$320 Cash MRI
- What is MRI and how does it work?
- What are the common uses of the procedure?
- What does the equipment look like?
- How is the procedure performed?
- How safe is MRI?
- Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
- The question of claustrophobia
- Pregnancy and MRI
What is MRI and how does it work?
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a way of obtaining very detailed images of organs and tissues throughout the body without the need for x-rays. Instead, it uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, a rapidly changing magnetic field, and a computer to demonstrate whether or not there is an injury or some disease process present. For this procedure, the patient is placed within the Open MR scanner. The magnetic field aligns atomic particles called protons that are present in most of the body's tissues. Radio waves then cause these particles to produce signals that are picked up by a receiver within the scanner. The signals are specially characterized using the changing magnetic field, and computer-processed to create very sharp images of tissues as "slices" that can be viewed in any plane or from any direction.
An MRI exam causes no pain, and the magnetic fields produce no known tissue damage of any kind. The MR scanner may make loud tapping or knocking noises at times during the exam; using earplugs prevents problems that may occur with this noise. You will be able to communicate with the technologist or radiologist at any time using an intercom.
What are the common uses of the procedure?
MR imaging of the body is performed to evaluate:
- organs of the chest, abdomen and pelvis—including the heart, lungs, liver, biliary tract, kidney, spleen, and pancreas.
- pelvic organs including the reproductive organs in the male (prostate and testicles) and the female (uterus and ovaries).
- pelvic and hip bones.
- blood vessels (MR Angiography).
Physicians use the MR examination to help diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions such as:
- tumors of the chest, abdomen or pelvis.
- coronary artery disease and heart problems including the aorta, coronary arteries and blood vessels, by examining the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart and the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease. For more information, visit the MR Angiography and Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring pages.
- tumors and other abnormalities of the reproductive organs (e.g., uterus, ovaries, testicles, prostate).
- functional and anatomical abnormalities of the heart.
- lesions of the liver and other organs (when a complete diagnostic assessment can not be done with other techniques).
- congenital arterial and venous vascular anomalies and diseases (e.g., atherosclerosis) of the chest, abdomen and pelvis (MR Angiography).
- biliary system conditions (MRCP).
What does the equipment look like?
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Our Open MRI unit, called short-bore systems, are designed so that the magnet does not completely surround you; others are open on all sides (open MRI). These units are especially helpful for examining patients who are fearful of being in a closed space and for those who are very obese.
The computer workstation that processes the imaging information is located in a separate room.
How is the procedure performed? Top
MRI examinations are usually done on an outpatient basis.
You will be positioned on the moveable examination table. Straps and bolsters may be used to help you stay still and maintain the correct position during imaging.
Small devices that contain coils capable of sending and receiving radio waves may be placed around or adjacent to the area of the body being studied.
If a contrast material will be used in the MRI exam, a nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm. A saline solution will drip through the IV to prevent blockage of the IV line until the contrast material is injected.
You will be moved into the magnet of the MRI unit and the technologist will leave the room while the MRI examination is performed.
If a contrast material is used during the examination, it will be injected into the intravenous line (IV) after an initial series of scans. Additional series of images will be taken following the injection.
How safe is MRI?
The powerful magnetic field of the MR system will attract iron-containing (also known as ferromagnetic) objects and may cause them to move suddenly and with great force. This can pose a possible risk to the patient or anyone in an object's flight path. Great care is taken to be certain that objects such as "ferromagnetic" screwdrivers and oxygen tanks are not brought into the MR system area. It is vital that you remove any metallic belongings in advance of an MRI exam, including watches, jewelry, and items of clothing that have metallic threads or fasteners.
The powerful magnetic field of the MR system will pull on any iron-containing object in the body, such as certain medication pumps or aneurysm clips. Every MRI facility has a protocol that, when carefully followed, will ensure that the MRI technologist and radiologist knows about the presence of metallic implants and materials so that special precautions can be taken. In some unusual cases the exam may have to be canceled. An example is MRI of the head when a "ferromagnetic" aneurysm clip is present, because there is a risk of the clip moving or being dislodged. The magnetic field may damage an external hearing aid or cause a heart pacemaker or electrical stimulator to malfunction. If you have a bullet or other metallic fragment in your body there is a potential risk that it could change position, possibly causing injury.
A metallic implant or other object may distort the MR images or make it difficult for the MRI system to "tune" to your body. This may be unavoidable, but if the radiologist knows about it, allowance can be made when interpreting the images.
For some MRI studies a contrast material called gadolinium may be injected into a vein to help interpret the exam. Unlike contrast agents used in x-ray studies, a gadolinium contrast agent does not contain iodine and therefore rarely causes an allergic reaction or other problem.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
One of our Board Certified Radiologists ( physicians specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations), will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will share the results with you.
The question of claustrophobia
Some patients who have MRI in an enclosed scanner may feel confined, closed-in, and frightened. Perhaps one in twenty will require a sedative to remain calm. Today, many patients avoid this problem when examined in one of the newer MRI units that have a more "open" design. Total Imaging & Open MRI permit a relative or friend to be present in the MR system room, which also has a calming effect.
Pregnancy and MRI
In general, there is no known risk of using MRI in pregnant patients. However, MRI is reserved for use in pregnant patients only to address very important problems or suspected abnormalities. In any case, MRI is very likely safer for the fetus than imaging with x-rays.
You should be sure to inform your radiologist if you are breast-feeding at the time of a scheduled MRI study and are to receive an MR contrast agent. One option under this circumstance is to pump breast milk before the study, to be used until injected contrast material has cleared from the body, which typically takes about 24 hours.
ADVANTAGES OF OPEN MRI
Wide-open space and a full view outside the scanner.
Our Open MRI is different than Closed MRI systems. It helps to eliminate feelings of anxiety by giving you:
- - a space that is 3 times more wide-open than a traditional MRI scanner
- - an almost 180-degree panoramic view
- detailed images for your doctor to evaluate your condition
The non-confining Panorama will help you feel at ease if you are:
- - uncomfortable in tight spaces
- a larger patient
- - afraid or unable to be scanned in a cylindrical scanner
Vulnerable or physically challenged patients
If you are physically challenged by age or certain injuries, this open scanner is easier to get in and out of and can make your MRI experience more comfortable.
If your child needs to be scanned, you can provide comfort and soothing by lying next to him or her during the exam. The Panorama’s open line of sight also helps both of you feel more relaxed.
People focused healthcare
Hospitals and imaging centers with a Panorama open MRI provide a very patient-friendly atmosphere that is not found everywhere. These facilities are likely to treat you in an attentive, professional manner.
More detailed images, faster scans
The high-field performance means that your doctor can create clear, detailed images, and that you could actually spend less time in the scanner. The open coils ensure that you feel more comfortable and un-confined.
Contrast Enhanced Exams
MRI contrast is very safe and widely used internationally. Patients are screened for any history of allergy, asthma, anaphylaxis or hemolytic anemia. Pregnant patients are not given contrast at our outpatient offices and lactating patients are provided with information about the contrast and its safety.
The contrast does not cause kidney disease and blood tests to check kidney function (BUN and creatinine) are not routinely required. (In patients with a serum creatinine less than 6 mg/dL and creatinine clearance of greater than 20 ml/minute, the MRI contrast is not considered nephrotoxic.) If a patient is on dialysis or has severe renal dysfunction and is pending dialysis, dialysis within 24 hours is warranted.
MR contrast is a prescription medication. It may be prescribed by the referring physician. The decision as to when its administration is clinically warranted is also made by the radiologist. Contrast is often given to exclude certain conditions. When a patient receives contrast, it does not mean that anything must be abnormal. Some exams may be more diagnostic with contrast. If you have a question regarding the possible utility of gadolinium based MR contrast for one of your patients, our staff would be happy to discuss this with you and answer any questions that you may have.