Magnetic resonance imaging (nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, NMRI, MRI, NMR) - is not radiological method of investigation of internal organs and tissues. It does not use X-rays, this method is safe for most people.

As we study

MRI technology is quite complex: using resonant absorption by atoms of electromagnetic waves. Man is placed in a magnetic field, which creates a machine. Molecules in the body while deployed under the direction of the magnetic field. After that scans radio wave. Changing the state of the molecules is fixed on a special sensor and transmitted to the computer, where data processing is carried out. Unlike CT scanner MRI provides images pathological process in various planes. Magnetic Resonance Imaging in appearance like a computer. The study is the same as CT scanner. The table is gradually moving along the scanner. MRI takes longer than CT, and usually takes at least 1 hour (one section of the spine diagnosis takes 20-30 minutes).
The method was named magnetic resonance imaging, rather than Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) because of negative associations with the word "nuclear" in the late 1970s. MRI is based on the principles of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, a method used by scientists to obtain data on the chemical and physical properties of molecules. MRI was started as a method of tomographic maps, giving the image of the NMR signal of thin sections passing through the human body. MRI has evolved from the tomographic method of mapping method to Surround display.
The method is especially useful for studying dynamic processes (eg, blood condition and results of its breach) in the organs and tissues.

Advantages of magnetic resonance imaging

MRI better visualizes some of the structures of the brain and spinal cord and other nerve structures. In this regard, it is often used to diagnose injuries, tumor formation of the nervous system, as well as in cancer, when it is necessary to determine the presence and prevalence of cancer. The list of diseases that can be detected by MRI, is impressive: inflammatory, degenerative and neoplastic lesions of blood vessels and the heart, thoracic and abdominal lymph nodes, processes, and other parasitic diseases.

Harmful if magnetic resonance imaging?

At the present time about the dangers of the magnetic field is not known. However, most scientists believe that in circumstances where there is no evidence of its complete safety, such studies should not be exposed pregnant women. For these reasons, and because of the high cost and low availability of computer equipment and NMR imaging are assigned according to strict indications in cases of disputed diagnosis or ineffectiveness of other methods of research. MRI can also be among those people in the body which are different metal structures - artificial joints, cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, orthopedic design that keep the bones, etc.
Like other research methods, computer and magnetic resonance imaging appoint a doctor. Not in all hospitals performed these studies, so if you need to try to appeal to the diagnostic center.

The sectional anatomy of the spine

Color designations of the spine.

MRI of the spine

1. Ligamentum nuchae
2. The tooth is the second cervical vertebra
3.  He vertebra С 7
4. The body of thoracic vertebra T1
5. Spinal canal
6. Thoracic cord
7. Intervertebral disc
8. Ligg. supraspinal
9. Ligg. infraspinal
10. The body of the lumbar vertebrae L1
11. Brain cone
12. Ponytail
13. Spinous process
14. Lumbar cistern
15. Sacrum (S1)
16.Sacropromontory
17. Coccyx

MRI of the cervical spine

1.Foramen magnum
2. Trapezius muscle (descending part)
3. The cover membrane
4. The occipital bone (internal occipital protuberance)
5. Front atlanto-occipital membrane
6. Semispinal muscle head
7. The apical odontoid ligament process
8. Small dorsal rectus head
9. Longitudinal fasciculus
10. Posterior atlanto-occipital membrane
11. The second cervical vertebra (anterior arch)
12. Suboccipital adipose tissue
13. The median atlanto-axial joint
14. The second cervical vertebra (back arc)
15. The first cervical vertebra (odontoid process)
16. Deep neck veins
17. The first cervical vertebra (body)
18. Transverse ligament of the first cervical vertebra
19. The long muscle of head
20. Posterior longitudinal ligament
21. The lower end-plate
vertebra СЗ
22. Interspinous ligament
23. The upper endplate vertebral С4
24. Cervical spinal cord
25. Anterior longitudinal ligament
26. Subarachnoid space
27. Intervertebral disc
28. Interspinous muscles
29. Esophagus
30. Spinous process С7
31. Basal veins of vertebrates
32. Yellow ligament
33. The body of thoracic vertebra Т1
34. Ligg. supraspinal
35. Spinal canal

MRI - cervical

1. The external auditory canal
2. Stylomastoid opening
3. Vertebral Vienna
4. Internal jugular Vienna
5. Occipital condyle
6. Mastoid
7. Parotid gland
8. The lateral rectus head
9. Atlanto-occipital joint
10. The cover membrane
11. The second cervical vertebra
12. Transverse ligament
13. Second cervical vertebrae (transverse process)
14. Digastric (posterior belly)
15. The second cervical vertebra (odontoid process)
16. Wedge-shaped ligament
17. Spinal nerve C2
18. Vertebral artery
19. Lateral atlanto axial joint
20. The lower oblique muscle of head
21. Intervertebral joint
22. Levator scapulae muscle
23. The first cervical vertebra (body)
24. Spinal node NW СЗ
25. Cerviciplex
26. Sternal clavicular mastoid muscle
27. Average scalenus
28. The intervertebral disc (S2/SZ)
29. Transverse process of C7
30. The upper articular process C4
31. The body of cervical vertebra C7
32. The lower articular process
33. Spinal nerve C8
34. Hamulus C7
35. Scalenus posterior
36. Subclavian artery
37. Esophagus
38. Long arm neck
39. Lung

Thoracic spine

1. Esophagus
2. Seventh cervical vertebra
3. The thyroid gland
4. Interspinous muscles in the neck
5. Trachea
6. Ligg. supraspinal
7. Sternal hyoid muscle
8. The body of thoracic vertebra T4
9. Brachiocephalic trunk
10. Interspinous ligament
11. Brisket (handle)
12. Spinous process
13. Left brachiocephalic Vienna
14. Basal spinal Vienna
15. Ascending aorta
16. Thoracic spinal cord
17. Anterior longitudinal ligament
18. Posterior intercostal artery
19. Pulmonary artery
20. Posterior longitudinal ligament
21. The lower endplate vertebral T6
22. Intervertebral disc T9/T10
23. Left atrium
24. Yellow ligament
25. The upper endplate vertebra T7
26. Epidural adipose tissue
27. The median vein
28. Brain cone
29. Intervertebral disc T9/T10
30. Ponytail
31. Liver
32. Filum terminale of spinal cord
33. The descending aorta

MRI of thoracic spine

1. Trachea
2. Belt neck muscle
3. The thyroid gland
4. Semispinal muscle head
5. Sternal hyoid muscle
6. Rear upper serratus
7. Esophagus
8. Much rhomboid muscle
9. Brachiocephalic trunk
10. Intervertebral joint TZ/T4
11. Left brachiocephalic vein
12. The lower articular process of T4
13. Brisket (handle)
14. The upper articular process T5
15. The left main bronchus
16. Trapezius muscle (cucullaris)
17. Ascending aorta
18. Posterior intercostal artery
19. Pulmonary artery
20. Intervertebral vein
21. Poluneparnaya vein
22. Straightening the trunk muscle
23. T7/T8 intervertebral disc
24. Intervertebral opening
25. Left atrium
26. Spinal unit (dorsal root)
27. The upper endplate vertebral T
28. Spinal unit (ventral root)
29. Right atrium
30. Multifidus semi spinalis dorsi breast
31. Lower vertebral endplate
32. Rear external vertebral venous plexus
33. The body of thoracic vertebra
34. Latissimus dorsi
35. The descending aorta
36. Foot arch vertebra
37. Liver
38. Yellow ligament


MRI of the lumbar spine

1. Spinal cord
2. Brain cone
3. Abdominal aorta
4. Yellow ligament
5. The body of the lumbar vertebrae L1
6. L1 spinous process
7. Intervertebral disc L1/L2 (nucleus pulposus)
8. Interspinous ligament
9. Anterior longitudinal ligament
10. Ligg. supraspinal
11. L2/L3 intervertebral disc
12. Ponytail
13. Basal spinal vein
14. Epidural adipose tissue
15. Left common iliac vein
16. Posterior longitudinal ligament
17. Sacral canal
18. Lumbar cistern
19. Sacropromontory
20. Dura mater
21. Sacrum (S1)
22. The medial sacral crest


MRI of the lumbar spine

1. Aperture (lumbar part)
2. Lumbar-thoracic fascia
3. Front exterior vertebral venous plexus
4. Straightening the trunk muscle
5. Posterior intercostal artery
6. Nerve fibers
7. The body of thoracic vertebra
8. The upper articular process
9. The body of the lumbar vertebrae L1
10. Posterior vertebral arch (plate)
11. L1/L2 intervertebral disc
12.Yellow ligament
13. The lower hollow vein
14. Forward internal vertebral venous plexus
15. L2/L3 intervertebral disc
16. Lumbar artery and nerve
17. Lumbar artery
18. Multifidus muscle
19. Common iliac artery
20. Sacrum (S1)
21. Spinal unit
22. The medial sacral crest
23. Sacropromontory

MRI of the spine to date the main method of choice in the diagnosis of hernias of intervertebral disks, are the most frequent cause of pain in the spine (80%), as well as other degenerative diseases of the spine, inflammatory and neoplastic changes in the vertebrae, soft tissue structures and the spinal cord.

To date, MRI - an optimal method of screening and differential diagnosis pathological changes in the spinal cord, as well as its sole method of diagnosis of demyelinating diseases.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine reveals the traumatic injuries of the spinal canal structures, including visible on radiographs. The use of contrast in addition to the standard allows for the study of differential diagnosis of space-occupying lesions and other diseases of this area. MRI is an indispensable method for assessing the indication for therapeutic or surgical treatment of most diseases of the spine, and monitoring the efficiency of treatment selected. The method enables the assessment of violations of the static (gain and straightening of the natural bends, scoliosis), detection of vertebral displacements (spondylolisthesis), metabolic disorders (osteoporosis).

An extensive spinal cord swelling. After the introduction of a contrast agent is determined by its accumulation of voluminous education.
In the current study centers spine MRI performed on high field (1.5 T) MRI and high above the field (3T), with a higher resolution with thinner slice MRI. Thanks to the ultra-wide aperture (70 cm) and its small length, 3T scanner provides maximum comfort for the patient during the study, including the mild form of claustrophobia. In addition, the phone can examine patients weighing over 110 kg. If your weight exceeds 110 kg, the optimum conducting research on 3 T MRI.
The study, by identifying a number of pathological changes, there may be an indication for intravenous contrast material. Contrast agents used in MRI, do not contain iodine, are safe for the body and do not cause allergic reactions. If necessary, you need to offer advanced study. Deciding on a final volume of research should always leave the patient, but follow the advice of specialists helps patients get the most informative opinion, and in the future to save time and money by avoiding the need for a reassessment of the diagnostic procedure.
Today's centers are ready to offer a long list of MR Research spine, covering the following areas and their various combinations:

Craniovertebral region and the cervical spine. Indications for the use of the method:

•    herniated intervertebral discs, degenerative disc disease as a manifestation of that are the most frequent cause of pain in the cervical spine with possible irradiation into the shoulder joints, upper limbs and head;
•    large herniated discs, providing pressure on the spinal nerve roots and may, as well as their cause ischemic lesion, which in turn leads to violations of sensitivity and motor function of upper extremities;
•    tumors of the cervical spine, including the secondary (metastatic) nature;
•    demyelinating processes (multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis). In this case, the MRI - the only method of instrumental diagnosis of demyelinating diseases;
•    traumatic injuries of the spinal canal structures, including the absence of changes on the radiograph. MRI - the method of choice in the diagnosis of traumatic injuries of the spinal cord structures;
•    inflammatory diseases of the spinal canal structures as specific and nonspecific, noninfectious inflammatory diseases (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter's syndrome);
•    acute impairment of the spinal blood circulation and vascular malformations;
•    granulomatous, fungal, parasitic infection of spinal cord and other structures of the spinal canal;
•    anomalies of the spine.

Indications for MRI of the spine:

•    herniated intervertebral disks, causing pain, especially in the thoracic spine with possible irradiation (reflection) in the chest and abdominal wall, the bodies of the thoracic and abdominal cavities, often mimic angina, intercostal neuralgia, cholecystitis, pancreatitis and other diseases of internal organs;
•    tumors of the spine, including the secondary (metastatic) nature;
•    demyelinating processes (multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis). MRI - the only method of instrumental diagnosis of demyelinating diseases;
•    traumatic injuries of the spinal canal structures, including the absence of changes on the radiograph. MRI - the method of choice in the diagnosis of traumatic injuries of the spinal cord structures;
•    inflammatory diseases of the spinal canal structures as specific and nonspecific nature, non-infectious inflammatory diseases (ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease), rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter's syndrome);
•    acute impairment of the spinal blood circulation and vascular malformations;
•    granulomatous, fungal and parasitic infections;
•    anomalies of the spine.

Indications for MRI of the lumbosacral spine and / or coccyx:

•    herniated intervertebral disks, causing pain in the lumbosacral spine with possible irradiation into the hips, lower extremities, pelvic organs or lead to a breach of sensitivity and motor dysfunction of the lower limbs and pelvic organs;
•    tumors of the lumbosacral spine, including the secondary (metastatic) nature;
•    traumatic injuries of the spinal canal structures, including the absence of changes on the radiograph. MRI - the method of choice in the diagnosis of traumatic injuries of the spinal cord structures;
•    inflammatory diseases of the spinal canal structures as specific and nonspecific nature, non-infectious inflammatory diseases (ankylosing spondylitis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, etc.);
•    vascular malformations;
•    suspicion of granulomatous, fungal and parasitic infections spinal canal structures;
•    anomalies of the spine.

Magnetic resonance imaging spine does not require special preparation.
The patient may need to have with all medical documentation related to the area of ​​interest: post-surgery discharge data from previous studies such as MRI (pictures and report if any), ultrasound, CT structures. The direction of the attending physician is encouraged. This information is needed before the medical diagnostic procedure, to think and plan for optimum progress of magnetic resonance imaging.

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