General
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also known as magnetic resonance imaging. It is an imaging procedure that produces sectional images of the region under investigation. In contrast to X-rays and computed tomography, the images in an MRI are not produced with the help of rays, but by means of very strong magnetic fields and radio waves.
This is not harmful to the patient. By applying a strong magnetic field, certain particles in the body align themselves with this magnetic field. If it is now turned off, the particles will reorient themselves in their original position.
The time it takes them to return to this position is measured and the cross-sectional images are created based on this data. MRI images depict soft tissue very clearly and can reveal even small changes. MRI of the lung was difficult for a long time because the lung consists mainly of air and the MRI images were often inaccurate.
MRI with contrast media, especially helium, has significantly improved this situation and provides accurate images of the lung tissue. An MRI of the lung can be performed for various purposes. On the one hand, it can be used to detect pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs).
In addition, the blood vessels of the lungs can be accurately depicted and the effects on them, for example in the case of pulmonary hypertension, can be detected. Also the ventilation of the lungs can be detected, which is important in chronic lung diseases, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The MRI examination also plays a very important role in the detection of lung cancer or lung metastases. Here, a follow-up of chemotherapy can also be performed.
Fields of application
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lungs can be performed for various purposes. On the one hand, it can be used to detect pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs). In addition, the blood vessels of the lungs can be accurately visualized and the effects on them, for example in the case of pulmonary hypertension, can be detected.
Also the ventilation of the lungs can be detected, which is important in chronic lung diseases, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The MRI examination also plays a very important role in the detection of lung cancer or lung metastases. Here, a follow-up of chemotherapy can also be performed.
