Source-This post on Magnetic resonance imaging is based on the article “Understanding the science behind magnetic resonance imaging” published in “The Hindu” on 8th May 2024.
Why in the News?
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) market is projected to hit $9.8 billion by 2028. This technology plays a pivotal role in medical science, offering diverse applications throughout the human body.
About Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
1. About MRI: It is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that provides detailed images of internal structure in the human body, including organs, Bones, Muscles. Blood vessels and Joints.
2. How Does MRI Work?
MRI leverages the magnetic properties of hydrogen atoms, which are abundant in the body’s fat and water content. The procedure involves four main components:
a. Superconducting Magnet that generates a strong magnetic field around the targeted body part.
b. Radio frequency Pulses which excite hydrogen atoms, raising their energy level.
c. Larmor Frequency is the specific frequency at which hydrogen atoms resonate and absorb radio waves, varying by magnetic field strength and tissue type.
d. After the pulse, hydrogen atoms emit energy as they revert to their normal state, which is captured by a detector and converted into images by a computer.
3. Significance of MRI:
1) It is used to obtain images of soft tissues within the body. It is widely used to image the brain, the cardiovascular system, the spinal cord and joints, various muscles, the liver, arteries, etc.
2) MRI is particularly crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various cancers, such as prostate and rectal cancer, and is also essential for tracking neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, epilepsy, and stroke.
3) Functional MRI is used to track changes in blood flow in the brain which helps to understand how neuronal activity shifts.
Pros of MRI
1. Versatile Imaging: Due to its construction and the arrangement of magnets, an MRI can image the body virtually from all useful directions and in very fine increments as needed.
2. Safety: MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves instead of ionizing radiation, making it safer for patients compared to other imaging modalities like X-rays and CT scans.
3. No Residual Effects: MRI scans are non-invasive, which means that the magnetic fields used do not have lasting effects on the atoms in the body once the scan is complete.
4. Minimal Health Risks: Generally, MRI scans are associated with no long-term health risks, except for pregnant women.
Challenges associated with MRI
1. Cost: MRI machines are expensive, leading to high expenses for patients, particularly those without insurance or needing multiple scans.
2. Discomfort and Noise: Patients endure discomfort and noise while remaining still inside the MRI bore, especially challenging for claustrophobic individuals.
3. Safety Concerns: Strong magnetic fields in MRIs pose risks for individuals with metallic implants or embedded objects, potentially excluding them from undergoing scans
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