• When are magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) indicated?

 

A noninvasive technique used for diagnostic imaging is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is particularly useful for soft tissue imaging. MRI, therefore, facilitates high-quality brain imaging with sufficient anatomical detail and provides greater sensitivity and precision for many forms of neurological disorders than other imaging modalities. With the use of contrast agents and combinations of various sequence types, MRI also provides considerable versatility.

In image processing, image segmentation is one of the key tasks. Picture segmentation is widely used in brain MRI research to calculate and visualize the anatomic structures of the brain; analyze brain changes; and delineate pathologic regions. There are also clinical applications of MRI in the brain. For example, for brain tumors, MRI-guided radiotherapy is commonly used. For neurosurgical preparation and neurointerventional radiological procedures, MRI is also used, although specialized non-magnetic equipment for the latter is needed.

MRI is particularly useful for soft tissue imaging. MRI, therefore, facilitates high-quality brain imaging with sufficient anatomical detail and provides greater sensitivity and precision for many forms of neurological disorders than other imaging modalities. With the use of contrast agents and combinations of various sequence types, MRI also provides considerable versatility.

MRI can be useful in evaluation of the following:

• Ischemia/infarct.
• Vascular anomalies.
• Hemorrhage.
• Infection.
• Tumors and masses.
• Trauma and diffuse axonal injuries.
• Neurodegenerative disorders and dementias.
• Inflammatory conditions.
• Congenital abnormalities
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Cranial neuropathies

MRI is often recommended as a safe substitute in radiosensitive populations, such as pregnant women and infants, due to the lack of ionizing radiation.

There are also clinical applications of MRI in the brain. For example, for brain tumors, MRI-guided radiotherapy is commonly used. For neurosurgical preparation and neurointerventional radiological procedures, MRI is also used, although specialized non-magnetic equipment for the latter is needed.