What is an MRI? 

An MRI is a imaging technique that utilizes a powerful magnetic field, AM radio frequencies and a computer to obtain highly detailed images of almost any body structure. MRI is the preferred modality in imaging injuries to soft tissues such as ligaments, muscles and tendons. MRI is also very effective at imaging the soft tissues of the brain, abdomen and extremities. MRI is able to detect discreet injuries to bones such as stress fractures by imaging blood within the bones.

How Does MRI Work?

Your body is made up of 60-70% water. For every water molecule there are 2 hydrogen protons. It is those hydrogen protons we image in MRI. Because hydrogen protons are very simple, it is very easy to predict how they will react within the MRI environment.

When you go into the MRI machine most of those hydrogen protons will align with the magnetic field. When we apply the AM radio frequency to those protons they move out of alignment with the magnetic field. As they realign with the magnetic field, they emit the same radio frequency we transmitted into your body. We use special antennas, or coils as we call them to measure those frequencies that come back out of the protons and the tissues of your body. Because every tissue in your body has vastly different amounts of hydrogen protons, they emit many discreet and different amounts of the radio frequency. It is the difference between these frequencies that allow us to create such highly detailed images in MRI. The computer assigns a different level of light and dark, or grayness, to each discreet amount of radio frequency that is re-emitted from your body.

MRA, or MR Angiography is a specialized technique that allows us to look specifically at the blood vessels. MRA may use an injected contrast material to help visualize the blood vessels. In some cases, we can use the motion of the blood itself to image the vessels so that we don’t need the IV contrast material. In some cases, we use this technique along with the IV contrast to get a complete study of the vessels, depending on your condition and the vessels we are imaging. Your technologist will explain which technique and protocol is appropriate for your exam on the day of your exam.

What conditions does an MRI help diagnose?

An MRI scan can be used to help diagnose a wide variety of ailments and conditions. Due to the nature of the images resulting from scans, some of the most commonly diagnosed conditions include:

• Tumors
• Diseases of the abdominal and pelvic organs
• Disorders of bones, joints and soft tissues
• Evaluation the brain and spine
• Breast imaging in high-risk individuals

How should I prepare for an MRI?

Unless directed otherwise by your provider, you should continue eating and taking any medications as normal.

Other items you will be asked to do:

• You may be asked to remove all jewelry and metallic objects prior to exam.
• Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your MRI appointment.
• Bring any relevant information and devices relating to any implanted device.

Your healthcare team will guide you through any other necessary preparations to ensure you have a safe and successful scan.

Note: you may be expected to change into a gown at the time of your appointment for safety reasons as some clothing items may contain material not suitable for an MRI.

Some implanted devices are not safe for the MRI environment or are only safe under certain conditions. It is very important to let us know if you have any of the following implanted devices PRIOR to being scheduled for your MRI exam.

• Cardiac Pacemaker
• Artificial heart valve prostheses
• Aneurysm clips
• Eye implants or metal ear implants or any metal implants activated electronically, magnetically or mechanically
• Copper 7 IUD
• Shrapnel or non-removed bullet
• Pregnancy
• Claustrophobia
• Any metal puncture(s) or fragment(s) in eye
• Spinal stimulator or pain pump
• Bladder stimulator
• Continuous Glucose Monitors will have to be removed prior to the exam. The manufacturer of these devices do not certify that they will work properly after being int the MRI environment.

What should I expect during an MRI?

Your MRI experience will vary depending on the body part we are imaging. You may be placed into the machine head fist or feet first depending on the body part. What ever body part we are imaging must be placed directly in the center of the magnetic field, called isocenter.

The antenna or coil will be placed around your body or in some cases the body part is placed within the coil. In some cases, you may not see the coil as you may be laying directly on it.

The technologist will give you instructions about what we need to acquire the best quality images. In some cases, this might include holding your breath when instructed or trying not to swallow. In EVERY case it is very important to hold very still for your exam. Even the smallest amount of movement can cause blurring artifacts on the images that cause us to have to repeat the images, which causes the exam time to be longer and, in many cases, the overall quality of the exam to be diminished.

An IV catheter may or may not need to be placed to give IV contrast material, commonly called Gadolinium to highlight certain tissues or blood vessels in your body. Your technologist will explain this to you at the time of your exam. If IV contrast is to be used it may be necessary to test your kidney function prior to the exam, as in certain cases of poor kidney function the contrast can be hard on your kidneys.

Each MRI exam takes on average between 15 minutes and an hour, depending on the body part. Multiple exams increase the amount of time your exam will take. For instance, and MRI of the foot AND ankle will take about 45 minutes as each exam takes about 22 minutes.

We will do everything we can to make sure you are as comfortable as possible for your exam. If you have any special needs or questions, please let your technologist know prior to your exam and we will do all we can to accommodate those needs and answer your questions.