Body Interventional MRI for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologists: Current Practice and Future Prospects

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Radiology
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background:

• Clinical interventional MRI (iMRI) emerged in the late 1980s but faced early limitations.
• Technological progress over three decades has driven the expansion of iMRI applications, especially in body imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution, advantages, disadvantages, and clinical applications of interventional MRI.
• To highlight safety considerations and the growing availability of MR-conditional devices for iMRI procedures.

Main Methods:

• Review of technological advancements in iMRI magnets, pulse sequences, and equipment.
• Discussion of safety protocols and the expanding range of MR-conditional devices.
• Overview of current clinical applications in body iMRI.

Main Results:

• Significant technological advancements have expanded iMRI capabilities.
• iMRI offers superior soft-tissue resolution and multiplanar imaging without ionizing radiation.
• Numerous MR-conditional devices are now available, facilitating diverse iMRI procedures.

Conclusions:

• Interventional MRI is increasingly valuable for precise localization, biopsy, and ablation of soft-tissue lesions.
• Safety in the iMRI environment requires strict protocols and team collaboration.
• The growth in clinical iMRI applications is substantial, driven by technological improvements and device availability.