, varicose veins and vascular malformations.
MRI of the shoulder is typically performed to diagnose or evaluate: Degenerative joint disorders such as arthritis and labral tears, fractures, rotator cuff disorders, joint abnormalities due to trauma, sports-related injuries, infections, tumors, unexplained shoulder pain that does not get better with treatment, decreased motion of the shoulder joint, to evaluate progress after shoulder surgery.
Your doctor may recommend an MRI to better diagnose or treat problems with your spine like injury-related pain, severe back ache, sciatica, infection, tumor, etc.
Your doctor may recommend an MRI to better diagnose or treat problems with your spine like injury-related pain, severe neck ache, radiculopathy, infection, tumor, demyelination, birth defects etc.
An MRI of the pelvis can help find problems such as tumours in the ovaries, uterus, prostate, rectum, and anus. It also can be used to look for an anal fistula (a tube-shaped passage from the anal canal to a hole in the skin near the anus) and look for the cause of pelvic pain in women, such as endometriosis.
An MRI of the knee helps find problems such as damage to the ligaments and cartilage around the knee. The MRI also can look for the cause of unexplained knee pain, or infections in or around the knee.