MRI

What is MRI?

MRI lateral view of the lumbar spine

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
heart and vascular disease
stroke
joint and musculoskeletal disorders

MRI allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be visible with any 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.

Imaging of the Brain and Spine: MRI has become the imaging procedure of choice for many neurological and spinal conditions, including stroke, brain tumors, aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and spinal cord tumors.

Imaging of the Heart and Blood Vessels: MRI of the heart, aorta, coronary arteries, and blood vessels is commonly performed. Cardiac anatomy and function can be assessed. Blood vessel narrowing or blockages can be readily diagnosed.

Imaging for Cancer: 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. In the early diagnosis of breast cancer, MRI is commonly used and can show cancers that are not detectable by conventional mammography. Because 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 artificial joints – hip, knee
- a heart pacemaker, defibrillator or artificial heart valve
- 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 if you ever worked with sheet metal or milling.
- if you might be pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant.
- if you are claustrophobic. Some patients are more comfortable with the use of a sedative.

Download MRI screening and history forms

What should I expect during this procedure?

Depending on how many images are needed, the exam generally takes 15 to 45 minutes. However, very detailed studies may take longer.

You will 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, many MRI centers allow a friend or family member to stay in the room with you during the exam.
You will be asked 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, intravenous contrast material may be used to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. If this need is planned or anticipated, an IV will be placed in your hand or arm before the scan.

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 may be provided to you by the MRI center.
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.

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