MRI is “magnetic resonance imaging.” MRI uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a powerful computer to produce cross-sectional images of the body. No X-rays or other ionizing radiation is used.
Conventional “High Field Strength” MRI uses a very powerful magnet that completely surrounds all or most of your body – as though you were inside of a short tunnel that is open at both ends. “Open” MRI uses a smaller magnet that surrounds you only partially, leaving the sides open. The higher field magnet produces the best images in the shortest period of time, but may result in a feeling of claustrophobia for a small number of patients. A smaller open magnet produces diagnostically satisfactory images in most cases, and is often a better choice for patients who are severely claustrophobic or are too large for the higher field strength magnet. River Radiology is the only facility in the area with BOTH kinds of magnets, allowing us to consider all factors and choose the one that is most suitable for each patient.
The physics and mathematics of MRI are extremely complicated.
A large magnet surrounding the body causes the hydrogen
nuclei (protons) in water molecules to align in a particular
direction, and then radio waves strike the protons, causing
them to spin out of alignment. When the radio signal is
turned off, the protons return to their previous alignment,
giving off new radio waves at the same time. The returning
radio signals are received and analyzed by a computer, which
then creates cross-sectional images of the body.
Like CT, MRI can be used to image almost any part of the
body, although MRI produces pictures containing information
that may not be seen on a CT scan. For some things, MRI
is more useful than CT, and for some things CT is more useful.
Sometimes, both are necessary, since the information gained
from one may complement or clarify information gained from
the other. MRI is often used for the following:
 Brain
and nervous system: MRI is the most accurate tool for evaluating
most diseases of the brain and spinal cord, including strokes,
tumors, and multiple sclerosis.
Musculoskeletal system: MRI is the most accurate way to non-invasively image most joints (knees, shoulders, wrists, etc) for problems involving cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Breast: With our new EXCITE technology upgrade comes H.D. VIBRANT (Volume Imaging for BReast AssessmeNT). We can now simultaneously examine both breasts in high resolution in a single patient visit.
More information on breast cancer Risk Factors.
Technological Advances for Breast Imaging
Other: MRI can also be useful for evaluating the neck, liver,
kidneys, pelvic organs, blood vessels, and lymph nodes.
MRA is “magnetic resonance angiography”. Using special techniques, MRI can be employed to produce highly detailed images of many arteries and veins, without the need to insert catheters into the body or inject iodinated contrast agents. The pictures obtained look much like a conventional angiogram, but are obtained non-invasively.
Not everyone can be safely exposed to a magnetic field,
so if any of the following apply to you, you should let
us know before making an appointment:
cardiac
pacemaker
history
or possibility of a metal fragment in your eye, even if
it has been removed
aneurysm
clip in the brain
ear
or eye implant
nerve
stimulator
drug
infusapump
recent
surgery (less than 8 weeks ago)
OR any other procedure where medical personnel might have left a stent, coil, filter, wire, or any other implantable device inside your body.
Please also let us know if you weigh more than 350 lbs, or if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.
Allow 1 to 1-1⁄2 hours for the appointment. Patients must wear metal free clothing such as jogging or sweat pants with elastic waists and no zippers. There may be eating or drinking restrictions for abdomen and/or pelvis exams. Because MRI uses a powerful magnet, patients can not have any metal on or in their bodies, including piercing, aneurysm clips, or stents. If there is any possibility that you have metal in or around your eyes, it is necessary that we schedule an X-ray of your eyes, prior to the MRI. A nurse or technologist will conduct a thorough interview prior to the exam. As with all imaging procedures please bring prior films, a script, and your insurance card(s) with you. NOTE: A patient with a pacemaker can’t have an MRI.
You will be asked to lie on your back on a comfortable scanning table. Some examinations require the intravenous injection of a small amount of Gadolinium — a substance that improves the visualization of some structures and is necessary to demonstrate some diseases or conditions (especially for some brain and abdominal exams, and for MRA). This substance almost never causes side effects, and is quickly excreted by the kidneys. A “surface coil” may be placed on or around the part of your body to be imaged, such as the head, knee or shoulder. Since the large magnet and rapidly changing magnetic field produces a loud noise at times during the exam, you will also be offered ear plugs. Most exams take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes to complete. Prior to your going in to the exam room, a staff member will interview you and will explain what will happen during your test. A technologist will stay in constant contact with you throughout the exam
In most cases, reports are provided within two business
days.
We are very pleased to announce that River Radiology has expanded our MRI services as of January 2007. In addition to the GE Excite High Field MRI and Siemen’s Viva Open MRI at our present 45 Pine Grove Avenue site, we now have another GE Excite High Field MRI at our Mary’s Avenue office – River Radiology at Benedictine, conveniently located at 111 Mary's Avenue in the Benedictine Outpatient Cancer Center Medical Pavilion on the 2nd floor.
River Radiology installed MRI technology, called EXCITE, that is so advanced it dramatically enhances image quality, shortens exam time, and reduces sensitivity to patient movement.
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The
photos on the right are with the new technology
and eliminate most problems of movement. This
often eliminates the need to sedate fidgety
children, or adults with Parkinson’s Disease.
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This MRI shows a large mass at the base of the brain. This is a pituitary tumor. |
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This brain shows white matter plaques typical of multiple schlerosis. |
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LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION |
CERVICAL DISC HERNIATION |
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A
pre-surgical MRI of the Breast was done after
the patient had a suspicious mammogram.
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Contrast is seen in a large tumor of the left breast. |
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For women with a personal or strong family history of breast cancer, annual mammography may not be sufficient. That’s why River Radiology continues to invest in new technologies for breast cancer diagnosis.
This technology allows MRI of both breasts simultaneously and offers detailed 3-D imaging. This test is for women who have a strong family history of breast cancer, inconclusive mammogram results, or a diagnosis of breast cancer. MRI assesses the extent of breast cancer.
This system improves diagnostic capabilities. It reduces false images due to motion; uses color to evaluate blood flow; and results in improved speed and accuracy.
This is used both to evaluate abnormalities found with mammography and to evaluate palpable lumps. Ultrasound allows significant freedom to obtain images of the breast from almost any position, and can detect benign cysts as well as malignant cancers.
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