Interpretation of magnetic resonance imaging of orbit: Simplified for ophthalmologists (Part I)

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an indispensable diagnostic tool in the field of radiology. Due to better soft tissue contrast resolution and no ionizing radiation, it has become the modality of choice in most cases of orbital / ocular pathologies. Ophthalmologists tend to neglect interpreting orbital MRI, and rely mainly on the reports provided by the radiologists. This article deals with the basics of MRI and the appearance of normal orbital structures on MRI. This knowledge will help ophthalmologists interpret the MRI orbital pathologies which will be published in the subsequent issue.

Keywords

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• MRI orbit
• T1 weighted image
• T2 weighted image
• MRI with contrast
• fat suppression