Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Central Nervous System
- Council on Scientific Affairs;
- Report of the Panel on Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
- George M. Bohigian, MD;
- E. Harvey Estes, Jr, MD;
- Ira R. Friedlander, MD;
- William C. Scott, MD;
- Joseph H Skom, MD;
- Richard M. Steinhilber, MD;
- Jack P. Strong, MD;
- Henry N. Wagner, Jr, MD;
- William R. Hendee, PhD;
- William T. McGivney, PhD;
- Ira R. Friedlander, MD;
- Jack Greenberg, MD;
- Lawrence D. Jacobs, MD;
- Alexander R. Margulis, MD;
- Thomas F Meaney, MD;
- William H. Oldendorf, MD, DSc;
- Gerald M. Pohost, MD;
- George A. Sisson, Sr, MD;
- Robert Spetzler, MD;
- Henry N. Wagner, Jr, MD;
- Peter R. Kinkel, MD;
- William R. Kinkel, MD;
- Lewis P. Rowland, MD;
- Robert C. Canby, MEE;
- William R. Hendee, PhD
- St Louis, Chairman; Durham, NC; Chicago, Resident Representative; Tucson, Vice Chairman; Chicago; Cleveland; New Orleans; Baltimore; Chicago, Council on Scientific Affairs Liaison; Philadelphia; Buffalo; San Francisco; Cleveland; Los Angeles; Birmingham, Ala; Chicago; Phoenix; Baltimore, Council on Scientific Affairs Liaison; Buffalo, Consultant; Buffalo, Consultant; New York, Consultant
- From the Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association, Chicago.
Abstract
This report reviews the current applications of magnetic resonance imaging of the central nervous system. Since its introduction into the clinical environment in the early 1980s, this technology has had a major impact on the practice of neurology. It has proved to be superior to computed tomography for imaging many diseases of the brain and spine. In some instances it has clearly replaced computed tomography. It is likely that it will replace myelography for the assessment of cervicomedullary junction and spinal regions. The magnetic field strengths currently used appear to be entirely safe for clinical application in neurology, except in patients with cardiac pacemakers or vascular metallic clips. Some shortcomings of magnetic resonance imaging include its expense, the time required for scanning, and poor visualization of cortical bone. JAMA 1988;259:1211-1222)
Footnotes
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This report will be presented to the American Medical Association's House of Delegates as an informational report at the 1988 Annual Meeting.
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This report is not intended to be construed or to serve as a standard of medical care Standards of medical care are determined on the basis of all of the facts and circumstances involved in an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and patterns of practice evolve. This report reflects the views of scientific literature as of December 1986.
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Reprint requests to the Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association, 535 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 (William R. Hendee, PhD).
