What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and what does it do?
It is the most advanced and highest-level imaging method in all fields of medicine. It stands for "magnetic resonance imaging" and is also written as MRI or MRI. Colloquially, MRI is pronounced "MRI," so it is commonly known as MRI.
One of its most important features is that it operates without any harmful effects on the body or the use of X-rays (and therefore radiation). The device, which provides a powerful magnet, uses radiofrequency energy to record, analyze, and transfer images to a computer. Detailed images are taken and recorded of all tissues and organs in the body, divided into sections and viewed from different angles.
In what cases is an MRI necessary?
Before an MRI, a physician from the relevant specialty always listens to the patient, examines them, and conducts routine initial tests. Then, they provide a preliminary diagnosis, explain the reasoning and reasoning behind the MRI, and refer the patient for an MRI. The physician requesting the MRI, the radiologist, and the MRI technician should work collaboratively.
An MRI may be necessary for almost all diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, including early detection and diagnosis, treatment planning, and predicting the future of the current problem. MRIs can be performed for a variety of situations, including identifying all joint problems, diagnosing and planning ligament and muscle injuries due to sports injuries, detecting tumors, occult fractures, and osteoporosis, and monitoring and evaluating repaired tissues after surgery.
Under what circumstances can a person not undergo an MRI scanner, and should an MRI be avoided?
People with metallic vascular clips inside their skull, pacemakers, automatic rhythm control devices (automatic defibrillators and biostimulators), certain continuous medication delivery and implanted devices (infusion devices), internal hearing aids, and metallic foreign objects are strictly prohibited from undergoing MRI scans.
Middle ear prostheses and penile prostheses require caution and should not be removed unless absolutely necessary during the first trimester of pregnancy. They are known to partially obstruct MRI scans.
In general, patients with internal orthopedic devices and prostheses can safely undergo MRI scans. However, if a device or prosthesis contains iron, MRI images may be distorted or blurred. Externally implanted metal orthopedic devices that are not compatible with MRI scans cannot undergo MRI scans.
What should be done before coming for the MRI scan?
If the scan will not be performed under anesthesia, there is no need to fast. There is no need for any medication or medication unless there are special conditions. Urinary urgency is not required, as with an ultrasound.
However, if the scan will be performed under anesthesia for babies or children, or for those with claustrophobia, preparations may be necessary, as instructed by your doctor.
How is an MRI scan performed, and what should be considered during the scan?
The person entering the MRI machine should be dressed in an MRI gown. The patient should not wear any metal objects, whether small or large. For example, necklaces, earrings, belts, key chains, etc.
During the scan, movement should be avoided, especially in the area to be scanned, to avoid image interference. In some scans, the technician may require you to hold your breath for a while.
How is an MRI scan performed?
After the patient is placed in the MRI machine, a specially designed coil, which has an antenna function, is placed on the area to be examined. The technician then adjusts the position of the scan area so that it is fully within the scanner, ensuring it remains stable, and the scan begins. The scan time can vary depending on the magnetic strength of the MRI scanner, its update status, the number of scans, the area to be scanned, and the severity of the disease. MRI scans with high magnetic strength (1 Tesla and above is considered high) significantly shorten the scan time.
What does the Tesla strength of an MRI scanner mean, and what is its purpose?
A Tesla describes the magnetic strength of an MRI scanner. A high magnetic field is defined as greater than 1 Tesla, while a low magnetic field is defined as less than 0.3 Tesla. Open MRI scanners generate a low magnetic field, while closed MRI scanners generate a high magnetic field.
A high Tesla MRI scanner allows for the examination of tissue and organs in thinner sections. It provides detailed imaging of small areas (e.g., the jaw joint, hand, foot, ankle, heart, internal organs such as the kidneys, etc.). It takes less time to acquire images. In terms of image quality, it features fat suppression, which is crucial for distinguishing between diseased and normal tissue.
What are the advantages of MRI?
The MRI machine operates without the use of any harmful substances, drugs, or radiation. This provides a significant advantage over CT scans and has replaced CT scans as the diagnostic method for many conditions. Detailed images of the internal structures of organs and tissues are captured. Furthermore, with special imaging techniques, it is possible to examine tissues and organs even at a biochemical level invisible to the naked eye. It is crucial not only for the diagnosis and early diagnosis of diseases, but also for differential diagnosis, identifying comorbidities, planning and monitoring treatment, and determining the future and outcome of existing conditions. MRI has no adverse effects on human health.