MRI Medical Imaging  

What is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows our radiologists to see into any part of the body painlessly, non-invasively, rapidly and without exposure to radiation. MRI provides greater contrast between the different tissues and organs of the body than Computed Tomography (CT) making it especially useful in the detection of disease in the neurological (brain), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular disorders as well as oncologic (cancer) imaging.

Unlike CT, MRI uses no ionizing radiation, but rather utilizes magnetic fields to build up enough information to construct an image of the body. Certain studies may require a small amount of a contrast agent to be injected into an arm vein to highlight special areas and visualize abnormalities.

The 3T Open MRI at Medical Imaging Center utilizes the most advanced technology and provides the following benefits:

· An extra-large open bore (70 cm) ensures more comfort and is able to handle patients weighing 400-450 pounds while maintaining excellent resolution.

· Higher resolution images leading to more accurate diagnosis.

· Faster scanning times mean you spend less time in the scanner.

· Provides comprehensive image in all diseases and throughout the body.

What types of MRI studies are available?

Medical Imaging Center of Southern California offers several different MRI studies, including:

Brain studies

• Brain MRI
• Brain without contrast
• Temporal bone
• Posterior fossa, brain stem
• Function MRI (fMRI)
• MR spectroscopy

Vascular studies

An MR angiography (MRA), both neurovascular and body vascular.

Spine studies

• Cervical
• Thoracic
• Lumbar

Chest studies

• Cardiac, valves, aortic aneurysm
• Lungs, mediastinum
• Breast

Abdomen and pelvis studies

• Elastography
• Pancreas/liver
• Prostate
• Spleen/kidney
• MRCP
• Colon/Volumin
• Liver/Eovist

Musculoskeletal studies

• MRI of bones and joints:
  • Shoulder
  • Ankles
  • Hips
  • Knees
    
• Contrast Anthrogram

Medical Imaging Center of Southern California also offers MRI for breast and prostate studies.

What should I expect during an MRI?

To get started, a trained technologist guides you on to the MRI table, positions you, and moves you into the tube. Most MRI exams take 20-45 minutes and you should expect to hold still for certain periods during the exam so the technologist can get an accurate image. You should also account for a fair bit of noise inside the machine thanks to magnetic fields, but you’ll be provided with earplugs, or you can listen to music or watch a DVD in the 3T MRI.

You should also wear comfortable clothing without any metal zippers or buttons.

IMPORTANT: Please notify the technologist and front office if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device.

What if I’m claustrophobic?

If you need to have an MRI, but you’re claustrophobic or you have trouble lying still, Medical Imaging Center of Southern California offers oral, intravenous, and MAC sedation, which can help you relax during the MRI exam.

There is special preparation for sedation:

• For oral sedation, you should not eat or drink four hours prior to the exam
• For intravenous and MAC sedation, you should not eat or drink six hours prior to the exam and you should arrive one hour prior to your scheduled exam time
• For all types of sedation, you must have a driver to take you home after sedation. If you do not have a driver, the center can arrange one for you.

What about MRI Sedation for Children?

Due to the nature of the study and the noise and length of the exam, some children may be apprehensive about having an MRI. For this reason, children can be sedated prior to being scanned. There’s a recovery area in the fully accredited surgery facility where children and their parents can wait after the exam while the sedation wears off.

If you’d like to learn more about MRI, please call Medical Imaging Center of Southern California.