Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the ability to see it through bone and to delineate fluid-
filled soft tissue in great detail and produces images of organs and vessels in motion. In this
noninvasive procedure, the patient is placed in a magnetic field into which a radiofrequency
beam is introduced. Resulting energy changes are measured and used by the MRI computer to
generate images on a monitor. Cross-sectional images of the anatomy are viewed in multiple planes
and recorded for the permanent record.
Because the magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves used are imperceptible by the patient, no
harmful effects have been documented. Research continues on the optimal magnetic fields and
radiofrequency waves for various tissue types.
Procedure
The protocol and procedure for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) differs per area but generally, the
following steps are followed.
1. If indicated, an IV line is started to administer a contrast medium before the procedure
begins.
2. The patient is placed in a supine position on a narrow, padded, nonmetallic bed that slides to
the desired position inside the scanner.
3. The patient is asked to remain still.
4. Radiofrequency energy is directed at the area being tested. The radiologist may vary the
waves and use the computer to manipulate and enhance the images.
5. The resulting images are displayed on a monitor and recorded on film or magnetic tape for
permanent storage.
, 6. The patient is advised to keep his eyes closed to promote relaxation and prevent a closed-in-
feeling.
7. If nausea occurs because of claustrophobia, the patient is encouraged to take deep breaths.
8. If the test is prolonged with the patient lying flat, monitor him for orthostatic hypotension.
Types
Abdominal and pelvic
Indication Abnormal Results
Neoplasms
Visualize the liver, pancreas, adrenals, spleen, Renal implant
kidneys, blood vessels, and reproductive organsStage abnormalities
uterine, vulvar, and cervical carcinoma, and prostate cancer Retroperitoneal structural
abnormalities
Blood Vessels (magnetic resonance angiography)
Indication Abnormal Results
Aneurysms
Detect, diagnose, and assists in the treatment Atherosclerosis
of heart disorders, stroke, and blood vessels Disease in the aorta and in blood vessels
diseases supplying the kidneys, lungs, and legs
Screen for familial tendency for an Graft patency
arterial aneurysm Occlusions
Stenosis
Breast
Indication Abnormal Results
Detect breast tumors in a woman with implants
Visualize complex breast lesions Benign and malignant breast
Differentiate between benign and malignant breast tumors
tumors Complex breast lesion
Stage breast cancer
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the ability to see it through bone and to delineate fluid-
filled soft tissue in great detail and produces images of organs and vessels in motion. In this
noninvasive procedure, the patient is placed in a magnetic field into which a radiofrequency
beam is introduced. Resulting energy changes are measured and used by the MRI computer to
generate images on a monitor. Cross-sectional images of the anatomy are viewed in multiple planes
and recorded for the permanent record.
Because the magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves used are imperceptible by the patient, no
harmful effects have been documented. Research continues on the optimal magnetic fields and
radiofrequency waves for various tissue types.
Procedure
The protocol and procedure for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) differs per area but generally, the
following steps are followed.
1. If indicated, an IV line is started to administer a contrast medium before the procedure
begins.
2. The patient is placed in a supine position on a narrow, padded, nonmetallic bed that slides to
the desired position inside the scanner.
3. The patient is asked to remain still.
4. Radiofrequency energy is directed at the area being tested. The radiologist may vary the
waves and use the computer to manipulate and enhance the images.
5. The resulting images are displayed on a monitor and recorded on film or magnetic tape for
permanent storage.
, 6. The patient is advised to keep his eyes closed to promote relaxation and prevent a closed-in-
feeling.
7. If nausea occurs because of claustrophobia, the patient is encouraged to take deep breaths.
8. If the test is prolonged with the patient lying flat, monitor him for orthostatic hypotension.
Types
Abdominal and pelvic
Indication Abnormal Results
Neoplasms
Visualize the liver, pancreas, adrenals, spleen, Renal implant
kidneys, blood vessels, and reproductive organsStage abnormalities
uterine, vulvar, and cervical carcinoma, and prostate cancer Retroperitoneal structural
abnormalities
Blood Vessels (magnetic resonance angiography)
Indication Abnormal Results
Aneurysms
Detect, diagnose, and assists in the treatment Atherosclerosis
of heart disorders, stroke, and blood vessels Disease in the aorta and in blood vessels
diseases supplying the kidneys, lungs, and legs
Screen for familial tendency for an Graft patency
arterial aneurysm Occlusions
Stenosis
Breast
Indication Abnormal Results
Detect breast tumors in a woman with implants
Visualize complex breast lesions Benign and malignant breast
Differentiate between benign and malignant breast tumors
tumors Complex breast lesion
Stage breast cancer
