An MR angiography exam, or MRA, is used to examine blood vessels throughout the body. A contrast material is used to provide extremely detailed images, and allows us to visualize conditions such as aneurysms, plaque buildup, or atherosclerotic disease.
We are committed to bringing the most advanced imaging equipment to patients. We offer over 25 3T machines including the new Vida 3T MRI, which are the strongest MRI machines used in clinical practice. The machines are updated every 2 to 3 years, guaranteeing that patients will never be scanned on outdated equipment and that they will get the best images in the shortest time. In addition to our fleet of 3T machines, we also offer 1.5T MRI machines and 1.2T Open-Sided machines. We provide a variety of technology because every patient is different and every patient deserves to have the most comfortable MRI experience possible.
MRI is a non-invasive imaging technology that produces three dimensional detailed anatomical images without the use of damaging radiation. It is often used for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring. It is based on sophisticated technology that excites and detects the change in the direction of the rotational axis of protons found in the water that makes up living tissues.
The MRI scanner takes many very thin 2-dimensional pictures, which the computer can assemble into 3-dimensional pictures. This allows the doctor to look layer by layer at the area being scanned and provides greater detail to aid in the diagnostic process.
Patients are brought into the MRI room and asked to lie down on the scanning table. The area of the body being scanned will be comfortably positioned in or near a special surface coil. In addition to the best machines, Zwanger-Pesiri also invests in the most advanced coils. The combination of the two ensures the clearest possible images are generated.
The patient is moved into the center of the magnet and the test begins. The machine never touches you and the exam is completely non-invasive. Patients are asked to remain as still as possible to ensure the best possible images. The technologist will be able to talk to you from outside the room through an intercom during the scan to keep you updated of your progress. Once all of the images have been recorded, the patient is taken out of the MRI machine and our technologist will return to assist you off the table.
MRI machines are loud. All of our MRI suites were constructed using extensive acoustical material. This keeps the rest of the office quiet and calm, while lowering the noise level for MRI patients up to 15 decibels! In addition to the quieter rooms, each and every MRI patient is offered noise cancelling headphones so they can listen to music during their scan. Due to the advanced machinery and fast scan times, many patients only make it through three songs.
MRI uses a very powerful magnet. It is extremely important that you do not bring any metal into the area. Doing so can create a dangerous scenario for you and for staff members.
You must remove all jewelry and any other metallic objects such as hearing aids, jeans with metal zippers, body piercings, and removable dental work. Wearing a sweatsuit with no metal may prevent you from having to change into a gown.
Learn about Different Types of MRI Exams
MR Angiography
Body MRI
Body MRI can be used to help diagnose or monitor treatments for a variety of conditions of the chest and abdomen. It can assess the heart, liver, biliary tract, kidneys, spleen, bowel, pancreas, and adrenal glands. Body MRI is also used to study pelvic organs including the bladder and the reproductive organs in females and the prostate gland in males. It may also be used to study blood vessels and lymph nodes.
Breast MRI
Breast MRI is used to evaluate a suspicious mass in the breast tissue. It is used as an additional tool that provides valuable diagnostic information which cannot be gathered using other imaging techniques. MRI produces extremely detailed images of breast tissue, especially in women with dense breasts. This exam is used most often in women with a family history of breast cancer.
A breast MRI exam is similar to a regular MRI, except you will lie face down on a comfortable, cushioned MRI coil, which allows for the breast images to be acquired with extremely high detail.
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI is used to evaluate the anatomy and function of the heart chambers, valves, size, and blood flow through major vessels and surrounding structures. Using MRI, we are able to diagnose cardiovascular disorders such as tumors, infections, and inflammatory conditions.
MR Enterography
MR enterography is a special type of MRI performed with contrast to produce detailed images of the small intestine. This test is used to evaluate Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases, inflammation, causes of bleeding, vascular abnormalities, tumors, and other intestinal obstructions.
Musculoskeletal MRI
Musculoskeletal MRI is used to evaluate the joints, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. MRI is useful to assess the cause of pain or loss of function of our joints. The shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and joints of the foot can be examined.
Prostate MRI
A prostate MRI provides the clearest, most detailed images of the soft-tissue structures of the prostate, and is used as both a screening and a diagnostic tool for prostate cancer patients. It can also help to evaluate an abscess or infection (prostatitis) or detect an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Prostate MRI is also a useful tool for planning radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer.
