Magnetic-resonance imaging

Magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to generate images of the organs in the body.

History

The development of MRI technology stemmed from the work of various scientists and researchers in the 20th century. The concept of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was first postulated by Isidor Isaac Rabi in 1938. The application of NMR in medical imaging did not occur until the 1970s, with the work of Paul Lauterbur and Peter Mansfield, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2003 for their contributions.

Principles

MRI uses a large magnetic field and radio waves to manipulate the hydrogen atoms in the body. The strong magnetic field aligns the protons in the body, and when the field is switched off, these protons release energy that is detected and used to create an image of the inside of the body.

Applications

MRI has a wide range of applications in medical diagnosis, ranging from the imaging of soft tissues such as the brain and muscles, to the assessment of bone structure and integrity. It is also used in the diagnosis of a variety of conditions, including cancer, stroke, and joint disorders.

Safety

While MRI does not use ionizing radiation, there are safety issues related to the strong magnetic field. These include the risk of injury from projectiles attracted to the magnet, and potential effects on medical devices such as pacemakers.

See also

• Computed tomography
• Ultrasound imaging
• Radiography
• Nuclear medicine

References

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