MRI Exams

MRI technology allows the physician to see many internal organs without radiation, surgery, or pain. MRI is unique in that, to date, it has no known harmful effects, while allowing the physician to view inside the body more clearly than many other techniques. Because it produces better soft tissue images than x-rays, MRI is most commonly used to image the brain, spine, thorax, vascular system and musculoskeletal system. Covenant offers MRI services at the Harrison and Irving campuses.

MRI of the Breast

PREPARATION: 
None.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
During an MRI of the Breast, the patient is placed on their stomach on the MRI table entering feet first with the breast protruding into the cushioned openings in a depression in the table.  The table will then be moved into the magnet of the MRI unit. After an initial series of scans, contrast material is injected into the intravenous line. Additional series of images are taken following the injection.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED:
Generally 45 minutes to over one hour.

MRI of the Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis

PREPARATION: 
None.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
The patient is placed on their stomach on the MRI table entering head first for a chest scan and feet first for an abdomen or pelvis exam. Contrast is occasionally used at the discretion of the Radiologist. Images are obtained to demonstrate lesions, cysts, tumors, abnormalities or other pathology. Due to the motion in the chest and abdomen, the scans are often not as clear as a CT scan. Pelvic scans can demonstrate anatomy without motion artifact with good patient cooperation.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
Generally 45 minutes to over one hour.

MRI of the Head (Brain, Orbits, IACs, Pituitary, MRA Circle of Willis)

PREPARATION: 
None.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
The patient is placed on their stomach on the MRI table with the head positioned within the MRI gantry. On most studies, the patient will receive an injection of contrast 2/3 of the way through the exam. Images are obtained to demonstrate CVA, hemorrhage, the presence of tumors, metastatic lesions, infarctions and aneurysms.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED:
Scanning time is generally 30 minutes to 1 hour.

MRI of the Knee, Shoulder and other Extremities

PREPARATION: 
None.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
The patient is placed on their back or stomach on the MRI table with the extremity to be scanned enclosed in a device called a coil. The patient will generally enter the magnet feet first for lower extremity exams and head first for upper extremity exams. Contrast is rarely used but can be used at the discretion of the Radiologist. Images are obtained to demonstrate abnormalities, tears, tumors, cysts and dislocations.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
Time varies from 30 minutes to one hour.

Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatogram

PREPARATION: 
The patient must have nothing by mouth (NPO) 4-6 hours for bile duct.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
Patient is placed on their back, generally entering feet first, into the gantry. Contrast is usually not needed. Images are obtained to demonstrate stenosis of the ducts of the gallbladder and pancreas.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED:  
Scanning time is usually between 40-50 minutes.

MRI of the Spine (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, and Sacrum)

PREPARATION: 
None.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
The patient is placed on their stomach on the MRI table with the head generally entering the gantry first. The middle of the area being scanned will be positioned in the middle of the magnet. On occasion as necessary, lumbar and sacral spine patients can be placed to enter feet first. This is sometimes helpful with claustrophobic and large patients. Contrast is occasionally used, especially if the patient has had surgery in the area of interest or if bone cancer is suspected. Images are obtained to demonstrate disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, tumors, cord abnormalities and subluxations.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
Time varies from 20 minutes (cervical without contrast) to one hour (lumbar spine with and without contrast).