This procedure is performed at:

Larchmont Medical Center II, Mt. Laurel
Willingboro Imaging Center
Medford Imaging Center

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most sophisticated imaging technique available today. Unlike standard x-rays or CT scans, MRI does not utilize x-rays which expose patients to small amounts of ionizing radiation. Instead, MRI uses strong magnetic fields to image the body. The advantages of MRI over other imaging modalities is that it allows pictures to be generated of internal organs, bones, muscles and joints which have more detail and accuracy than images produced by x-rays, CT scans or ultrasound. MRI has become the most accurate imaging test for the following types of problems.

Imaging the Brain and Spine

Because of the excellent contrast between normal and diseased tissue, MRI has become the definitive test for evaluating the brain for strokes and tumors. While CT is still the first test done for acute injuries to the head, MRI has been shown to be extremely helpful in detecting subtle injuries or bleeding that may go undetected by CT yet still cause serious symptoms. MRI is also the best non-invasive test for evaluating the spine for herniated discs or other problems which may be compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. These tests can both aid in diagnosing the cause of the patient's symptoms, and assist in surgical planning.

Orthopedic Imaging

Unlike x-rays which only show injuries to bones, MRI can show injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Sometimes fractures may not even show up on x-rays, but MRI can detect the most subtle "stress fractures" or "bone bruises." These features have helped MRI to become the definitive test in evaluating the major joints (knees, shoulder, hips, ankles, wrists and feet) for sports injuries. When patients complain of a lump or soft tissue mass, MRI can help characterize it and determine its extent which will assist in surgical planning.

Abdominal and Pelvic Imaging

CT and ultrasound are often used as initial tests in evaluating abdominal or pelvic symptoms. Often these tests detect potential abnormalities but are unable to completely characterize them. MRI can often provide more detailed information about abnormalities in the solid abdominal organs and determine if there is an underlying tumor. This can help your doctor determine if surgery or a biopsy is indicated and help in the planning for such procedures. Because MRI is a more sensitive test, often it detects abnormalities even when CT scans or ultrasound scans are “normal.”

Vascular Imaging

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses techniques that image flowing blood and provides detailed pictures of the arteries and veins in the body. This can help diagnose blockages in arteries, aneurysms or vascular malformations. Older techniques required insertion of catheters into these vessels and injection of contrast (x-ray dye). Because of the invasive nature of the older tests, they are usually performed in a hospital. Now using MRA, this test can be performed non-invasively in a radiology office. Many of these MRA examinations require the injection of gadolinium contrast. Patients with severe kidney disease generally should not receive this contrast agent. Larchmont Imaging recently upgraded its equipment to allow MRA examination of the abdomen to be done without the use of gadolinium contrast.

Breast MRI

Breast MRI is now recommended as a screening tool for women at high risk for breast cancer, as a diagnostic tool for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer or who have equivocal findings on mammography. Larchmont performs state-of-the-art breast MRI on all of our high field MRI systems. Our breast MRI radiologists are all highly trained in all aspects of breast imaging and breast biopsy procedures. Sometimes suspicious abnormalities may be identified on breast MRI exams that cannot be localized with mammography or ultrasound. In those situations, our radiologists can perform MRI directed breast biopsy procedures.

Interpretation of Your Scan

Following your scan, the images will be interpreted by one of our radiologists. All of our radiologists are certified by the American Board of Radiology. A detailed report will be sent to your doctor in one to three days. Urgent reports can be faxed to your doctor on the same day of your test.

Our MRI facilities are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

 

Open MRI

Performed at Larchmont Medical Center II

Larchmont Imaging Associates performs MRI exams with both "high field" and "open" MRI scanners. Our "high field" magnets are General Electric High Speed 1.5 Tesla magnets which can perform the most sophisticated imaging procedures available today. Some patients may not be able to tolerate exams performed in this scanner because of symptoms of claustrophobia or because of their large size. In order to accommodate all patients, we have recently upgraded our open MRI to a Hitachi Airis Elite scanner. The "open MRI" features an open design that can easily image large patients and patients who suffer from claustrophobia. Most types of MRI exams can be performed on this scanner with nearly the quality achieved in the "high field" unit.

Preparing for Your Test

In general, there is no special preparation for an MRI scan. If you are scheduled for a scan of the abdomen or pelvis, we will instruct you not to eat before the test. Because of the strong magnetic fields that are used, metal objects can interfere with the scans. Most metallic implants used today are compatible with MRI scanners. Our staff will ask you some screening questions to be sure that you do not have any types of implants which are not safe. Patients with cardiac pacemakers, some prosthetic heart valves and a few other types of implanted devices should not have MRI scans. Prior to your scan, we may ask you to change into an exam gown and remove any metallic jewelry or hair pins. Your personal items can be stored in a locker during the test.

Most of the scans take approximately 30 minutes to perform. Some of the longer exams may take up to an hour. During the exam it is important to try and remain as still as possible. Movement during the scan can lead to "blurry pictures" of your body. Some tests will require the injection of a contrast agent into a vein. This MRI contrast does not contain iodine - it has been shown to be very safe and is very unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Depending on your age and medical history, we may ask for lab results from your doctor to make sure you do not have significant kidney disease that would make it preferable to perform the examination without contrast. During the scan you will hear a knocking noise which is produced by the scanner. If you choose to, you may listen to music through headphones during the scan.

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To make an appointment at any of our locations please call 609-261-4500 between the hours of 8:30am & 5:00pm.