MRI Full Form

The introduction of the MRI in the early 1980s was revolutionary. The invention of the MRI was a great development for the medical field. With the MRI people could be examined and diagnoses made without the use of invasive explorations.

MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that employs strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of the body. The images produced by MRI are similar to the images produced by x-rays. The MRI scan can be quite stressful for a claustrophobic patient undergoing the procedure. MRI scanners use a large magnetic field to measure the properties of the atomic nuclei in the body. MRI is a non-invasive test that can be used to detect tumours, bones, and internal organs. The MRI scanner is the only imaging equipment that can image the soft tissues of the body.

The MRI Machine

The MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine is a medical diagnostic device. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce diagnostic images of the inside of the human body. The MRI machine is the heart of the MRI unit. The patient lies down on a flat table, and a strong magnetic field is applied to the patient’s body. The patient is then moved to the table and the image is taken. After the image is taken, the patient’s body is returned to its normal position.

The images are produced by the scanner’s superconducting magnet, which is capable of generating a strong magnetic field allowing the atoms of hydrogen protons inside the body to align with the field, and then by analysing radio waves, the scanner attempts to reconstruct an image of the inside of the body. MRI uses a powerful magnet, radiofrequency pulses, and a computer to produce an image, usually in the form of a series of cross-sectional images of the patient. MRI is used for several diagnostic purposes, including the pre-surgical planning of a surgeon, the diagnosis of injuries to the nervous system, and the diagnosis and monitoring of many types of cancer.

Mechanism of MRI

The basic components of the MRI are a magnet, a radio frequency shield, and a computer that detects and analyzes signals from the nucleus of atomic particles. As the particles are placed in the magnet, they align themselves according to their electrical charges while the radio-frequency shield keeps them away from the magnet. 

In an MRI, magnetic fields are applied to the body and a series of pulses are generated. The pulses cause the magnetic spins to resonate and alter the fields of the body and in turn change the magnetic dipole. The altered fields are detected and the image is formed. MRI is a medical imaging technique that uses a combination of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the insides of the body for diagnostic purposes. 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to detect various conditions of the body including Strokes, torn ligaments, and other bone defects. The MRI machine generates a powerful magnetic field that aligns the nucleus of the atoms in the body with the magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field induces a tiny electric current in the body which is detected by the MRI machine. The underlying principle of MRI is to cause nuclear spins to take place in a magnetic field using radiofrequency energy. 

This causes the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in tissues to behave like a spinning top, which aligns with the direction of the magnetic field.

Configurations of Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI

• The configuration of MRI machines available to the user can be categorised into two groups: open and closed. The open configurations have a large opening in the magnet bore, which allows the patient to remain inside
• The closed configuration has a large opening in the magnet bore, which allows the patient to enter, but the patient is then contained inside a larger structure, which can be in a different part of the facility from the diagnostic area

Real-time MRI

• It is also possible to perform real-time MRI, in which the data acquired during the examination is displayed on a computer screen, in a similar way to those used in CT scans
• This can be used to follow the movement of tumours or other substances moving through the body
• Real-time also generates images of the process taking place inside the body while the scan is in progress. This approach is useful in determining childbirth defects, foetal development etc.

Interventional MRI

• Interventional MRI uses electromagnetic fields to produce thermal, chemical, or mechanical effects on the tissues of a patient
• For example, a magnetic field may be generated by a coil placed on the extremities of a patient. The magnetic field induces a current in the tissues of the patient. This causes heat to be generated
• Interventional MRI is a very powerful and new MRI technology that is being developed. The most common use of the MRI now being developed is to image the blood in the brain and brain tumours
• When the MRI is used for the blood, it is called Cerebral Angiography. It is being used to assist in the diagnosis of strokes by showing where the blood is clotted
  

  Conclusion

  Magnetic Resonance Imaging allows for the noninvasive imaging (or scanning) of the internal anatomy of the human body. This tool can be used to observe, diagnose, and treat various diseases. The images produced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging are produced from the hydrogen atoms within the human tissue. However, as hydrogen atoms exist in other substances, such as water and food, Magnetic Resonance Imaging is unable to differentiate between these substances and the human tissue. This is the reason why patients are advised to limit their food intake before the scheduled scanning.