Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – A Review

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has progressed over 30 years from being a technique with great potential to one that has become the primary diagnostic investigation for many clinical problems. Its application was initially limited to the neuro-axis, now covers all regions of the body and an increased knowledge base has provided a better understanding of how it can best be utilized, either alone or in conjunction with other techniques, in order to maximize diagnostic certainty. This article aims to describe brief historical review of magnetic resonance imaging, MRI physics, instrumentation, basic sequences, artifacts, MR safety, MR Contrast agents, advantages /disadvantages of magnetic resonance imaging, its application in the maxillofacial region and recent advances in MR imaging.