Strengths of MRI

Excellent soft tissue contrast (can distinguish between different tissues well)

MRI of soft tissue

Advanced MRI imaging techniques (fMRI, Cardiac MRI, DTI/Tractography, angiography etc. )

MRI of brain

No Radiation (unlike CT and x-ray)

No radiation

 

Weaknesses of MRI

  • Exams are time consuming (usually 45-60 min)
  • Price (Average cost ~$2600, varies by exam and institution)
  • Some implanted devices or retained metal from injuries can be contraindications (ie. Pacemakers or shrapnel injury)
  • Moving while scanning can degrade image quality (not ideal if patients are agitated, claustrophobic, in lots of pain, or unable to follow commands)