What is MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) takes detailed pictures of internal body structures without the use of radiation or radioactive substances of any kind. The patient is placed in a magnetic field while harmless radio waves are turned on and off. This causes the body to emit its own weak radio signals which vary according to tissue characteristics. These signals are then picked up by a sensitive antenna and fed to a computer, and the detailed images of the body are interpreted by trained radiologists.

With incredible accuracy, MRI can detect many abnormalities which CT scanning and X-rays cannot, especially those involving soft tissue. MRI reduces the need for biopsies, exploratory surgery, and other diagnostic procedures which carry associated risk.

MRI is also versatile, with the ability to image most parts
of the body for effective clinical evaluation of:

• Brain Disorders
• Traumatic injuries
• Eye abnormalities
• Spine diseases
• Tumor detection
• Liver and other abdominal diseases
• Knee and shoulder injuries
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Facial/neck abnormalities
• Infection
• Cardiac malformations
• Blood flow and vessel disorders

Vista Radiology has the newest state-of-the-art “short bore” scanners. Unlike the older MRI scanners in which the patient was placed in a long tube, these new scanners are much shorter making the studies much more comfortable for claustrophobic patients.

Preparing for the exam

• You will be asked to change into a patient gown, or you may simply wear loose clothing with no zippers or any other metallic parts.
• There is no need to alter your diet or medication prior to a MRI examination.
• It is important to let the technologist know of any metal on or in your body since there is a strong magnetic field.
• Because of the magnetic field, you will need to leave the following items in a private, locked cabinet outside the MRI room:

Eyeglasses

Removable dental work

Hearing aids

Jewelry, watches

Keys, coins

Credit cards, bank and ATM cards

Hairpins or other metallic or metal-containing objects

• Do not wear hairspray or eye make-up.
• Please note that a patient may not qualify for a MRI exam if any of the following conditions exits:

1. Pacemaker
2. Aneurysm clips
3. Cochlear implant

Please make Vista aware of any of the above conditions when you schedule an appointment, and inform the technologist of your condition(s) before beginning an examination.

During the exam

• The MRI scan is performed inside a large cylindrical magnet with a patient table in the center.
• It is important to remain motionless during the exam to produce high quality images—while breathing normally.
• The average scan takes 5 to 15 minutes; the complete examination about 30-45 minutes—during which several dozen images will be taken.
• The open-air design of the MRI lets you relax in comfort. It also enables parents to lie alongside or sit next to small children.
• Adding to the comfort of this system is the absence of loud noises common with so many other MRI units. You may hear a faint knocking sound unless you are listening to music.
• Some MRI exams require an injection of an MRI contrast or dye. This agent is very safe and completely different from the contrast agent or dye used for x-ray tests such as an IVP or a CT scan.

The results of your examination will be studied by a highly trained radiologist who will provide your doctor with the results, normally the same day.

Types of MRI exams

MRI of the brain produces very detailed pictures of the brain. It is commonly used to study patients with headaches, seizures, weakness, blurry vision, etc. It also can further evaluate an abnormality seen on a CT scan. During the brain MRI, a special device called a head coil is placed around the patient’s head. The device doesn’t touch the patient but the patient can see through large gaps in the coil. This device produces very detailed pictures of the brain..

MRI of the spine is most commonly used to look for a herniated disc or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) in patients with neck, arm, back and/or leg pain. It is also the best test for recurrent disc herniation in a patient who has had prior back surgery.

Bone and Joint MRIs can evaluate virtually all of the bones and joints, as well as soft tissues. Tendon, ligament, muscle, cartilage and bone injuries can be diagnosed by the MRI. It can also be used to find infections and masses.

MRI of the abdomen is most frequently used to further evaluate an abnormality seen on another test, such as an ultrasound or CT scan. The exam is usually tailored to look only at the liver, adrenal glands or pancreas, for example.

Pelvic MRI for women is used to evaluate the ovaries and uterus as follow-up of an abnormality seen on an ultrasound. It is also used to stage endometrial cancer. For men, pelvic MRI is sometimes used to evaluate a patient with prostate cancer.

MRA evaluates blood vessels. The blood vessels in the neck (carotid and vertebral arteries) and brain are frequently studied by MRA to locate areas of narrowing or dilation. In the abdomen, the arteries supplying the blood to the kidneys are also frequently examined with this procedure.