What a Pediatric MRI Is
MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Pediatric MRI is a very useful type of diagnostic exam and can be used for a variety of reasons. The sensitivity of MRI to changes in soft tissue, as well as its very high resolution, allow for the visualization of changes that may not be seen in other imaging exams, such as an x-ray or CT scan. MRI excels at imaging soft tissues such as internal organs, muscles, and cartilage. It is also very sensitive to subtle changes in bones. While MRI is a very powerful and versatile technology, it is not used in all circumstances. Your doctor will let you know if MRI is the right exam for your child.
MRI does not use ionizing radiation, as CT scans and x-rays do. Instead, MRI generates images based on the amount of water in the body tissues, using a very strong magnet and radio waves.
Some MRI scans require the use of a contrast medium, also referred to as gadolinium. Gadolinium, which is given intravenously, highlights certain body parts so the radiologist can better see any abnormalities.
MRI has become the favored way to obtain very detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord. The developing brain of a growing child undergoes many changes in water content that require expert knowledge of how this affects the MRI pictures. Correct interpretation of these findings is required when examining a child with seizures, spina bifida, or delays in development, for example.
Invision Sally Jobe offers pediatric MRI at several of our outpatient centers in the South Denver
Metro area of Colorado.