Magnetic resonance imaging: A clinical and imaging perspective

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has enhanced the scope of medical imaging. The steady growth in its clinical use is a result of its high soft tissue contrast and multiplanar imaging capability, Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) when combined with MRI can facilitate pre-operative planning for patients with vascular lesions. MRA is a noninvasive technique and does not require any contrast material. Diffusion and perfusion imaging techniques share significant promise in the evaluation of anatomatic and functional disorders of brain, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy is the only non-invasive technique capable of chemical quantification and imaging. Functional methods for localising brain activity have significantly expanded the potential clinical role of MRI, MRI, with its high contrast, multiplanar facility, is currently the gold standard as the most sensitive and least invasive modality for the investigation of structural changes in the central nervous system.