Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI )

What is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a highly advanced diagnostic test that provides detailed images of the body. It uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to scan your body and produces images that include details not seen with x-ray technology.

There are numerous advantages to using MRI over other diagnostic techniques. MRI is painless, non-invasive, and has no known side effects. It can obtain information that other technology can not capture, and can, therefore, lead to early detection and treatment of disease. Its impact is far-reaching, with implications for physicians in fields ranging from cardiology, endocrinology and gastroenterology, to neurology, neurosurgery, oncology and orthopedics.

Community Medical Center has 2 MRI units, offering a full spectrum of MRI Services and new applications such as:

What is the difference between a 3 Tesla and a 1.5 Tesla unit?

Short Bore Unit – 3 Tesla Unit
This newly designed high-field strength magnet offers both shorter exam times as well as greater patient comfort. The unit is donut-shaped, giving the claustrophobic patient a less confining environment. Large patients also benefit from the short, wide magnet opening in this latest technology.

Fortunately, with these design enhancements, physicians can still expect the highest quality images. The new short-bore MRI has the ability to obtain high-resolution images 30 to 50 percent faster than traditional MRI.

Community Medical Center’s 3 Tesla magnet has the highest field strength currently in clinical use. This high field strength produces faster images and more detail than units with lower field strength. The 3 Tesla MRI currently provides the latest in breast and cardiac imaging.

Short Bore Unit – 1.5 Tesla Unit
Historically, the 1.5 Tesla has been the physician’s first choice in diagnostic technology because its high-field strength magnet gives the most detailed/best resolution image. The exam time is relatively short, lasting between 20 and 30 minutes.

Community Medical Center provides patients and physicians with the most accurate diagnostic exam with special attention to patient comfort.

What is the difference between a MRI, MRA and MRCP?

Both the MRA and MRCP are specific tests that utilize the MRI Unit. The difference lies in the type of sequence that is used and the area being examined.

MRA (MR Angiography) visualizes the arteries or veins within the body. It is less invasive than a conventional angiography exam and, therefore, involves none of the customary inconveniences associated with angiography such as a brief hospital stay, a catheter, or sedation. MRA is frequently used as an alternative to angiography when indicated by the patient’s physician.

MRCP (MR Cholopancreatography) is a non-invasive exam that visualizes the common bile duct, biliary tree and pancreatic duct. It is currently being used as a diagnostic alternative or as a preliminary step to an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholopancreatography), that involves the insertion of a flexible fiberoptic duodenoscope into the bile duct.

Are there any restrictions regarding who can have an MRI?

Due to the high magnetic field, MRI is not permitted for all patients. Those who may not have an MRI include individuals with the following medical equipment:

Other patients may need to wait a certain amount of time before an MRI can be performed. The following procedures may require a waiting time and special permission from your doctor:

If you have any of the above, please inform your physician. Contact the MRI Department if you have any questions or concerns.

Preparing for an MRI Appointment

Generally, there is no preparation required for an MRI exam. The exception is the MRCP exam. In this instance, patients will be asked to have nothing to eat or drink for four hours prior to their exam time.

Patients should wear comfortable clothing that does not have metal fasteners, such as zippers or snaps.

Please inform your physician and the MRI personnel when you schedule your appointment if you have any of the following:

Some exams require a “contrast agent” to enhance certain areas of interest. The contrast used in MRI is called gadolinium. It is given intravenously for certain exams or indications. Those patients who have renal disease or who are pregnant, breast-feeding or have a history of sickle cell disease should inform the technologist prior to receiving the contrast.

Following the administration of the contrast (if necessary), the technologist will ask you to lie on a table, which will position you so that the area of the body that requires imaging is in the center of the magnet. The equipment makes thumping noises throughout the exam; therefore, the technologist will offer you earplugs or headphones for music.

The technologist will be in constant contact with you throughout the exam, which can last, on average, between 20 and 30 minutes.