MRI for physicians

This scan examines the brain tissue and skull. Some common clinical indications include infection, multiple sclerosis, tumours and post-surgical evaluation.

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A diffusion-weighted and coronal gradient imaging of the whole brain, as well as Magnetic Resonance Angiography of the intracranial and neck arteries will be performed to evaluate stroke risk.

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Common indications of this scan include:

• neurologic deficits, evidence of radiculopathy, acute spinal cord compression (e.g., sudden bowel/bladder disturbance)
• suspected systemic disorders (primary tumors, drop metastases, osteomyelitis
• postoperative evaluation of lumbar spine: disk vs. scar
• localised back pain with no radiculopathy (leg pain)

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MRI has now become the main imaging tool to demonstrate internal derangement of the knee joint pathology. MRI allows an excellent depiction of intra-articular structures such as ligaments, cartilage, menisci, synoyium, as well as bone marrow and adjacent soft tissue.

Common indications include:

• internal meniscal degeneration and tears, ligament injuries, osteochondral fractures, osteochondritis dissecans, avascular bone necrosis and cartilage abnormalities

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The latest guidelines from American Cancer Society have recommended this scan for women with an especially high risk of developing breast cancer along with their yearly mammogram.

This scan is particularly useful in these patient types:

• they have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
• they have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, even if they have yet to be tested themselves
• their lifetime risk of breast cancer has been scored at 20%-25% or greater, based on one of several accepted risk assessment tools that look at family history and other factors
• they had radiation to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30
• they have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or may have one of these syndromes based on a history in a first-degree relative

ACS Advises MRIs for Some at High Risk of Breast Cancer

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