• MRI - Lack of ionizing radiation, multiplanar imaging and excellent spatial resolution make MRI more advantageous than CT,especially in CNS & spinal pathologies.
  
  It consists of a magnet operating at a fixed strength, which induces a net proton magnetization in the long axis of the patient. Oscillating magnetic field pulses are used to perturb this magnetization following which it relaxes back to its original position & produces an electrical signal in the reservoir coil that surrounds the patient.
  
  Gadolinium is a commonly used constant medium in MRI. It aids in increasing the sensitivity for diagnosis of some pathologies.
  
  Any metallic implant (prosthetic valve/Aneer clip) is a contraindication to MRI. Claustrophobia with small gantry & high cost are the limiting factors for MRI.
  

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY :

It has made possible non-invasive treatment of various pathologies for e.g.

• Percutaneous Angioplasty in Renal artery stenosis.
• Embolization of vascular malformations.
• Preoperative embolization of Hypervascular tumors.

Hence, it is important to correctly use each radiographic modality & thus limit the radiation dose.

Thus, an appropriate and timely use of correct modality in the best possible manner would definitely aid in achieving early diagnosis.

Last updated on 20-01-2001