Molly MageeThe University of Rhode IslandBME 181 Section 2

What is it

“Magnetic Resonance Imaging”

Def: “Uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body”

History

1937-Isidor Rabi Observed nuclear

magnetic resonance (NMR)

Used for substances (not the human body)

History

Raymond Damadian Wanted to find out a way

to examine inner body 1969- used NMR

machine for electrically charged particles in the body

1970- tested cancerous cells from rats with the NMR machine

Wrap coils around the body

MRI Machine

Procedure

Put on exam table Depending on the type of exam,

contrast may be used Need to stay still during the exam During exam, machine will make

noises Includes multiple runs Depending on type of exam, they

usually run from 15 to 45 minutes Radiologist will interpret the results

Uses: Brain

Tumors Bleeding in the

brain Nerve injury Damage from a

stroke

Example

Uses: Abdomen

Problems in organs Pelvis

Uses: Spine

Discs Nerves

Uses: Chest and Blood vessels Blood vessels Heart and valves Arteries and veins

Uses: Bones and Joints

Arthritis Torn ligaments or

tendons Bone marrow Cartilage

Example

Problems

Remain still during exam Pregnant women advised not to use May not always distinguish between

cancer tissue and fluid Costs and time

Costs

Per exam: $400-$3,500

Depending on type of exam

Machine: $500,000-$1.2 million

Advances

Tests are getting shorter

Reducing design complexity and improving image quality

References

Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Definition." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 09 Aug. 2012. Web.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mri/MY00227

"MRI of the Body (Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis)." Body MRI. N.p., n.d. Web.

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodymr

"What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?" WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web.

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri Wakefield, Julie. "The "Indomitable" MRI."

Smithsonian Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-

nature/object_jun00.html?c=y