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MRI Diagnostics – How Magnetic Resonance Imaging Works

MRI diagnostics is a medical imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body – without the use of radiation.

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Things worth knowing about "Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Diagnostics"

MRI diagnostics is a medical imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body – without the use of radiation.

What is MRI Diagnostics?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) diagnostics, also referred to as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, is an advanced medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves to generate high-resolution cross-sectional images of the human body. Unlike X-ray or computed tomography (CT), MRI does not use ionising radiation, making it a particularly safe and non-invasive diagnostic method.

MRI is especially well suited for visualising soft tissues such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles, joints, and internal organs. It is widely used for both initial diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of various medical conditions.

How Does MRI Work?

MRI is based on the behaviour of hydrogen atoms naturally present in water and fat throughout the body. Inside the MRI scanner, a strong magnetic field aligns the hydrogen nuclei. Radiofrequency pulses are then applied to temporarily disturb this alignment. When the pulses are switched off, the nuclei return to their original position and emit signals in the process. These signals are detected by receiver coils and processed by a computer into detailed images.

Different tissues have different water content and molecular environments, which results in varying signal intensities and allows for excellent contrast between different body structures.

When is MRI Diagnostics Used?

MRI is used across a wide range of medical specialties. Common indications include:

Neurology: Diagnosis of stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain tumours, epilepsy, and dementia
Orthopaedics and trauma surgery: Assessment of herniated discs, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, and bone marrow changes
Cardiology: Evaluation of heart structure, function, and perfusion
Oncology: Detection and staging of cancers and tumours
Gastroenterology: Imaging of the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and other abdominal organs
Gynaecology: Assessment of the uterus, ovaries, and pelvic structures
Vascular imaging: MR angiography to visualise blood vessels

What to Expect During an MRI Scan

Before the scan, patients are asked to remove all metallic objects, as the strong magnetic field can attract metal. Patients with pacemakers, certain implants, or metallic fragments in the body must inform their doctor beforehand, as these may represent contraindications to MRI scanning.

During the examination, the patient lies inside a tunnel-shaped scanner. Depending on the area being examined, the scan typically takes between 15 and 60 minutes. The machine produces loud knocking or tapping sounds, so patients are provided with ear protection. In some cases, a contrast agent (usually gadolinium-based) is injected intravenously to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

No ionising radiation – particularly suitable for children and pregnant women (after careful consideration)
Excellent soft tissue contrast
Multi-planar imaging capability (axial, sagittal, coronal)
High diagnostic accuracy for a wide range of conditions

Limitations

Longer scanning time compared to CT or X-ray
Higher cost
Not suitable for patients with certain metallic implants or non-MRI-compatible pacemakers
Enclosed tunnel design may cause discomfort in patients with claustrophobia (open MRI systems are available)
Motion artefacts can reduce image quality

Safety and Risks

MRI diagnostics is considered a very safe procedure. As no ionising radiation is used, there is no radiation risk to the patient. The magnetic field itself is harmless under proper conditions of use. Gadolinium-based contrast agents can occasionally cause allergic reactions and should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment. Ongoing research is investigating the deposition of gadolinium in body tissues, although the clinical significance of this finding has not yet been fully established.

References

Westbrook, C. et al. – MRI in Practice. Wiley-Blackwell, 5th Edition (2019).
World Health Organization (WHO) – Electromagnetic fields and public health: medical applications. www.who.int (accessed 2024).
Stocker, D. J. et al. – MRI Safety and Implants: Current Concepts. In: Radiology (2020), PubMed PMID 32749212.

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