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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI/MRA)
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, uses a strong magnetic field 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
- Brain diseases including stroke, tumors, multiple sclerosis and infections, among others
- Heart and vascular disease
- Abdominal diseases, including benign and malignant tumors and inflammatory processes
- Joint and musculoskeletal disorders
- Disorders of the spine
- Female pelvic diseases, including, but not limited, to uterine fibroids, cancers of the uterus and ovaries, adenomyosis and inflammatory diseases
- Prostate disease
- Breast Cancer and Implant evaluation
MRI allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other diagnostic imaging methods. It may also be used to provide supplemental information or further characterize the findings already obtained by other modalities.
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. (Specialized tests such as MR Arthrography are available for more detailed evaluation of the joints.)
Imaging of the Heart and Vascular structures: MRI of the heart, aorta and the arteries supplying the kidneys and GI tract is a tool for diagnosing various vascular 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 and evaluate the efficiency of the heart function. Doctors can also diagnose a variety of vascular disorders in patients with high blood pressure, chest pain, abdominal pain, leg pain, difficulty walking, kidney failure and other disorders.
Imaging for Cancer and Functional Disorders: Organs of the chest, abdomen and pelvis such as the liver, lungs, kidney and other abdominal and pelvic organs can be examined in great detail with MRI. This aids in the diagnosis and evaluation of tumors and functional disorders and often helps in differentiating benign or malignant disorders. In the early diagnosis of breast cancer, MRI is part of an advanced approach to the early diagnosis of cancer in high risk patients and can be used to assess the extent of disease in newly diagnosed patients. Furthermore, because no radiation exposure is involved, MRI is often used for examination of the male and female reproductive systems.
Prostate Biopsy and Imaging: MRI can be utilized for imaging and subsequent biopsy of the prostate.
How should I prepare for an MRI?
- Before your MRI exam, remove all accessories including hair pins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, wigs, and 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 (or ever have had):
- any prosthetic joints – hip, knee.
- dental hardware such as braces.
- eye/lens prosthesis.
- a heart pacemaker (or artificial heart valve), defibrillator or artificial heart value.
- a cochlear/ear implant.
- a neurostimulator
- 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.
- Notify your technologist if you think you:
- might be pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant.
- have claustrophobia. Some patients who undergo MRI in an enclosed unit may feel confined. If you are not easily reassured, a sedative may be administered.
- have a medication patch including a nicotine patch. Please check with your doctor prior to MRI regarding removal and replacement of your medication patch for MRI.
- Any other surgical or medical device not mentioned here, including recently placed cardiac or vascular stents.
What should I expect during this exam?
Depending on how many images are needed, the exam generally takes 15 to 45 minutes. However, very detailed studies may take longer.
- You must lie down on a sliding table and be comfortably positioned.
- Even though the technologist must leave the room, you will be able to communicate with them at any time using an intercom.
- If necessary, NRAD facilities will allow a friend or family member to stay in the room with you during the exam.
- You will be asked to remain still during the actual imaging process. However, between sequences, which last between 2-15 minutes, slight movement is allowed.
- Depending on the part of the body being examined, a contrast material may be used to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. A small needle is placed in your arm or hand vein and a saline solution IV drip will run through the intravenous line to prevent clotting. About two-thirds of the way through the exam, the contrast material is injected.
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 administered. Also, newer open MRI machines have helped to alleviate this reaction.
- You will hear loud tapping or thumping during the exam. Earplugs or earphones will be provided to you by NRAD staff.
- 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.
- If you have had any prior sensitivity to MRI contrast, or have a history of renal (kidney) disease, please inform your physician and our staff.
What should I do after an MRI?
You may resume your daily routine activities. In the case you have received IV contrast, please make sure to drink plenty of fluids following MRI.
For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.
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