Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Types of MRI Exams
 Brain
MRI
An MRI of the brain produces very detailed pictures of the brain.
It is commonly used to study patients with headaches, seizures,
weakness, blurry vision, etc. It also can further evaluate an
abnormality seen on a CT scan. During the brain MRI, a special
device called a head coil is placed around the patient's head.
It does not touch the patient, and the patient can see through
large gaps in the coil. This device is what helps to produce the
very detailed pictures of the brain.
- Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI can evaluate the size and thickness of the chambers
of the heart, the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or
progressive heart disease, and build-up of plaque and blockages
in the blood vessels. It is an invaluable tool for detecting and
evaluating coronary artery disease and the function of the heart
muscles, valves and vessels.
- Spine MRI
This test is most commonly used to look for a herniated disc or
narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) in patients with
neck, arm, back and/or leg pain. It is also the best test to look
for a recurrent disc herniation in a patient who has had prior
back surgery.
- Bone and Joint MRI
MRI can evaluate virtually all of the bones and joints, as well
as the soft tissues. Tendon, ligament, muscle, cartilage and bone
injuries can be diagnosed using MRI scans. It can also be used
to look for infections and masses.
- Abdomen MRI
MRI of the abdomen is most frequently used to further evaluate
an abnormality seen on another test, such as an ultrasound or
CT scan. Thus, the exam is usually tailored to look at specific
organs or tissues, such as the liver, adrenal glands or pancreas.
- Pelvic MRI
For women, pelvic MRI is used to evaluate the ovaries and uterus
as follow-up to an ultrasound exam which showed an abnormality.
It is also used to evaluate endometrial cancer. For men, pelvic
MRI is sometimes used to evaluate prostate cancer.
- MRA
An MRA evaluates blood vessels. The blood vessels in the neck
(carotid and vertebral arteries) and brain are frequently studied
by MRA to look for areas of narrowing or dilatation. In the abdomen,
the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys are also frequently
examined with this technique. The extremities (arms, legs) can
also be studied for narrowing.
All MRI exams are interpreted by a board certified radiologists with
subspecialty training in MRI.
For more information about MRI at
The Miriam Hospital, call
401-793-4448 or e-mail KLaurie@lifespan.org. Back
|
