Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What is MRI?

MRI is a noninvasive medical imaging method that uses a combination of radio waves, magnetic field power and computer processing to produce internal images of bodily structures. It can be especially useful when evaluating or screening the body for conditions affecting organs or body systems such as the liver, gastrointestinal tract and heart.

How should I prepare for MRI?

Usually, a patient will be asked to change into a hospital gown for this imaging procedure. Before the MRI scan, you will need to answer a variety of questions asked by the technologist or radiologist according to a specific screening form. Any and all metallic objects will have to be removed before the MRI procedure.

Attention all breastfeeding patients/individuals:

Please verbalize early on to your referring doctor, radiologist or technologist if you are breastfeeding. This information is important when contrast agents need to be used for procedural imaging purposes. Patients should try to pump additional breast milk beforehand for infant feeding, as contrast agents can take up to 24 hours to clear within the body. Additional instructions and options will be communicated with you by the radiologist or clinic in such cases.

Pros and cons of MRI:

Pros

No exposure to ionizing radiation.
Pregnancy does not limit the MRI procedure.
MRI does not cause any known tissue damage.
It is a non-invasive imaging procedure.
MRI is usually a painless imaging procedure.
The patient will be able to communicate with the MRI technologist during the entire procedure, usually via intercom communication.

Cons

Patients suffering from claustrophobia will most likely have to be induced with a mild sedative to prevent discomfort.
There are several metal and other specific objects and structures (included in the screening form), that limit and interfere with MRI quality and the imaging procedure as a whole.
The patient must lie very still at all times.

(Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), 2023)