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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and painless test that provides pictures of organs and structures inside the body. It produces these images by using a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy. In many cases, MRI provides information that cannot be obtained from X-ray tests.

For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is positioned inside a strong magnetic field. The MRI can detect tumors, infection, and other types of tissue disease or damage. It can also help diagnose conditions that affect blood flow (MR Angiography or MRA). Tissues and organs that contain water provide the most detailed MRI pictures, while bones and other hard materials in the body do not show up well on MRI pictures.

For these reasons, MRI has a much greater soft tissue contrast than a CT scan, making it especially useful in neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and oncological diseases. Information from an MRI scan can be saved and stored on a computer for further study. Photographs of selected views can also be made.

Types of MRI

3T MRI
Sentara offers the most advanced and powerful MRI by using the Magnetom TRIO™, also known as 3T MRI. Available at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Advanced Imaging Center, First Colonial in Virginia Beach.

Extremity MRI
For injuries or conditions of the arms and legs, the MSK Extreme® provides powerful imaging in a comfortable setting. Available at the Advanced Imaging Center - Leigh in Norfolk.

Large Bore MRI
A powerful machines that yields high quality, detailed images and provides a comfortable, non-threatening experience. Available at the Advanced Imaging Centers at First Colonial, Sentara Port Warwick, Sentara Princess Anne and Sentara Independence.

Breast MRI
Breast MRI is an important tool for detecting and staging breast cancer and other abnormalities.

Cardiovascular MRI
Cardiovascular MRI is an unprecedented imaging capability, dedicated to the evaluation of cardiac tumors, valve problems, and wall damage following a heart attack. Available at the Advanced Imaging Center at Sentara Heart Hospital.

How is an MRI performed?

Patients will be positioned on the moveable examination table. Straps and bolsters may be used to help you stay still and maintain the correct position during imaging. Small devices that contain coils capable of sending and receiving radio waves may be placed around or adjacent to the area of the body being studied.

If a contrast material will be used in the MRI exam, a nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm. A saline solution will drip through the IV to prevent blockage of the IV line until the contrast material is injected.

Patients are then moved into the magnet of the MRI unit. If a contrast material is used during the examination, it will be injected into the intravenous line after an initial series of scans. Additional series of images will be taken following the injection. During the exam, you will hear a rhythmic tapping sound. This is the normal sound of the magnetic fields as it scans.

MRI exams generally include multiple runs (sequences), some of which may last several minutes. An MRI exam normally takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the part of the body scanned.

MR spectroscopy, which provides additional information on the chemicals present in the body's cells, may also be performed during the MRI.

An MRI can be used to evaluate:

--The brain and spinal cord, including their blood supplies (via MRA)
-- Organs of the chest, abdomen and pelvis—including the heart, liver, biliary tract, kidney, spleen, and pancreas and adrenal glands.
-- Pelvic organs including the reproductive organs in the male (prostate and testicles) and the female (uterus, cervix and ovaries).
-- Pelvic and hip bones.
-- Breasts.

Physicians use the MRI examination to help diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions such as:

-- Stroke, headache, memory loss/dementia, seizures, multiple sclerosis,spine disorders and other diseases of the nervous system
-- Tumors of the chest, abdomen or pelvis
-- Coronary artery disease and heart problems
-- Causes of pelvic pain in women, such as endometriosis
-- Diseases of the liver
-- Conditions involving the bile duct, gallbladder and pancreatic ducts (MRCP)
-- Breast cancer and implants

Are there risks?
The MRI examination poses almost no risk to the average patient when appropriate safety guidelines are followed. Although the strong magnetic field is not harmful in itself, medical devices that contain metal may malfunction or cause problems during an MRI exam.

-- For more information on the benefits and risks of MRIs, please see the Radiology Info website.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

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