The IAC Standards and Guidelines |
Body
Imaging:
MRI body imaging includes examinations of the chest, neck, abdomen, pelvis,
breast and vascular structures and is a technological challenge due to
physiological motion artifacts. However, since the emergence of fast scan and
motion compensation techniques, MRI examinations of the body have become more
practical. The ability to acquire scan data during a breath hold has greatly
improved spatial resolution of structures in areas previously degraded by
motion artifacts. In addition, the ability of MRI to demonstrate anatomy and
pathology in multiple planes, and the improved conspicuity provided by chemical
shift imaging, has made MRI an important tool for imaging of body structures.
In many instances, MRI has become the imaging method of choice for
demonstrating organ function and morphology, and the detection, differentiation
and staging of benign and malignant lesions.
Cardiovascular
Imaging:
Cardiovascular MRI involves imaging of the heart and central vascular system
using single-planar and multi-planar acquisitions. Included in disorders of the
heart are disorders of the myocardium, heart chambers, valves, coronary blood
vessels, blood pathways and the pericardium. Included in disorders of the
central vascular system are abnormalities of the aorta (ascending, arch,
thoracic descending, abdominal descending and the iliac bifurcation), the
pulmonary vasculature and the thoracic venous system.
Musculoskeletal
Imaging:
MRI is a valuable tool in the visualization, detection and staging of a wide
range of musculoskeletal disorders. These include degenerative, infectious,
neoplastic and traumatic evaluation of articular structures, non-articular soft
tissues, bones and bone marrow.
Neurological
Imaging:
Neurological MRI involves imaging of the brain and spine using both 2D and 3D
acquisitions and neuro physiological techniques. Included in disorders of the
brain are conditions of the skull base, intra and extra cranial vasculature,
the cranial nerves as well as other structures. Included in disorders of the
spine are conditions involving the cervical, thoracic lumbar and sacral regions.
Breast
Imaging:
MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing breast health when used in conjunction
with a clinical examination, mammography and ultrasound. MRI scans are
used to produce high quality images that show increased or abnormal blood flow
in the breast (often a sign of early cancers); aid in the detection of
abnormalities in dense and fatty breast tissues; and use subtraction and 3D
imaging to delineate suspicious lesions.
MRA
Imaging:
MR angiography is used to evaluate abnormalities and disease processes of blood
vessels in all parts of the body. Common indications for the use of MRA include,
but are not limited to, the diagnosis and evaluation of: atherosclerosis,
aneurysms, arterial venous malformations, patency of vessels following stent
placement, aortic dissections and the evaluation of tumors, blood supply.