Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of internal organs, soft tissue and bones. Most procedures are noninvasive; some require radiotracer injected in a vein or swallowed, which then moves to the part of the body being examined where it gives off gamma rays that can be detected by the scanners and probes.

The result is an image showing details of the structure and function of specific organs and internal body parts including:

• Head & Neck including the brain, pituitary gland, internal auditory canals, sinuses, soft neck tissue, facial and orbital bones, and the cervical spine (beginning at the base of the skull).
• Body including the chest, abdomen, pelvis, thoracic (located in the chest area) and lumbar spine (lower back), and mediastinum (middle section of the chest cavity including the heart).
• Extremities including the shoulder, hips, elbow, knees, wrist and hand joints, and ankle and feet joints.

Vascular Imaging
Vascular Imaging detects and treats diseases in the blood vessels (arteries and veins) of the body.

MR Angiography (MRA) allows physicians to detect problems with blood vessels, especially the carotid arteries in the neck which carry blood to the brain. A contrast agent allows the technologist to acquire real-time images of the blood as it moves through the vessels.

MRI Arthrography
MRI Arthrography diagnoses problems within a joint, including the shoulder, hip and wrist, and uses a contrast agent that is injected into the joint to enhance images of the joint structures and allows the physician to see any abnormalities.