Advantages and Disadvantages of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is an imaging technique that uses powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce anatomical and functional pictures of the body. Check this list of advantages and disadvantages of MRI Scans.

Advantages of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans:

• No Radiation: MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to form the images of the body so there is no risk of exposure to ionizing radiation and thereby making it is safe for the people who can be vulnerable to the effects of radiations such as children and pregnant women.
• Show Soft Tissue Structures: MRI gives extremely clear and detailed images of soft tissue structures, such as ligaments and cartilage, and organs such as the brain, heart and eyes that cannot be achieved by other imaging techniques.
• Show Blood Circulation: MRI scan can detect any problems related to the blood circulation such as blockages, by providing information on blood circulation through certain organs and blood vessels.
• Non-invasive: Generally MRI is a non-invasive procedure so it is painless.
• MRI contrasting agent is proved safer than the iodinated contrast agents used in X-ray radiography or computed tomography.
• MRI scanning can cover large portions of the body unlike other imaging techniques such as ultrasound or mammography which are limited to small body parts.
• MRI can determine the cancer spread and help in treatment.
• No long term negative effects from MRI scans.

Disadvantages of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans:

• MRI scans are very expensive compared with other forms of imaging.
• Since MRI uses strong magnetic fields it cannot be performed on patients with metallic implants or other foreign bodies such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, defibrillation devices, aneurysm clips and some cardiac stents.
• If the scanning area has metallic artefacts such as screws, plates or artificial joints the images can have severe distortions.
• Bone and calcium cannot be shown on an MRI scan so it will not be able to find all cancers such as breast cancers which are indicated by micro calcifications.
• MRI scanning is a lengthy procedure; subjects may have to remain motionless for extended periods of time (15- 45 minutes) which can be difficult.
• People with claustrophobia (i.e. fearful of being in a small/ closely enclosed space) may be disconcerting to remain still in an enclosed MRI machine.
• MRI scanners can produce continual, rapid hammering noise due to the high amount of current supply to machine. This can be discomforting for subjects, however earplugs or headphones may be given to block out the noise.
• MRI scanners can be affected by movement causing distorted images and will have to be repeated.