MRI scans for imaging without ionizing radiation
MRI scans for imaging without ionizing radiation
Often known as an MRI, magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging procedure doctors use to help diagnose a wide variety of conditions, including heart and vascular disease, stroke, cancer, joint disorders, breast disease and neurological conditions. In many cases, magnetic resonance imaging provides different information about structures within the body that can’t be seen during other imaging procedures.
The MRI scanner uses a powerful magnet, radio waves and computer technology to produce pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and most other internal body structures from all angles — without ionizing radiation. Single MRI images are called slices. One exam produces dozens or sometimes hundreds of images.
Because an MRI uses a powerful magnet to create images, it can attract metal objects and may interfere with the normal operation of implantable devices, such as pacemakers.
Common types of MRI
Common types of MRI
An MRI can provide invaluable information about the various structures within the body. It may also be used to provide more details about something seen onan X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan.
An MRI can be used to examine the heart, lungs, muscles, abdominal organs, breast tissue, brain, nerves, bones, joints, spine, arms and legs.
Breast MRI
A breast MRI provides a more comprehensive picture than other imaging techniques. A physician may order a breast MRI to:
- Screen for breast cancer and abnormalities in high-risk patients
- Detect breast cancer in women who may have difficulty with mammograms or other imaging techniques due to breast implants, prior surgery or dense breast tissue
- Determine the extent of breast cancer
- Monitor response to therapy in breast cancer patients
- Evaluate recovery after an operation
- Monitor for cancer recurrence
- Differentiate scar tissue from cancer recurrence
- Evaluate the integrity of breast implants
Breast imaging for high-risk patients
MRI scans are playing a larger role in the detection of breast cancer in very high-risk patients. People with a family history of breast cancer, and people who are known or likely carriers of the BRCA (“breast cancer”) gene, are potential candidates for breast MRI.
Scripps radiologists have access to advanced software technology, which helps double check the process of detecting and localizing lesions within breast tissue. The software provides quantitative measurements that are interpreted by radiologists, which helps surgeons and other clinicians design a treatment plan.
Cardiac MRI
Also known as a heart MRI, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging creates detailed images of the heart. Doctors performing a cardiac MRI are specially trained to use MRI technology for capturing three-dimensional (3-D) videos of the heart, allowing the highest level of detail in evaluating heart structure and function.
A wide variety of disorders can be evaluated with cardiac MRI, such as:
- Scarring from previous heart attacks
- Congestive heart failure
- Tumors
- Congenital heart disease
- Abnormal heart valves
How a cardiac MRI is performed
Prior to a cardiac MRI, you will be asked to complete a standard MRI screening questionnaire to ensure you’re able to safely enter the MRI area. Because MRI imaging uses a very strong magnet, it’s important for you to advise the MRI staff if you have any metal embedded in your body, including a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator. Learn more about safety during your MRI.
A cardiac MRI is similar to other types of MRIs. You’ll be placed on a padded table and positioned for your exam. Depending on the type of exam, an IV (small plastic tube) may be inserted into a vein in your arm so that a contrast agent called “gadolinium” can be given to make certain parts of the heart show up better.
Electrodes (sticky pads) will then be placed on your chest, and you’ll be attached to an electrocardiogram machine (ECG). The ECG permits the MRI machine to take pictures while your heart is beating. It also allows the MRI staff to monitor your heart during the exam.
A soft padded coil will be placed at the area where the pictures will be taken. The coil functions as a receiver and helps the MRI system take pictures.
The MRI technologist will talk to you throughout your exam and will give you simple instructions regarding holding your breath or holding still.
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
MRA is a type of MRI that is used to look at blood vessels and the way blood is flowing through them. This exam allows doctors to see both the blood flow and the condition of the blood vessel walls. MRA is used to examine blood vessels in key areas of the body, including the brain, kidneys, lungs and heart.
MRA can help:
- Identify disease and aneurysms in the aorta or other major blood vessels
- Detect atherosclerotic disease
- Indicate disease in the kidney artery
- Visualize blood flow to prepare for surgeries
- Guide surgeons making repairs to diseased blood vessels
- Detect injury to one or more arteries in trauma patients
- Identify dissection in the aorta or its major branches
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
MRCP is a type of MRI that is used to evaluate conditions involving the bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreatic ducts. MRCP can help diagnose and examine many conditions of the biliary system, including:
- Determining if gallstones are lodged in any of the ducts surrounding the gallbladder
- Identifying the presence of bile duct obstruction or injuries
- Diagnosing primary sclerosing cholangitis, a swelling or damaging of the bile ducts
- Diagnosing cancerous and non-cancerous tumors of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas
MRI locations
Scripps Health offers magnetic resonance imaging at the following locations in San Diego County.
Hospital campuses
Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas
760-633-7724
Scripps Green Hospital
Cardiac MRI available at this location
858-554-7844
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
Cardiac MRI available at this location
888-440-7882
Scripps La Jolla Outpatient Imaging Pavilion
888-440-7882
Scripps/XiMED Medical Center
On the campus of Scripps Memorial La Jolla
888-440-7882
Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego
Cardiac MRI available at this location
619-862-6500
Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista
619-862-6500
Scripps Chula Vista Outpatient Imaging
858-626-6800
Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Center
Scripps Clinic Anderson Medical Pavilion
Cardiac MRI available at this location
858-554-7844
Scripps Clinic Carmel Valley
858-554-7844
Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo
858-554-7844
Scripps Coastal Medical Center Vista
760-806-5458
