Services Offered
MR Imaging
| Musculoskeletal MRI Neuroradiology Body MRI MRA/MR Angiography Cardiac MRI Open MRI Breast MRI |
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI, involves the use of radio waves and a magnetic field to provide detailed images of internal organs and tissues. MRI is used to study almost every joint and system in the body. Specialized equipment and expertise allows sub-specialized radiologists to evaluate body structures that may not be visible through other means of imaging. MRI provides clear pictures of soft tissue structures near and around bones and is usually the imaging choice for viewing major joints, the spine and soft tissues of all extremities.
Physicians use MRI to identify the cause of pain, swelling or bleeding in tissues in and around the joints and bones. MRI images show small tears and injuries of tendons, ligaments and muscles which are not identifiable in standard x-rays.
MRIs help physicians identify degenerative disorders including arthritis, deterioration of joint surfaces and herniated discs. Spinal cord injury, tumors and infections can also be identified by MRI.
At Riverside, the MRI technology is state-of-the-art short bore and open magnets. This creates an environment where scans are quickly completed in a less constrictive manner alleviating claustrophobic sensations. Conscious sedation is also an alternative when completing MRI scanning.
Musculoskeletal MRI:
RRA has specialized physicians who read Musculoskeletal MR scans. Musculoskeletal radiologists view images of the knee, shoulder, spine, hips, ankle, wrists, hands and every joint in the body. Using MRI images, physicians can diagnose sports and work related injuries caused by strain, vibration or forceful impact.
Neuroradiology:
RRA has specialized physicians who read scans of the head and spine. These neuroradiologists use MRI to locate and evaluate tumors, strokes and other abnormalities and chronic diseases in the brain and spine and to evaluate the integrity of the spinal cord after trauma. Disease of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis are also identified and evaluated by MRI. MRI also identifies abnormalities of dementia, diseases of the pituitary gland and tissue abnormalities in diseases of the eyes or inner ear.
Body MRI:
RRA has specialized body imagers who use body MR to view remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. MRIS of the lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and abdominal vessels can provide highly detailed images for diagnosis and evaluation of tumor and functional disorders. MRI is also used for examination of male and female reproductive systems including the bladder and pelvis.
MRA/MR Angiography:
MRA is a non-invasive technique using MRI to image blood vessels of any body part, most commonly it is used for vessels of the head and neck and is used for the diagnosis of heart disorders, stroke and blood vessel disease. It is an alternative to conventional angiography and is used for detection of plaques and stenoses or narrowing in the blood vessel. This procedure is completed in a less invasive manner than traditional angiography which results in less discomfort and risk at a lower cost.
Cardiac MRI:
MRI of the heart, aorta, coronary arteries and blood vessels is a fast and noninvasive tool for diagnosing coronary artery disease and heart problems. MRI allows an examination of the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart and assessment of heart attack or progressive heart disease damage. Cardiac MRI is completed without an incision and it results in less discomfort and risk than traditional cardiac procedures.
Open MRI:
New state-of-the art high field MRIs have significantly reduced the scanning time for MRI studies and significantly reduced the claustrophobic reactions. An open MR is available for claustrophobic and large framed patients when needed.
Breast MRI:
Magnet Resonance Imaging (MRI) appears to have a role in detection and management of some cases of breast cancer. Breast malignancies typically have increase blood flow in early stages. This increased blood flow can be demonstrated by injecting contrast agent and imaging the breast with MRI. The abnormality will be brighter and more intense on the image. There tend to be a heightened number of false positives with breast MRI due to other conditions which will show enhancement on images. Additionally, ductal carcinoma-in-situ (the earliest form of breast cancer) is identifiable on MR images in approximately 50% of patients.
MRI has also been the most accurate exam for evaluating breast implants for possible complications or rupture.