2nd year (Radiology & Imaging), Question to answer

 

Question: Enumerate the radiological modalities which have no radiation hazards. What are the advantages of MRI?

Radiological modalities with no ionizing radiation hazards

These imaging techniques do not use ionizing radiation (unlike X-ray, CT, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine):

1. Ultrasound (USG): Uses high-frequency sound waves.

2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses.

3. Optical imaging (e.g., endoscopy, optical coherence tomography)

—sometimes included depending on curriculum; not traditionally considered “radiology,” but it has no radiation.

Thus, the principal radiological modalities free of radiation hazard are Ultrasound and MRI.

 

Advantages of MRI :MRI offers multiple benefits due to its physics and high soft-tissue contrast:

1. No ionizing radiation

Safe for repeated examinations.

Preferred in children, pregnancy (after the first trimester), and follow-up imaging.

2. Superior soft-tissue contrast: Excellent visualization of brain, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, tendons, marrow, pelvic organs.

3. Multiplanar imaging: True axial, sagittal, coronal, and oblique planes without repositioning the patient.

4. Functional and advanced imaging capabilities

DWI/ADC: stroke, tumors, cellularity.

fMRI: brain activation mapping.

MR angiography (MRA): vascular imaging without radiation.

MR spectroscopy: biochemical analysis.

Perfusion MRI: tumor/ischemia assessment.

Cardiac MRI: anatomy, viability, function.

5. Excellent for detection of lesions obscured on CT: Brain tumors, multiple sclerosis plaques, ligament tears, marrow pathology.

6. Contrast agents generally safer: Gadolinium has fewer allergic reactions compared to iodinated contrast (though nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a concern in severe renal failure).

 

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