This
procedure is performed at:
Larchmont
Medical Center II, Mt. Laurel
Willingboro
Imaging Center
Medford Imaging
Center
What
is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most sophisticated imaging
technique available today. Unlike standard x-rays or CT
scans, MRI does not utilize x-rays which expose patients
to small amounts of ionizing radiation. Instead, MRI uses
strong magnetic fields to image the body. The advantages
of MRI over other imaging modalities is that it allows pictures
to be generated of internal organs, bones, muscles and joints
which have more detail and accuracy than images produced
by x-rays, CT scans or ultrasound. MRI has become the most
accurate imaging test for the following types of problems.
Imaging the Brain and Spine
Because
of the excellent contrast between normal and diseased tissue,
MRI has become the definitive test for evaluating the brain
for strokes and tumors. While CT is still the first test
done for acute injuries to the head, MRI has been shown
to be extremely helpful in detecting subtle injuries or
bleeding that may go undetected by CT yet still cause serious
symptoms. MRI is also the best non-invasive test for evaluating
the spine for herniated discs or other problems which may
be compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. These tests
can both aid in diagnosing the cause of the patient's symptoms,
and assist in surgical planning.
Orthopedic
Imaging
Unlike
x-rays which only show injuries to bones, MRI can show injuries
to muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Sometimes
fractures may not even show up on x-rays, but MRI can detect
the most subtle "stress fractures" or "bone
bruises." These features have helped MRI to become
the definitive test in evaluating the major joints (knees,
shoulder, hips, ankles, wrists and feet) for sports injuries.
When patients complain of a lump or soft tissue mass, MRI
can help characterize it and determine its extent which
will assist in surgical planning.
Abdominal
and Pelvic Imaging
CT
and ultrasound are often used as initial tests in evaluating
abdominal or pelvic symptoms. Often these tests detect potential
abnormalities but are unable to completely characterize
them. MRI can often provide more detailed information about
abnormalities in the solid abdominal organs and determine
if there is an underlying tumor. This can help your doctor
determine if surgery or a biopsy is indicated and help in
the planning for such procedures. Because MRI is a more
sensitive test, often it detects abnormalities even when
CT scans or ultrasound scans are "normal."
Vascular
Imaging
Magnetic
resonance angiography (MRA) uses techniques that image flowing
blood and provides detailed pictures of the arteries and
veins in the body. This can help diagnose blockages in arteries,
aneurysms or vascular malformations. Older techniques required
insertion of catheters into these vessels and injection
of contrast (x-ray dye). Because of the invasive nature
of the older tests, they are usually performed in a hospital.
Now using MRA, this test can be performed non-invasively
in a radiology office.
Interpretation
of Your Scan
Following
your scan, the pictures will be interpreted by one of our
radiologists. All of our radiologists are certified by the
American Board of Radiology. A detailed report will be sent
to your doctor in one to three days. Urgent reports can
be faxed to your doctor on the same day of your test.
Our
MRI facilities are accredited by the American
College of Radiology (ACR).
Open
MRI
Performed at Larchmont Medical Center II
Larchmont
Imaging Associates performs MRI exams with both "high
field" and "open" MRI scanners. Our "high
field" magnets are General Electric High Speed 1.5
Tesla magnets which can perform the most sophisticated imaging
procedures available today. Some patients may not be able
to tolerate exams performed in this scanner because of symptoms
of claustrophobia or because of their large size. In order
to accommodate all patients, we have recently acquired a
Hitachi Airis II open MRI scanner. The "open MRI"
features an open design that can easily image large patients
and patients who suffer from claustrophobia. Most types
of MRI exams can be performed on this scanner with nearly
the quality achieved in the "high field" unit.
Preparing
for Your Test
In general, there is no special preparation
for an MRI scan. If you are scheduled for a scan of the
abdomen or pelvis, we will instruct you not to eat before
the test. Because of the strong magnetic fields that are
used, metal objects can interfere with the scans. Most metallic
implants used today are compatible with MRI scanners. Our
staff will ask you some screening questions to be sure that
you do not have any types of implants which are not safe.
Patients with cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips, some prosthetic
heart valves and a few other types of implanted devices
should not have MRI scans. Prior to your scan, we may ask
you to change into an exam gown and remove any metallic
jewelry or hair pins. Your personal items can be stored
in a locker during the test.
Most
of the scans take approximately 30 minutes to perform. Some
of the longer exams may take up to an hour. During the exam
it is important to try and remain as still as possible.
Movement during the scan can lead to "blurry pictures"
of your body. Some tests will require the injection of a
contrast agent into a vein. This MRI contrast does not contain
iodine - it has been shown to be very safe and is very unlikely
to cause an allergic reaction. During the scan you will
hear a knocking noise which is produced by the scanner.
If you choose to, you may listen to music through headphones
during the scan. Feel free to bring either a tape or CD
of your choice to listen to.
For more information concerning
this topic go to 
To
make an appointment at any of our locations please call
609-261-4500 between the hours of 8:30am & 5:00pm.
