Body MR is a fast developing modality of scanning and has replaced conventional imaging systems in niche areas. But in many areas, Body MR is complimentary to the existing systems, according to Dr Vamsi Narra, faculty, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington and University School of Medicine, St Louis.

One area where Body MR has come into great use is in screening for breast cancer. While mammography is still the goal standard, in certain patients Body MR would stand in. Patients who have dense breasts and those who come under high-risk category if they had a family history, Body MR would be able to detect the changes early on.

Another major area is liver imaging. Here Body MR has a critical role to play especially when it comes to viewing the blue duct. This has helped in early intervention of cases of cirrhosis either due to excess intake of alcohol or due to viral infection. This is because a functional evaluation is possible. In such cases, Body MR becomes a one-stop diagnostic device and has proved its value. Similarly, in cardiac imaging, Body MR has been able to play a vital role. Body MR is now commonly used to find out muscle damage after an ischemic episode or infarct and then decide the possibility of salvaging a portion of the vital tissues around. It is also used to measure the ejection fraction and other vital parameters. MR angiography is best suited for children and it is under- utilized even in the US. This is an ideal imaging modality and children are not exposed to any sort of radiation.

While earlier Body MR was not very popular due to the slow speed and because of constant movement (unlike the brain, all organs below the neck move due to breathing and heartbeat), the modern gadgets are faster and serial MRI has solved the problem of movement. A combination of CTA and MRA is fast emerging and may one day replace traditional coronary angiogram in select patients.

In renal failure too, Body MR has emerged as an imaging modality of promise, Dr Vamsi pointed out. But the future belongs to MR Spectroscopy where it will be possible to study the chemical composition of tissues at the molecular level. With the contrast agents getting better and special tissue sensitive chemicals round the corner, MR Spectroscopy is the future. Body MR to pick up momentum very soon.