Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI/MRA)

What is MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, uses strong magnet and radio waves to provide clear and detailed diagnostic images of internal body organs and tissues. MRI is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of a broad range of conditions, including:

• Cancer
• Heart and vascular disease
• Stroke
• Joint and musculoskeletal disorders
• Body organs (head, neck, lungs, liver, spleen & kidneys, adrenals, reproductive systems & others.)

MRI allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other diagnostic imaging methods.

What are some common uses of MRI?

Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System: MRI is often used to study the knee, ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. MRI is also a highly accurate method for evaluation of soft tissue structures such as tendons and ligaments, which are seen in great detail. Even subtle injuries are easily detected. In addition, MRI is used for the diagnosis of spinal problems including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and spinal tumors.

Imaging of the Heart: MRI of the heart, aorta, coronary arteries, and blood vessels is a tool for diagnosing coronary artery disease and other heart problems. Doctors can examine the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart and determine the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or heart disease.

Imaging for Cancer & Functional Disorders: Organs of the chest and abdomen such as the liver, lungs, kidney, and other abdominal organs can be examined in great detail with MRI. This aids in the diagnosis and evaluation of tumors and functional disorders. In the early diagnosis of breast cancer, MRI is an alternative to traditional x-ray mammography. Furthermore, because there is no radiation exposure is involved, MRI is often used for examination of the male and female reproductive systems.

How should I prepare for an MRI?

• Before your MRI exam, remove all accessories including hair pins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, wigs, dentures.  During the exam, these metal objects may interfere with the magnetic field, affecting the quality of the MRI images taken.
• Notify your technologist if you have:
  • any prosthetic joints – hip, knee
  • a heart pacemaker (or artificial heart valve), defibrillator or artificial heart value
  • an intrauterine device (IUD),
  • any metal plates, pins, screws, or surgical staples in your body.
  • tattoos and permanent make-up.
  • a bullet or shrapnel in your body, or ever worked with metal.
  • if you might be pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant.
  • if you are claustrophobic. Some patients who undergo MRI in an enclosed unit may feel confined. If you are not easily reassured, a sedative may be administered.
  • other electronic devices (ear implants, spinal cord stimulators, infusion pumps & other implants)

What will I experience during an MRI?

• MRI is painless.
• Some claustrophobic patients may experience a "closed in" feeling. If this is a concern, a sedative may be prescribed by your physician prior to the test.  Also, our new larger bore MRI has helped to alleviate this problem.
• Earplugs or headphones providing soothing music, may be provided to you by the technologist.
• You may feel warmth in the area being examined. This is normal.
• If a contrast injection is needed, there may be some discomfort at the injection site. You may also feel a cool sensation at the site during the injection.

For more information on this topic, please visit  www.Radiologyinfo.org.

Cardiac MRI

What is Cardiac MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, printed or copied to CD. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).

Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate parts of the body and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scanning).

Why is Cardiac MRI imaging helpful?

• evaluate the structures and function of the heart, valves, major vessels, and surrounding structures (such as the pericardium).
• diagnose and manage coronary heart disease and a variety of cardiovascular problems.
• plan a patient's treatment for cardiovascular problems and monitor patient's progress.

Using cardiac MRI, physicians can:

• examine the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart.
• determine the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease.
• detect the buildup of plaque and blockages in the blood vessels.
• assess a patient's recovery following treatment.

What is MRA?

Angiography is a minimally invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Angiography uses one of three imaging technologies to produce pictures of major blood vessels throughout the body.

In magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer produce the detailed images. MR angiography does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays). MR angiography may be performed with or without contrast material. If needed, the contrast material is usually injected using a vein in the arm.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

MR angiography is used to examine blood vessels in key areas of the body, including the brain, kidneys, pelvis, legs, lungs, heart, neck and abdomen.