Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology is a mainstay of modern healthcare. MRI allows healthcare providers to take detailed images of the body and is particularly useful in detecting many types of cancer. It facilitates early detection of disease, which is crucial for reducing mortality and improving patient outcomes. The power of MRI to detect cancer has only increased with the advent of sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that allow more rapid and accurate image analysis in many cases.
Despite its usefulness and ubiquity, many individuals may be unaware of how MRI technology actually works and the range of conditions it can help to diagnose. This article will provide a deep dive into how MRI technology works and its many surprising applications before addressing common myths and misconceptions associated with this imaging technique. Finally, the article will look at the promising future of MRI technology, including the role of AI.
Most people know that MRI uses magnetic fields to take images of the body, but that is often where their understanding ends. Let’s look at how MRI works in a bit more detail.
MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses powerful magnets and radiofrequency waves to generate detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissues, organs, and other structures inside the body. More specifically, the hydrogen atoms in your body align with the MRI's magnetic field, and radiofrequency pulses then knock them out of alignment. When the radiofrequency is switched off, the atoms realign and emit signals that create detailed body images. Unlike X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, MRIs do not use ionizing radiation, which makes them a safer option for frequent imaging.
The hydrogen atoms in our bodies behave differently depending on the type of tissue they reside in. This means tissues can be distinguished from one another depending on their water and fat content using the principles of MRI technology. MRIs can take multilayered images to create a detailed picture of soft tissues such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and ligaments, which are more challenging to detect with other methods. The addition of contrast agents during MRI makes it even more powerful at distinguishing between tissue types and detecting abnormalities.
MRIs use a magnetic field thousands of times stronger than Earth's to achieve the high resolution that makes this technology so useful. While this may sound alarming, MRIs are incredibly safe so long as certain precautions, such as removing metal objects, are observed.
It’s easy to picture MRIs as detecting large, already established tumors, but this technology goes beyond detecting already symptomatic conditions.
While MRIs can monitor already-diagnosed conditions such as cancer, one of their core strengths lies in detecting abnormalities at an early stage before symptoms develop. MRI can also help detect conditions such as aneurysms, neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
MRIs are not only used to take images of static body tissues. They can also be used to examine many bodily functions in real-time. For instance, function MRI (fMRI) detects changes in the brain related to blood flow and can be used to diagnose disease, study brain function, and inform pre-surgical planning. Another specialized type of MRI scan is MR angiography (MRA), which allows healthcare providers to visualize the passage of blood through arteries and veins. MRA helps doctors assess their patient's vascular health, enabling preventive measures if abnormalities like blockages or stenosis (vessel narrowing) are spotted.
It may surprise you to learn that MRI has several uses outside medicine. It is a handy tool in diverse research fields, including studying animal brains and examining historical artifacts without the need to dissect or damage them. In industrial settings, MRI is used as a form of quality control to inspect the integrity of materials and products. In the food industry, MRI can be used to inspect fruit ripening, among other applications.
While myths about MRI arise from completely understandable concerns, debunking them is crucial for ensuring patients receive accurate information and appropriate care.
MRI does not use ionizing radiation. This means that it does not carry the same dangers associated with X-rays and CT scans, which do use ionizing radiation. If you’re concerned about the powerful magnetic field, remember that MRI procedures involve robust safety protocols, which include screening for metal objects and implants.
MRIs are undoubtedly valuable for diagnosing and managing severe conditions, but they are also commonly used for routine scans, monitoring less severe illnesses, and evaluating major and minor injuries. MRI scans are increasingly used for preventive health screening, including full body scans to help detect potential issues before they become more serious.
While some people (about 10 percent) feel claustrophobic during MRI scans, there are several technologies and strategies to help address this issue. Open MRI machines provide a less enclosed structure to give patients more space and comfort, which helps to reduce feelings of claustrophobia. MRI machines can be loud, so noise-reducing headphones can also improve patient comfort. Discuss relaxation techniques or sedative options with your doctor if you’re feeling nervous about your MRI scan.
New technologies are already enhancing the power of MRI techniques, bringing more efficient and accurate information to help healthcare providers direct patient care.
AI is being increasingly integrated into MRI screening protocols. It is particularly useful in speeding up image processing and helping radiologists identify subtle tissue changes that are more difficult to detect by the eye. Deep learning algorithms are improving AI-driven diagnostics and are expanding the possibilities for more precise and personalized medical care. This is an active area of research that will likely yield new breakthroughs in the near future.
Beyond AI, new MRI techniques are emerging that help to provide even more detailed images of tissue structure and composition. For instance, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) allows healthcare providers to monitor the movement of water molecules through tissue, making it possible to monitor brain function and detect abnormalities that may indicate disease. Another technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) gives information on the biochemical composition of tissues, which helps identify disease-related chemical imbalances. Collectively, these advancements make MRI relevant to more areas of medical science, including neurology, oncology, and orthopedics.
Portable MRI machines are being developed to provide imaging capabilities in remote areas or emergencies where standard machines are not viable. They could be particularly impactful in underserved areas, areas affected by conflict and natural disasters, or other areas where the normal health infrastructure has been disrupted.
MRI is expected to remain a fundamental tool in medical care, offering highly detailed images of various body tissues. While it’s often associated with severe conditions and in detecting already-established tumors, MRI can detect diseases early, before symptoms have emerged. The continuing evolution of MRI through new technologies like DTI, MRS, and AI means its applications are set to expand across biomedicine, research, and industrial applications. Keeping up with the latest advancements in screening technologies can help individuals better understand their available screening options and dispel common myths that might discourage them from participating in screening programs.
If you want to be proactive about your health, why not book an Ezra full-body MRI? Our annual scan catches potential cancer earlier, leveraging AI through the screening process to make it more efficient, affordable, and faster.
