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Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine

Services

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to provide detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. To better visualize these organs, a contrast media called gadolinium may be used. It can aid in locating pathologic conditions that may not be found with a general x-ray or CT.

Our Imaging Center aims for customer satisfaction and comfort. That is why we now have a new state-of-the-art MRI machine. We have one of the first wide bore 1.5T Magnetom Espree MRI machines. The Magnetom Espree provides more headroom, shorter exam times, and better quality images and accommodates people of varying sizes. It is also ideal for the claustrophobic patient.

You can not be imaged if you have:

We perform several different MRI exams which include:

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Spine MRI

Spine MRI is a non-invasive imaging method that uses radio waves and a powerful magnetic field, rather than x-rays, to produce clear and detailed images of your spine. This procedure may be performed with or without an intravenous contrast media depending upon what your doctor would like to have visualized.

Who performs the procedure?

The procedure is performed by a MRI Technologist with the assistance of a Radiologist.

Why is this procedure performed?

This procedure is performed to visualize normal and diseased tissue in the spine. It shows the anatomy of the vertebrae that make up the spine, as well as the spinal cord and the spaces between the vertebrae through which nerves pass.

Where is the procedure performed?

This procedure is performed in the MRI department of UIC, located at 419 West Redwood St., Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Is there any prep for this procedure?

If contrast is being administered you will have to have blood work drawn within 30 days of your procedure.

What can I expect before the procedure?

Once you arrive at the Imaging Center, you will have to register at the front desk. Please have your insurance information ready at this time. After registration, you will be escorted to a dressing room to put on a gown if you have any metal on your clothing. You will be asked to remove all metal objects including jewelry, watches and hairpins. Dyes used in tattoos may contain iron and could heat up during MRI, but this is rarely a problem.

How long is the procedure?

Each section of the spine (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) takes approximately 20 minutes. There will be an additional 15 minutes if contrast is administered.

What can I expect during the procedure?

You will lie on your back on a narrow table that can be moved back and forth, into and out of the MRI tunnel. Bolsters or cushions are used to maintain proper positioning and to make you as comfortable as possible. You will be given several breathing instructions and asked to hold completely still while your spine is scanned. Sometimes a sedative is needed because some people may experience a feeling of anxiety once the MRI table is moved into the scanner. A sedative should be prescribed by your doctor and it should help you relax. If contrast material is to be injected, you may feel brief pain from the needle stick and a sense of warmth when the material is injected, which takes one to two minutes.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure,the results are sent to your doctor and you may resume normal activity.

Are there any risks to this procedure?

An iron-containing implant or cardiac pacemaker may be affected by the strong pull of the magnetic field.

Are there any alternatives to this procedure?

A CT scan or general X-ray can be used as an alternative to this procedure.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Please contact UIC Receptionist at 410-328-3225 to schedule an appointment.

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Head MRI

A Head MRI is a diagnostic tool that uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field, rather than x-rays, to provide clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues within your head. This procedure may be performed with or without an intravenous contrast media depending upon what your doctor would like to have visualized.

Who performs the procedure?

The procedure is performed by a MRI Technologist with the assistance of a Radiologist.

Why is this procedure performed?

This procedure is performed to visualize normal and diseased tissue in the head. It is a useful means of documenting brain abnormalities and it is commonly used to check for disease of the pituitary gland. MRI can detect tiny areas of tissue abnormality in patients with disease of the eyes or the inner ear.

Where is the procedure performed?

This procedure is done in the MRI department of UIC, located at 419 West Redwood St., Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Is there any prep for this procedure?

If contrast is being administered, you will have to have blood work drawn within 30 days of your procedure.

What can I expect before the procedure?

Once you arrive at the Imaging Center, you will have to register at the front desk. Please have your insurance information ready at this time. After registration, you will be escorted to a dressing room to put on a gown if you have any metal on your clothing. You will be asked to remove all metal objects including jewelry, watches and hairpins. Dyes used in tattoos may contain iron and could heat up during MRI, but this is rarely a problem.

What can I expect during the procedure?

You will lie on your back on the MRI table and a radio antenna device called a surface coil will be positioned around the upper part of your head. After the Technologist positions you with only your head inside the MRI machine, the scan will begin. There are loud tapping or knocking noises heard at certain phases of imaging; ear plugs may help. If contrast material is to be injected, you may feel brief pain from the needle stick and a sense of warmth when the material is injected, which takes one to two minutes.

How long is the procedure?

This procedure takes approximately 15 minutes. There will be an additional 15 minutes if contrast is administered.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure,the results are sent to your doctor and you may resume normal activity.

Are there any risks to this procedure?

An undetected metal implant may be affected by the strong magnetic field.

Are there any alternatives to this procedure?

A CT scan or general X-ray may be used as an alternative to this procedure.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Please contact UIC Receptionist at 410-328-3225 to schedule an appointment.

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Functional Brain MRI

Functional Brain MRI is a diagnostic tool used to measure quick, tiny metabolic changes that take place in an active part of the brain. This procedure may be performed with or without an intravenous contrast media depending upon what your doctor would like to have visualized.

Who performs the procedure?

The procedure is performed by a MRI Technologist with the assistance of a Radiologist.

Why is this procedure performed?

This procedure is performed to look closely at the anatomy of the brain and its functions. This information can be critical to diagnosing and treating brain disorders and abnormalities.

Where is the procedure performed?

This procedure is performed in the MRI department of UIC, located at 419 West Redwood, Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Is there any prep for this procedure?

If contrast is being administered, you will have to have blood work drawn within 30 days of your procedure.

What can I expect before the procedure?

Once you arrive at the Imaging Center, you will have to register at the front desk. Please have your insurance information ready at this time. After registration, you will be escorted to a dressing room to put on a gown if you have any metal on your clothing. You will be asked to remove all metal objects including jewelry, watches and hairpins. Dyes used in tattoos may contain iron and could heat up during MRI, but this is rarely a problem. . If contrast material is to be injected, you may feel brief pain from the needle stick and a sense of warmth when the material is injected which takes one to two minutes.

What can I expect during the procedure?

You will lie on your back on a narrow table that can be moved back and forth, into and out of the MRI tunnel. Bolsters or cushions are used to maintain proper positioning and to make you as comfortable as possible. There are loud tapping or knocking noises heard at certain phases of imaging; ear plugs may help. If contrast material is to be injected, you may feel brief pain from the needle stick and a sense of warmth when the material is injected, which takes one to two minutes.You will be given several breathing instructions and asked to hold completely still while your brain is scanned.

How long is the procedure?

This procedure takes approximately 15 minutes. There will be an additional 15 minutes if contrast is administered

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure,the results are sent to your doctor and you may resume normal activity.

Are there any risks to this procedure?

An iron-containing implant or cardiac pacemaker may be affected by the strong pull of the magnetic field.

Are there any alternatives to this procedure?

A CT scan or general X-ray may be used as alternatives to this procedure.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Please contact UIC Receptionist at 410-328-3225 to schedule an appointment.

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Abdomen or Pelvis MRI

An Abdomen or Pelvis MRI is a diagnostic tool used to visualize the liver, kidneys, spleen, pelvis and abdominal vessels. This procedure may be performed with or without an intravenous contrast media depending upon what your doctor would like to be visualized.

Who performs the procedure?

The procedure is performed by a MRI Technologist with the assistance of a Radiologist.

Why is this procedure performed?

This procedure is performed to aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of abnormal pathologies that may be found in the abdominal region.

Where is the procedure performed?

This procedure is performed in the MRI department of UIC, located at 419 West Redwood St., Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21201

Is there any prep for this procedure?

If contrast is being administered, you will have to have blood work drawn within 30 days of your procedure.

What can I expect before the procedure?

Once you arrive at the Imaging Center, you will have to register at the front desk. Please have your insurance information ready at this time. After registration, you will be escorted to a dressing room to put on a gown if you have any metal on your clothing. You will be asked to remove all metal objects including jewelry, watches and hairpins. Dyes used in tattoos may contain iron and could heat up during MRI, but this is rarely a problem.

What can I expect during the procedure?

You will lie on your back on a narrow table that can be moved back and forth, into and out of the MRI tunnel. Bolsters or cushions are used to maintain proper positioning and to make you as comfortable as possible. There are loud tapping or knocking noises heard at certain phases of imaging; ear plugs may help. You will be given several breathing instructions and asked to hold completely still while your abdomen or pelvis is scanned. Sometimes a sedative is needed because some people may experience a feeling of claustrophobia once the MRI table is moved into the scanner. A sedative should be prescribed by your doctor and it should help you relax. . If contrast material is to be injected, you may feel brief pain from the needle stick and a sense of warmth when the material is injected, which takes one to two minutes.

How long is the procedure?

This procedure takes approximately 35-45 minutes. There will be an additional 15 minutes if contrast is administered.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure,the results are sent to your doctor and you may resume normal activity.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Please contact a UIC Receptionist at 410-328-3225 to schedule an appointment.

Are there any risks to this procedure?

An iron-containing implant or cardiac pacemaker may be affected by the strong pull of the magnetic field.

Are there any alternatives to this procedure?

ACT scan may be used as an alternative to this procedure.

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For more information about the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine or to contact one of our radiologists, call the University Physicians Consultation and Referral Service at 1-800-492-5538 (patients) or 1-800-373-4111 (physicians).

This page was last updated on: June 1, 2010.