MRI with and without Contrast

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a medical testing procedure that physicians use to image different parts of the body. MRI utilizes a magnetic field and radio wave energy pulses to create pictures of body parts such as the organs and bones. It is advantageous in many medical diagnostic situations including in conjunction with other types of imaging or on its own.

Magnetic resonance imaging is touted as a non-invasive way to examine the skeletal system, organs and tissues. This diagnostic tool produces clear, high-resolution images that allow for the diagnosis of a variety of problems. MRI scanning is ideal when an image needs to be produced on any plane. MRI is often used interchangeably with computerized tomography or CT scanning, but is better at showing organs and tissues in clear detail compared to CT scanning, which is better at showing bones and joints. MRI scanning produces a much greater amount of soft tissue detail in comparison to X-rays and CT scans.

The most common places a physician may use an MRI include: the brain, spinal cord, heart, blood vessels, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, uterus, testicles, prostate and ovaries. MRIs also work well for bone and joint scanning as well as breast scanning. Brain and spinal cord MRI scanning can help to diagnose eye and inner ear disorders, aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, stroke and injury to the spinal cord and tumors. Heart or blood vessel MRI scans will show plaque buildup, structural problems, heart attack or heart disease damage, movement of heart walls and function and size of the heart chambers. MRI scanning can also help to detect breast cancer when used in conjunction with mammography.