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Magnetic Resonance Imaging |
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ANKLE MRI enables the view of many structures of the foot and ankle not detected by other imaging methods. Able to visualize the ankle joint, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue masses. BRAIN Selection Process of Specific Exam Procedure of choice for the brain - MRI has become the preferred screening procedure for space occupying lesions as it is estimated that up to 15% of hemispheric tumors may be missed by CT. Not only does MRI approach 100% accuracy rate, it also examines the area hidden with CT such as the cerebellar and brain stem regions. CHEST (BRACHIAL PLEXUS) Examination of right or left upper shoulder neck region with multiple MR sequences. FOOT, HAND Joints, ligaments, tendons, bones are evaluated. These exams take a while because of the very fine definition required to make an interpretation. HIP Joint, ligaments, tendons, patella, lateral and medial meniscus are evaluated. If contrast requested, schedule fluoro for the injection and MR of the knee or hip to follow. INTERNAL AUDITORY CANAL (IAC) Routine brain scan performed first. Additional high-resolution pictures of the internal auditory canal or inner ear are acquired following contrast injection. Always done with gad unless specifically ordered without. KNEE Joint, ligaments, tendons, patella, lateral and medial meniscus are evaluated. If contrast requested, schedule fluoro for the injection and MR of the knee or hip to follow. MAMMOGRAPHY To rule out implant abnormalities. If there is a rupture, MRI can identify the areas of leakage. MRA HEAD/NECK CERVICAL (carotid arteries in neck) CEREBRAL (arteries in brain) Procedure of choice for the brain as well as an excellent tool to evaluate the vascular structures feeding the brain. MRA of the cerebral vessels allows visualization of these vessels without contrast. NECK, SOFT TISSUE, OROPHARYNX NASOPHARYNX Excellent tool for soft tissue neck (not C-Spine), tongue, oropharynx, nasopharynx, salivary glands, larynx, thyroid - sinuses done as MR brain. Done with gad unless "no gad" was specifically requested. ORBITS Extraordinary details of the very small structures of the orbits such as the lachrymal nerve and artery, lens, and extra ocular muscles are observed through MRI. PELVIS Bladder, female organs, and male organs may be visualized by MRI. PITUITARY (SELLA) Routine brain scan done first, additional high resolution pictures of pituitary gland done after a contrast injection. SHOULDER - UPPER EXTREMITY MRI is the procedure of choice for shoulder imaging. Due to MRI's ability to define dissimilar types of tissue, cartilage and bone, it is the preferred means for determining the source of shoulder pain. For this reason it is also an excellent tool for identification of elbow problems. Occasionally, your physician may order contrast injection. This will require a slight increase in time. SPINE - CERVICAL Discs, vertebral bodies, spinal cord are visualized. If tumor or post-surgery abnormalities are suspected contrast is possibly necessary. Because patients develop scar tissue after surgery, contrast is necessary in post-op patients (if surgery was done posteriorly) to properly visualize the area of question. SPINE - LUMBAR Discs, vertebral bodies, spinal cord are visualized. If tumor or post-surgery abnormalities are suspected contrast is necessary. Because patients develop scar tissue after surgery, contrast is necessary in post-op patients to properly visualize the area of scar tissue. SPINE - THORACIC If tumor or post-surgery abnormalities are suspected contrast is necessary. Because patients develop scar tissue after surgery, contrast is necessary in post-op patients to properly visualize the area of question. SPINE SURVEY - LIMITED VIEWS OF: CERVICAL, THORACIC, LUMBAR MRI is considered the standard modality for imaging of the spine and its content, i.e., spinal cord, nucleus pulposus, and nerves originating from the spine. The spine survey is an exam that provides only sagittal views unless pathology is identified. This is not a comprehensive study of each segment of the spine. TMJ (TEMPORAL MANDIBULAR JOINTS) The temporal mandibular joint is located anterior to the ear. It is the joint referred to as your jaw joint. Because MRI can visualize very fine detail of small structures, this is an excellent tool for evaluating the TMJ joint. WRIST Due to MRI's ability to define dissimilar tissue types, cartilage and bone it is a preferred means of deterring of pain in the wrist also. |
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Overview Exam Descriptions
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