Test Overview
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a
test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make
pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases MRI gives
different information about structures in the body than can be seen with an
,
, or
. MRI also may show
problems that cannot be seen with other imaging methods.
For an
MRI test, the area of the body being studied is placed inside a special machine
that contains a strong magnet. Pictures from an MRI scan are digital images
that can be saved and stored on a computer for more study. The images also can
be reviewed remotely, such as in a clinic or an operating room. In some cases,
may be used during the MRI scan to
show certain structures more clearly.
See pictures of a
and an
.