Closed and Open MRI

MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI is a very useful type of diagnostic exam and can be used for a variety of reasons. The exquisite 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. MRI excels at imaging soft tissues such as the breasts, internal organs, muscles, cartilage and the brain and spinal cord. 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 you.

MRI does not use ionizing radiation, as CT scans and x-rays do. Instead, MRI generates images using a very strong magnet and radio waves. The images are cross sections like CT scans, but MRI can also produce images in lengthwise planes without the patient having to change position.

Some MRI scans, including breast MRIs, 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.

Not everyone may have an MRI. Due to the strong magnet used, some implanted materials and devices are not safe to image. Before you undergo an MRI, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire to ensure that it is safe for you to have an MRI.

Conventional MRI machines have a donut shape with a tube that is usually about 3 feet in length. This exam causes anxiety for some people who are claustrophobic. If you know you are claustrophobic, please let our staff know at the time of scheduling. In some cases, you may be able to have your exam on our open MRI machine. However, some MRI exams, such as breast exams, can not be done on the open MRI scanner. In these cases, a mild sedative may be used to help you relax.

This page contains the following information about MRI scans:

Reasons for Having an MRI

MRI is used for imaging many parts of the body. MRI can be used to evaluate the cause of headaches, back pain, shoulder, knee and other joint injuries. MRI is also frequently used to image the abdominal and pelvic organs. MRI may be used as a tool to make an initial diagnosis, or it can be used to follow an existing illness or injury.

Reasons for Having a Breast MRI

Women who have been told they have breast cancer, or who have a suspicious lump or mass, may undergo a breast MRI to gather additional information. A breast MRI can help a physician determine the most appropriate type of surgery for breast cancer.

Breast MRIs are also often recommended for women with a strong family history of breast cancer, a genetic risk, scar tissue from previous breast surgery, implants, or dense breast tissue. Since these factors may cause a mammogram to show incomplete information, a breast MRI may be used in addition to the more traditional imaging, including mammography and ultrasound.

View and/or download a summary of new guidelines for women at high-risk for breast cancer, a newly released study on the effectiveness of Breast MRI and details about what to expect when getting a Breast MRI.

Risks Involved in an MRI

MRI uses a very strong magnet. It could be dangerous to be in the magnetic field if you have any of the following:

Some MRI exams require the use of an intravenously administered contrast medium. As with any other intravenously administered substance, the possibility of a reaction exists. However, documented reactions to MRI contrast media are very rare.

Conditions to Let Our Doctor Know About

In advance of your exam, let your INVISION radiologist or technologist know if any of the following circumstances apply to you:

Insurance Coverage

MRI scans are usually covered by insurance when ordered by a physician. Check with your insurance carrier to be sure. Please bring your insurance card with you to your exam.

Exam Locations

An MRI can be done at the following INVISION locations in the Denver, Colorado area:

Please note that open MRI exams may only be done at our INVISION at Highlands Ranch location.

Scheduling This Exam

To schedule an MRI, call 720-493-3700.

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Preparation Guidelines

The preparation for an MRI depends on the type and purpose of the scan that is ordered. Following is information for some MRI scans. Please contact us at 720-493-3700 if you have any questions.

All MRI Scans
  • Wear comfortable loose fitting clothing.
  • Take all prescribed medications.
  • Bring any related images not done at an INVISION site.
  • Notify your doctor of any conditions you have under the Conditions to Let Your Doctor Know About section.
  • Leave valuables, jewelry and watches at home, if possible.
  • Any jewelry that is difficult to remove should be taken off at home prior to the exam.
  • Do not wear eye makeup.
  • Arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete necessary paperwork.

Abdominal MRI

Everything listed under “All MRI Scans” and:
  • Nothing by mouth for 4 hours before exam (except small amount of water if needed to take medication).

Pelvic MRI

Everything listed under “All MRI Scans” and:
  • Call one hour prior to your appointment time.

MRI with Sedation

Everything listed under “All MRI Scans” and:
  • Nothing but clear liquids 4 hours before the exam.
  • Nothing by mouth for 2 hours before the exam (except small amount of water if needed to take medication).
  • Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the exam.

MRI with Contrast

 Everything listed under “All MRI Scans” and:
  • Call one hour prior to your appointment time.

What to Expect During Your Exam

When you come in for your exam, a technologist will ask you some safety questions. Before your exam begins, you will be asked to remove all metal and metallic objects, such as eyeglasses, belts, hair accessories and jewelry. You may also be asked to change into a gown. INVISION provides secure lockers for your personal items during your exam.

You will lie on a table for the exam. It is extremely important not to move any part of your body during the MRI scan to avoid blurring the images. A device called a coil will be placed on or around the area being imaged. Padding may be used to prevent inadvertent movement.

During scanning, the MRI machine produces loud buzzing and banging sounds. You will be provided with earplugs or headphones to protect your hearing. The technologist will not stay in the room during the scan, but you can speak with him or her throughout the exam by intercom.

Most MRI exams last only 20-30 minutes. Some specialized exams may take longer. If you require copies of your MRI images, please notify the technologists before your exam begins.

Breast MRI Scans

Breast MRI scans are performed with you lying on your stomach with your breasts hanging freely through an opening in the table. If you are unable to lie on your stomach for any reason, notify us well in advance of your appointment. Both breasts will be imaged unless your physician specifically requests that only one breast be imaged. Breast MRI exams last about 45 minutes.

MRI Scans Requiring Contrast Medium

If your exam was ordered with gadolinium, several series of scans will be taken before the injection is given, then a few more will be taken after the injection. For the injection, you will have a small IV placed in your hand prior to entering the exam room. The IV will remain in place until the exam is completed.

MRI Scans Requiring Sedative

If you will receive conscious sedation to help you relax during the exam, it will be administered through a small IV placed in your hand prior to entering the exam room. The IV will remain in place until the exam is completed. Sedation must be given one hour before the exam is performed.

Recovering from Your Exam

You can return to your normal activities immediately after your MRI unless you received a sedative. If you were sedated, you must refrain from driving after the exam.

Getting Your Exam Results

Trained and experienced radiologists interpret all exams then report the specific results to the physician who ordered your exam. In turn, your physician will pass the results onto you. Our radiologists and technologists will be happy to answer questions about the exam procedure itself; however, you will not receive your results from the technologist who performs your exam.

Additional Information

Review the following web sites or articles for additional information on CT scans.

 

An open MRI scanner may be more comfortable for claustrophobic patients MRI images show soft tissue and bone in superb detail Breast MRI may be used in addition to the more traditional breast imaging.