What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most perfect examination known to today’s medical diagnostics. Magnetic resonance imaging is a completely painless and safe diagnostic test that produces very clear images of organs and structures inside the body.
Magnetic resonance imaging uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to generate these detailed images. It does not use X-rays (radiation) and has no harmful effects on the body.
Since magnetic resonance does not use X-rays or other radiation, it is completely harmless and is suitable for imaging that needs to be repeated for diagnosis or monitoring treatment, especially when it comes to the brain or spine.


When is magnetic resonance imaging done?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive way for a doctor to examine your organs, tissues and skeletal system. MRI produces high-resolution images of the inside of the body that help diagnose a variety of problems.
Magnetic resonance imaging is an irreplaceable form of diagnostics when examinations are required:
- brain, spinal cord and spinal column (lumbar, cervical and thoracic region)
- blood vessels of the brain, heart or neck (angiography and venography)
- abdomen and other internal organs
- bones and joints (pelvis, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders and others)
- breasts
Magnetic resonance imaging is the most commonly used imaging test of the brain and spinal cord. It is often done to diagnose:
spinal cord disorders, disc herniation, aneurysms of cerebral vessels, eye and inner ear disorders, multiple sclerosis, tumors, brain injury due to trauma.
Magnetic resonance of the heart and blood vessels
An MRI that focuses on the heart or blood vessels can evaluate:
- Size and function of heart chambers
- Heart wall thickness and movement
- The extent of damage caused by heart attacks or heart disease
- Structural problems in the aorta, such as aneurysms or dissections
- Inflammation or blockage in blood vessels


Magnetic resonance of the abdomen and other internal organs
An MRI can check for tumors or other abnormalities in many organs in the body, including the following:
- Liver and bile ducts
- Kidneys
- Adrenal gland
- Spleen
- Pancreas
- The uterus
- Ovaries
- Prostate
- Ureter
- Lymphatic system
Magnetic resonance of bones and joints
An MRI can help evaluate:
- Joint abnormalities caused by traumatic or repetitive injuries, such as cartilage or ligament tears
- Spinal disc abnormalities
- Bone infections
- Bone and soft tissue tumors
Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast
Magnetic resonance imaging can be used with mammography to detect breast cancer, especially in women who have dense breast tissue or who may be at high risk for the disease.