What is MRI of the Body?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that physicians use to diagnose medical conditions.

MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).

Detailed MR images allow physicians to evaluate various parts of the body and determine the presence of certain diseases. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically, printed or copied to a CD or uploaded to a digital cloud server.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

MR imaging of the body is performed to evaluate:

  • organs of the chest and abdomen—including the heart, liver, biliary tract, kidneys, spleen, bowel, pancreas, and adrenal glands.
  • pelvic organs including the bladder and the reproductive organs such as the uterus and ovaries in females and the prostate gland in males.
  • blood vessels (including MR Angiography).
  • lymph nodes.

Physicians use an MR examination to help diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions such as:

  • tumors of the chest, abdomen or pelvis.
  • diseases of the liver, such as cirrhosis, and abnormalities of the bile ducts and pancreas.
  • inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • small bowel disease using MR Enterography
  • heart problems, such as congenital heart disease.
  • malformations of the blood vessels and inflammation of the vessels (vasculitis).
  • a fetus in the womb of a pregnant woman.