MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - San Diego

MRI scans for imaging without ionizing radiation

A healthy middle-aged woman sits on a deck with palm tress, representing the variety of people who need an MRI.

MRI scans for imaging without ionizing radiation

Often known as an MRI, magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging procedure doctors use to help diagnose a wide variety of conditions, including heart and vascular disease, stroke, cancer, joint disorders, breast disease and neurological conditions. In many cases, magnetic resonance imaging provides different information about structures within the body that can’t be seen during other imaging procedures.

The MRI scanner uses a powerful magnet, radio waves and computer technology to produce pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and most other internal body structures from all angles — without ionizing radiation. Single MRI images are called slices. One exam produces dozens or sometimes hundreds of images.

Because an MRI uses a powerful magnet to create images, it can attract metal objects and may interfere with the normal operation of implantable devices, such as pacemakers.

Common types of MRI

An MRI can provide invaluable information about the various structures within the body. It may also be used to provide more details about something seen on an X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan.

An MRI can be used to examine the heart, lungs, muscles, abdominal organs, breast tissue, brain, nerves, bones, joints, spine, arms and legs.

Breast MRI

A breast MRI provides a more comprehensive picture than other imaging techniques. A physician may order a breast MRI to:

Screen for breast cancer and abnormalities in high-risk patients
Detect breast cancer in women who may have difficulty with mammograms or other imaging techniques due to breast implants, prior surgery or dense breast tissue
Determine the extent of breast cancer
Monitor response to therapy in breast cancer patients
Evaluate recovery after an operation
Monitor for cancer recurrence
Differentiate scar tissue from cancer recurrence
Evaluate the integrity of breast implants

Breast imaging for high-risk patients

MRI scans are playing a larger role in the detection of breast cancer in very high-risk patients. People with a family history of breast cancer, and people who are known or likely carriers of the BRCA (“breast cancer”) gene, are potential candidates for breast MRI.

Scripps radiologists have access to advanced software technology, which helps double check the process of detecting and localizing lesions within breast tissue. The software provides quantitative measurements that are interpreted by radiologists, which helps surgeons and other clinicians design a treatment plan.

Cardiac MRI

Also known as a heart MRI, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging creates detailed images of the heart. Doctors performing a cardiac MRI are specially trained to use MRI technology for capturing three-dimensional (3-D) videos of the heart, allowing the highest level of detail in evaluating heart structure and function.

A wide variety of disorders can be evaluated with cardiac MRI, such as:

Scarring from previous heart attacks
Congestive heart failure
Tumors
Congenital heart disease
Abnormal heart valves

How a cardiac MRI is performed

Prior to a cardiac MRI, you will be asked to complete a standard MRI screening questionnaire to ensure you’re able to safely enter the MRI area. Because MRI imaging uses a very strong magnet, it’s important for you to advise the MRI staff if you have any metal embedded in your body, including a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator. Learn more about safety during your MRI.

A cardiac MRI is similar to other types of MRIs. You’ll be placed on a padded table and positioned for your exam. Depending on the type of exam, an IV (small plastic tube) may be inserted into a vein in your arm so that a contrast agent called “gadolinium” can be given to make certain parts of the heart show up better.

Electrodes (sticky pads) will then be placed on your chest, and you’ll be attached to an electrocardiogram machine (ECG). The ECG permits the MRI machine to take pictures while your heart is beating. It also allows the MRI staff to monitor your heart during the exam.

A soft padded coil will be placed at the area where the pictures will be taken. The coil functions as a receiver and helps the MRI system take pictures.

The MRI technologist will talk to you throughout your exam and will give you simple instructions regarding holding your breath or holding still.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)

MRA is a type of MRI that is used to look at blood vessels and the way blood is flowing through them. This exam allows doctors to see both the blood flow and the condition of the blood vessel walls. MRA is used to examine blood vessels in key areas of the body, including the brain, kidneys, lungs and heart.

MRA can help:

Identify disease and aneurysms in the aorta or other major blood vessels
Detect atherosclerotic disease
Indicate disease in the kidney artery
Visualize blood flow to prepare for surgeries
Guide surgeons making repairs to diseased blood vessels
Detect injury to one or more arteries in trauma patients
Identify dissection in the aorta or its major branches

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

MRCP is a type of MRI that is used to evaluate conditions involving the bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreatic ducts. MRCP can help diagnose and examine many conditions of the biliary system, including:

Determining if gallstones are lodged in any of the ducts surrounding the gallbladder
Identifying the presence of bile duct obstruction or injuries
Diagnosing primary sclerosing cholangitis, a swelling or damaging of the bile ducts
Diagnosing cancerous and non-cancerous tumors of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas