Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a restful weekend.
Today, we're going to continue our discussion from two weeks ago about medical imaging. If you missed that post about CT imaging, make sure to check it out! This week is all about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
What is an MRI and why is it done?
MRI is a diagnostic tool that gives detailed views of the body's internal structures without using radiation! This is important for aortic disease, as the complexity of the aorta's structure and close proximity to vital organs require high-resolution imaging for an accurate assessment.
Not only is it useful for cardiovascular imaging, but also for soft tissue evaluation, injury assessment, and cancer detection. It's a versatile and powerful tool in medical diagnostics.
There are different types of MRI machines: open or closed-bore. An open MRI consists of a magnetic above and under you and a space for you to lie; basically, you're sandwiched between two magnets. Some patients prefer this type because it alleviates claustrophobia that occurs with closed-bore MRI. However, due to the lack of coverage, open MRIs lack resolution compared to closed-bore. Closed-bore is the traditional MRI type that most people think of. It has a ring of magnets and uses radio waves to create images, which is different than a computed tomography (CT) scan that uses X-rays.
How is an MRI done?
MRI is non-invasive and painless, though it can be lengthy and noisy. First, patients need to remove all metallic items to avoid interference with the magnetic field. Second, the patient lies on a table that slides into the scanner, similar to a CT scan. Now, inside the scanner, magnetic fields and radio waves are used to align water molecules in the body. Then the magnetic field is turned off, which triggers a signal from these molecules. Finally, a computer translates the signals into an image. Pretty cool, right?
MRIs can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity and body part involved.
Where is an MRI done?
MRI scans can take place in various settings like a hospital, outpatient imaging center, dedicated MRI clinics, or a mobile MRI service.
Are there risks?
MRI scans are considered the safest diagnostic tool when compared to imaging techniques that use radiation, such as X-rays and CT scans. However, because of the strong magnetic field, patients with metal implants like pacemakers, cochlear implants, artificial joints, or metal clips (used for aneurysm repair) should notify their healthcare provider prior to the scan. Advances in technology have made newer implants MRI-safe but verification is always needed. Also, MRI scans can trigger claustrophobia in some patients. If you experience this, talk to your provider about an open MRI machine. As always remember to communicate with your doctor about specific risks and benefits of any procedure.
Thanks for tuning into this week's Medical Monday. I hope you learned some tidbits about MRIs and join me in two weeks to learn about transesophageal echocardiography!
Have a great week and always Think Aorta.
Samantha
Excellent information.
Thanks 🙂