 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Exam
What can I expect during an MRI examination? A technologist will explain the MRI procedure to you when you arrive. You will be asked to remove and store any objects containing metal so that there is no interference with the magnet. These include coins, watches and jewelry, hair clips, keys, credit cards and dentures. Depending on the part of the body to be scanned, you may be asked to change into a gown. You will be asked to lie flat on a padded table. Some patients, but not all, will need an injection of contrast as part of the MR examination. When the radiologist decides that contrast is necessary, a pharmaceutical agent, called Gadolinium is administered. The Gadolinium contrast is used to make specific organs, blood vessels, or tissues stand out. This helps highlight the structures to better assess for disease or injury. The referring doctor provides Norwalk Radiology with information about each patient’s specific medical condition. The decision to use or not to use an injection of contrast is made on a case by case basis, based on all the information, and the part of the body being examined. If contrast is needed, a small needle (a butterfly) is inserted into a vein in the arm or hand, and removed immediately after the injection. As with any medication, there is a slight chance of an allergic reaction. Side effects are very uncommon with Gadolinium. During the exam you will hear a tapping noise. This is normal and it is created when some parts of the magnet (the gradient coils) are turned on and off, very rapidly to measure the MRI signal that comes from the patients body. The knocking is loud enough to require ear plugs. Only the portion of the body that is being imaged must be at the center of the magnet. For example if the head is being imaged, it must be in the magnet. If the knees are being imaged, they must appear at the center. You should try not to move when you are in the magnet, especially when hearing the knocking noise. It is particularly important that you not move the body part being imaged during the study. You may talk to the technologist, via and intercom, at any one time during the study. It’s best to talk, however, in between the pictures, to minimize any motion. How long will my MRI exam take? In our MRI center, we offer a wide array of examinations. Depending on the type of exam you receive, the length of the procedure will typically be between 30 to 60 minutes. The technologists will discuss the specifics of your exam, prior to your test. MRI does not use x-ray or radiation, and does not present any apparent risks. If you are pregnant or nursing you should consult your physician before having an MRI scan. MRI uses no radiation, but does use a strong magnetic field to acquire pictures. This strong magnetic field can pull on metallic objects. For safety reasons, the MRI staff must determine if you have metal in your body. Some patients may have small pieces of metal in their eyes, metallic implants, prosthetic devices that contain metal, surgical clips, or other implanted devices that could be sensitive to the magnetic field. Occasionally, x-rays may be necessary, to screen for metallic objects prior to your MRI. Is it safe to have an MRI if I have dental fillings? MRI will not affect the fillings. However, occasionally, the metal within the fillings will distort the images, if the scan is of the facial area. Can I have an MRI if I am pregnant? MRI is considered a safe test, and there is no ionizing radiation used. However, conclusive evidence showing how safe MRI is for pregnant women and the fetus is not yet available. MRI is generally not preformed during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy (first trimester). Generally, we do not perform MRI on pregnant wowen, unless there is a strong medical indication. Prior to the test you may want to consult with your obstetrician & the radiologist. Almost anyone can have an MRI with complete safety. The technologist will ask certain questions about your medical history to ensure the best possible results from your exam. Patients with the following conditions are not candidates for MRI:
What can I expect from a High-Field MRI? Our new GE Short tunnel wide bore High-Field MRI is a newly designed scanner that produces high quality images but with a less enclosed feeling. It utilizes a powerful magnet that is 10,000 times stronger than the earth’s gravity. High-Field MRI’s are also much faster today and patient’s can expect to be in the scanner between 20-45 minutes. High-Field scanners also provide the most advanced techniques available to image the body. What can I expect from an Open MRI? Our new GE Openspeed MRI is the most advanced Open MRI available. For patients that are larger or truly claustrophobic, it offers unparalleled images. The design of the magnet reduces the anxiety of the patient and produces the clear, reliable pictures your doctor needs. What are the differences between the High-Field and Open MRI Scanners? Both of our scanners are state of the art utilizing the latest in technology. The differences between the two scanners typically revolve around the length of time you will be in the magnet. The High-Field MRI can acquire images between 20-45 minutes and the Open MRI will take between 30-60 minutes. This difference is related to the strength of the magnets. The designs of the two magnets are aimed at reducing claustrophobia and anxiety. If I Am Nursing An Infant And Have Had An MRI With Contrast, Can I Resume Nursing After The Exam? We recommend that patients wait for 24 hours after receiving the Gadolinium injection, before resuming breast feeding. Patients may wish to pump breast milk prior to the exam, and store it for use during this one day period. You may wish to discuss this further with your doctor, or the radiologist. Do I Need A Referral (Prescription) To Have My MRI Examination? Yes, your doctor must provide a referral (prescription) in order for you to receive a examination. In addition, most insurance carriers or HMO’s require a precertification. Please discuss this with your doctor and your insurance company or HMO prior to your test. When Will I Know The Results Of My Examination?
What Should I Do to Prepare for an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Exam? You will be contacted by our office to be pre-registered prior to your exam. Any special instructions will be discussed with you at that time. |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is an exciting technology which allows your doctor to have a clear look at your internal anatomy. MRI does not use x-rays or radiation. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to provide computerized images, which appear as “slices” of the anatomy, for the radiologists to determine the differences between healthy and abnormal tissue.
MRI can be preformed to provide information about internal tissue that cannot be viewed through x-ray. With MRI, the smallest structures of the body can be imaged.
Preliminary results will be sent promptly to your physician and a detailed written report of the procedure, findings, and results will follow within several days. Your physician will then call you to discuss the results. Urgent results will be telephoned immediately to your doctor.
Copyright © 1999-2005 Norwalk Radiology & Mammography Center
148 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 • Phone: (203) 838-4886