Why do we need MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging, also known as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, is a relatively accurate image for examining diseases. Compared with CT examination, MRI examination images are more comprehensive and very clear. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) makes up for the deficiencies of CT and B-ultrasound. It is very effective in helping doctors to make diagnosis and conduct clinical research. MRI is required when diagnosing many diseases, mainly because the images produced by this examination are very clear and accurate.

Why do we need MRI?

1. Magnetic resonance imaging is applicable to almost all diseases of all systems in the body, such as tumors, inflammation, trauma, degenerative lesions and various congenital diseases. It is especially suitable for observing soft tissues and can provide image information with high reference value for lesions in the head, chest, abdomen, spine and other parts.

2. Compared with CT/PET, it has the unique advantages of no radiation damage, no bone artifacts, multi-faceted and multi-parameter imaging, high soft tissue resolution, and the ability to display vascular structures without the use of contrast agents. It can sensitively detect changes in the water content of tissue components, and thus can often detect lesions more effectively and earlier than CT.

3. It can display the structure of blood vessels without the use of vascular contrast agents, so it is unique in distinguishing between blood vessels, masses, lymph nodes and vascular structures.

4. Magnetic resonance imaging can clearly and comprehensively display the heart chambers, myocardium, pericardium and other small structures within the heart. It is an effective evaluation method for diagnosing various heart diseases and monitoring disease activity.

Second, why do some need MRI and some don’t?

,1. Take breast cancer as an example: clinicians cannot diagnose the disease through X-ray, CT, ultrasound and other examinations. By using paramagnetic contrast agents to enhance MIP reconstruction, the display rate of breast cancer is 100%.

2. Head diseases

MRI examination should be preferred for brain degeneration, ischemic diseases, cerebellum and brain stem lesions, because compared with CT, the abnormal display rate of cerebellum and brain stem lesions and white matter lesions is better than CT examination.

,3. Patients with neurological symptoms, suspected space-occupying or degenerative lesions, or diffuse vascular embolism, and normal CT findings should undergo MRI examination. In addition, MRI is also helpful in determining the epileptic focus.

4. Spinal lesions: distinguish intramedullary and extramedullary tumors by the changes in T1 and T2 time.

Given the working principle of MRI, its examination of the lungs is not better than X-ray or CT examinations, and its examination of the liver, pancreas, adrenal glands, and prostate is not superior to CT. Therefore, when doctors prescribe examination and test orders for these patients, CT is the first choice.

However, if patients encounter the above-mentioned problems during the diagnosis and treatment process, the clinical physician will decide whether it is necessary to do so based on the patient's condition and after a comprehensive evaluation of the condition.

Therefore, as patients and their families, we must first trust the doctor. If we have any questions during the process, we must communicate with the attending physician in a timely and sufficient manner.