The MR Exam

- - Quick Browse MRI - - Preparation for MR     - General     - Oral Sedation for Claustrophobia     - Open MRI for Claustrophobia The MR Exam     - Before the Exam     - When Contrast is Required     - During the Exam     - After the Exam     - Results How to Obtain Images MRI Safety Technology and Equipment Common Types of MRI     - Cardiac MRI     - Body MRI     - Breast MRI     - Prostate and Endocavitary Exams     - Musculoskeletal     - Spine MRI     - MRI of the Brain     - Angiography (blood vessels)     - Venography Thermal Ablation     - MR-guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (MRgFUS)     - Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumors     - Radiofrequency Ablation of Lung Tumors Magnetic Resonance Imagine (MRI)     - MRI of the Brain, Head and Neck     - MRI of the Spine     - MRA - Magnetic Resonance Angiography Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)     - CT of the Head (Brain, Orbits, Temporal Bone, Sinuses)     - CT of the Neck     - CT of the Spine Frequently Asked Questions To Make an MRI Appointment

Before the Exam

When you arrive for your exam, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire about your previous medical history and the reason for the visit. A technologist will review this information with you and answer any questions you might have about the MRI. You will then be escorted to a dressing room to change from street clothes to a hospital gown. You can lock your possessions in a locker however, if at all possible, please leave valuables at home.

After the technologist discusses the exam with you and answers any questions that you might have, you will be escorted into the scan room.

When Additional Contrast is Required

MRI provides abundant soft tissue contrast and, in many cases, allows additional and more precise differences to be recognized than is possible with standard X-ray examinations, computerized tomography (CT) or ultrasound. In about every third MRI examination, a contrast medium is injected into a vein to further improve contrast and thus allow for better differentiation of tissues. The most commonly used MRI contrast agents are a class of chemical compounds containing gadolinium, a substance decisive for improving contrast. The contrast medium is eliminated via the kidney and is very well tolerated. MRI contrast media can be used safely in patients with kidney problems. Gadolinium has no cross reactivity with iodinated contrast media used for X-rays or CT scans.

Patients who have had a prior allergic reaction to intravenous gadolinium requiring epinephrine or hospitalization should inform the staff before the MRI is performed. If you require intravenous gadolinium for your MRI, the radiologist or your doctor could request that you have a prednisone preparation before you arrive for your MRI. You will be given instructions on how to take an oral prednisone preparation before you come for your exam. You might also require a Benedryl injection when you arrive at the MRI Center, to further ensure that you avoid an adverse reaction when the gadolinium is injected.

During the Exam

After the technologist discusses the exam with you and answers any questions you may have, you will be escorted into the scan room. You will be positioned, reclining, on a special cushioned table that will move you through the scanner during your exam. A special piece of equipment called a surface coil, which is like a radio antenna, could be placed on the part of your body to be imaged.

The technologist will then leave the room. At all times, however, the technologist can both see and hear you. You will also be given a call button, should you need to be in immediate contact with the technologist.

MRI sequences will then begin. The exam consists of several different sequences that vary in length and in the type of sound they make. The technologist will tell you how long each sequence will be and will remind you to lie as still as possible. Some MRI exams have a few short sequences during which you will be asked to hold your breath. These "breath holds" last from 10 to 20 seconds. Patients in the scanner will be aware of a "knocking" noise. This is the sound of the magnet working to generate images. Should the noise be bothersome, a technologist can provide you with earplugs.

Patients should expect to be in the scanner for between 40 and 90 minutes. After the exam, the technologist will help you off the table and escort you back to the locker area, where you can change back into your clothes.

After the Exam

Upon completion of the exam, the nurse will go over written discharge instructions. Some patients can resume normal activities immediately. Patients who have opted for sedation should not plan to do any work or activities that require them to be alert for the duration of the day. The patient will then be discharged and can return home with his or her escort.

Results

Radiology results are available on our information system to your doctor within two to four business days.