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MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).
Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate parts of the body for certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scanning).
What are some common uses of the MRI procedure?
MR imaging is usually the best choice for examining or evaluating the:
- body's major joints
- spine for disk disease
- soft tissues of the extremities (muscles and bones)
- organs of the chest, abdomen and pelvis—including the heart, liver, biliary tract, kidney, spleen, and pancreas and adrenal glands
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- pelvic organs including the reproductive organs in the male (prostate and testicles) and the female (uterus, cervix and ovaries)
- pelvic and hip bones
- blood vessels (MR Angiography)
- breasts
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Physicians use the MR examination to help diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions such as:
- degenerative joint disorders such as arthritis and meniscus tears (knee)
- fractures (in selected patients)
- joint abnormalities due to trauma (tendon tears for example)
- spinal disk abnormalities (herniated disk for example)
- the integrity of the spinal cord after trauma
- sports-related injuries and work-related disorders caused by repeated strain, vibration or forceful impact
- tumors (primary tumors and metastases for example) involving bones and joints
- pain, swelling or bleeding in the tissues in and around the joints and bones
- tumors of the chest, abdomen or pelvis
- coronary artery disease and heart problems including the aorta, coronary arteries and blood vessels, by examining the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart and the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease. For more information, visit the MRA and CT Screening pages
- tumors and other abnormalities of the reproductive organs (e.g., uterus, ovaries, testicles, prostate)
- causes of pelvic pain in women, such as endometriosis
- functional and anatomical abnormalities of the heart
- diseases of the liver, such as cirrhosis, and that of other abdominal organs (when a complete diagnostic assessment cannot be done with other techniques)
- congenital arterial and venous vascular anomalies and diseases (e.g., atherosclerosis) of the chest, abdomen and pelvis (MR Angiography)
- breast cancer and implants
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