What is an MRI exam?
		MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide pictures of internal organs and tissues in the body. An MRI gives clear pictures of soft-tissue structures near and around bone. MRI is widely used to diagnose sports-related injuries. The images allow the physician to see very small tears and injuries to ligaments and muscles. In addition, MRI of the heart, aorta, coronary arteries, and blood vessels is a fast, noninvasive tool for diagnosing coronary artery disease and heart problems. Physicians can examine the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart, and determine the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease. Organs of the chest and abdomen can also be examined in high detail in MRI images, enabling the diagnosis and evaluation of tumors and functional disorders. For more information, please visit: http://www.radiologyinfo.org