MRI technology has progressed at a rapid rate and many new techniques have been introduced that have a significant impact on patient care. These techniques include:

Bolus infused MR Angiography - A technique for noninvasive imaging of vascular disease.

Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatograpy (MRCP) - A technique for noninvasive imaging of the biliary system and pancreas.

Diffusion weighted and Perfusion weighted Echoplanar MRI - A technique for evaluation of stroke and brain at risk for stroke.

MR spectroscopy - A technique for analyzing the detailed chemical structure of the brain and other tissues.

Cardiovascular MRI - A technique for evaluation of anatomic and functional disease of the heart including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and myocardial disease.

This is in addition to the already established uses of MRI such as routine brain, spine and musculoskeletal imaging for which MRI is the test of choice in most cases.

Recent improvements in MR technology have significantly decreased the time of a typical MR examination. Improvements in the geometry of MRI magnets have produced systems that are much less confining to the patient such as short-bore high-field systems.

This has significantly decreased the incidence of claustrophobia during the MRI examination.

Please refer to these instructions when preparing for a scheduled exam.

MRI/MRA

• It is recommended that wearing of jewelry and hair pins/apparel be kept at a minimum.
  
• No eye makeup.
  
• Patients with pacemakers, cerebral aneurysm clips, bio or neuro stimulators, inner ear implants and certain other medical devices cannot be examined.
  
• Please inform your physician for an alternative course of action.

Patients requiring sedation

• Must be accompanied by a licensed responsible driver for return home.
• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day before the exam.
  
• Diabetic patients should maintain diet as prescribed by their physicians. 
  
• Patients should continue any prescription medication unless informed otherwise by their physicians.

Pediatric sedation

• It is recommended to have several hours of sleep deprivation the night before the exam.
  
• No food or drink after midnight.
  
• No food or drink 6 hours before the test.
  
• Discontinue Rolaids, Tums, Mylanta, Maalox, Kaopectate
  2 weeks prior to exam.

MRI of the Abdomen

• No solid food 6 hours before exam.
  
• Diabetic patients should maintain diet as prescribed by their physicians.
  
• Patients should continue any prescription medications unless informed otherwise by their physicians.