What is MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI or MR) is one of the safest, most comfortable imaging techniques available today. MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the latest and most advanced type of diagnostic scanning. MRI forms "images," or pictures, of the internal structures of the body.

MRI uses radio waves, a powerful electromagnet and a computer to generate images of the soft tissue of the body. MRI is more sensitive than other imaging techniques in the detection and characterization of various diseases.

It combines a powerful electromagnet with an advanced computer system and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of organs and tissues in order to diagnose a variety of medical conditions.

Lifescape Imaging - Cypress offers High-field MRI which produces the highest quality images in the shortest time ensuring the most accurate diagnosis. Because of its superior quality, High-field MRI is considered the state of the art in MR imaging. Our machine’s unique design can comfortably accommodate patients of various shapes and sizes. Our short bore magnet virtually eliminates the affects of claustrophobia.

Common uses of MRI

Because MRI produces very clear and detailed pictures of brain structures, including the eyes and the inner ear, it is considered the most sensitive exam for brain tumors, strokes, and certain chronic disorders of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis. In addition, it is helpful in documenting brain abnormalities in patients with dementia. MRI is commonly used for patients with disease of the pituitary gland and is often used to assess patients with a history of migraine headaches or suffer from chronic dizziness (vertigo).

A special type of MRI exam called MRA (magnetic resonance angiography), provides detailed images of the blood vessels in the brain, oftentimes without the need for contrast material. MRA is used to evaluate the brain’s vasculature for narrowing (stenosis) and/or malformations (avm / aneurysms).

MRI provides high resolution images of soft-tissue structures near and around bones. It is therefore, the preferred exam for spinal and joint problems. MRI is widely used to diagnose many sports-related injuries, especially those affecting the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, and wrist. The images detect very small tears and injuries to ligaments, tendons and muscles.

MRI is also used to image the heart and blood vessels providing a noninvasive tool for diagnosing coronary artery disease and other cardiac pathologies. Physicians can examine the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart, and determine the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease.

Organs of the chest and abdomen including the lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and abdominal vessels can also be examined with remarkable clarity. MR images enable the diagnosis and evaluation not only of tumors, but also functional disorders.

MRI of the breast (MR Mammography) offers the latest advancements in the fight against breast cancer. Magnetic resonance breast imaging (MRI, MR) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a supplemental tool, in addition to conventional mammography, to help diagnose breast cancer. Breast MRI is an excellent problem-solving technology. It is often used to investigate breast concerns first detected with mammography, physical exam, or other imaging exams. MRI is also excellent at imaging the augmented breast; including both the breast implant itself for suspected rupture and the breast tissue surrounding the implant (abnormalities or signs of breast cancer can sometimes be obscured by the implant on a mammogram). MRI is also useful for “staging” breast cancer, determining the most appropriate treatment, and for patient follow-up after breast cancer treatment. Because there is no radiation exposure involved, MRI is often the preferred diagnostic tool for examination of the male and female reproductive systems, pelvis and hips, and the bladder.

How does it work?

MRI is a unique imaging method because it does not rely on ionizing radiation. Instead, radio waves are directed at protons in the body, the nuclei of hydrogen atoms, in a strong magnetic field. The protons are first "excited" and then "relaxed," emitting radio signals. This data is then computer-processed to generate an image. In the body, protons are most abundant in the hydrogen atoms of water (the "H" of H2O) so that an MRI image shows differences in the water content and distribution in the various body tissues. Different types of tissue such as ligaments, tendons and cartilage can easily be distinguished. Typically an MRI exam consists of 2 to 6 imaging sequences, each lasting approximately 2 to 8 minutes. Each sequence has its own level of contrast and shows a cross section of the body in one of several planes (right to left, front to back, upper to lower).

Patient Comfort

The MRI system we use was designed with patient comfort in mind. It's a scanner with an open style magnet. This gives us the added ability to accommodate large and claustrophobic patients who cannot be scanned in other systems. During the exam, the patient may be injected with an image enhancement agent, which in some conditions, helps to provide additional information. Music is provided through headphones during the exam. Patients may choose from a selection of CD’s or may bring their own to listen to. Our scanner also has interior lights and air conditioning. Exams take between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the type of information needed.

Preparation

There is no special preparation for an MRI exam. Because the magnetic field will draw into itself any iron-containing object in the body, you will be given a questionnaire prior to your scan to ensure your safety. MRI exam is safe, simple, and painless. However, because certain metals interfere with the MRI machine and the images produced, some patients cannot be examined if they have any of the following:

• Heart pacemaker or pacing wires
• Brain aneurysm clips
• Spinal rods
• Intrauterine device
• Vascular access port
• Metal plate(s), pins, screws or staples
• Metal fragments in one or both eyes
• Inner ear implants
• An implanted spinal cord stimulator or brain stimulator

The radiologist and technologist should know about any such item and also whether you have ever had a bullet or bullet fragments in your body, if you ever worked with metals, or if you have had joint replacement surgery. If you are uncertain, an x-ray can be taken to safely detect any metal objects. The technologist should be informed if you have fillings in your teeth. These could possibly distort images taken of the facial region or brain. Likewise, braces may pose problems.

The patient should wear comfortable clothing such as sweats without metal snaps or zippers. Robes are provided if needed. Hairpins should not be worn. No jewelry or watches should be worn into the scan room. It is best to leave your jewelry at home. The radiologist and technologist leave the examining room during the actual imaging process, but the patient can communicate with them at any time using an intercom. If deemed safe, we permit a family member or friend to stay in the room, or a parent if a child is being examined.

You may eat normally before the exam. Medications may be taken as usual. Even with our short bore, wide open flared scanner, some patients may still feel uneasy about having an MRI. If you suffer from claustrophobia, a sedative may be necessary to help put you at ease, though probably less than one in every 100 patients will need this. Special accommodations must be made prior to the administration of sedation. If you require sedation, you must be accompanied by a family member or friend to drive you home after your exam.

After The Test

The patient may leave immediately following the exam because the MRI has no side effects.

Results

At Lifescape Imaging - Cypress, we have a radiologist / cardiologist on site for the test to be interpreted promptly. All of our radiologists are Board Certified by the American College of Radiology. The results will be phoned, faxed, mailed, or delivered electronically to the referring physician. The referring physician will share the results with the patient.