Indications for Use and Specialized MRI Techniques

Since MRI has excellent soft tissue contrast, its greatest use is for evaluating soft tissue structures, as discussed previously in this module. MRI is indicated in the evaluation of joints and soft tissue tumors and masses of the extremities. In the neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis, MRI is indicated in the evaluation of congenital or structural abnormalities, tumors or other masses of organs and soft tissues. MRI is indicated to evaluate the brain, face, spinal cord and spine for a wide variety of symptoms and problems. Specialized techniques include specifically imaging blood vessels and fluid filled structures.

TUMORS

MRI is widely used to evaluate for tumors throughout the body, including the neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, spine and brain. It is excellent in the evaluation of brain tumors. The two images demonstrate brain tumors in two different patients. The images were obtained after IV contrast was given, and the tumor tissue has taken up the contrast and appears brighter than the adjacent brain parenchyma on these T1 weighted images.