ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA SCREENING

Volumetric MRI is a new tool in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. It measures the memory centers of the brain and compares them to the expected size. Clinical studies have shown this non-invasive exam is effective in predicting the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

A Volumetric MRI is useful in distinguishing between MCI patients who will remain stable and MCI patients who will progress to Alzheimer’s. The exam results help physicians decide if treatments are needed to prevent or slow neurodegeneration and provide information to help families plan for the optimal care of their loved ones.

BODY MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces remarkably clear, detailed images of the organs within the abdomen and pelvis, making it an ideal tool to evaluate problems that affect the liver, pancreas, kidneys, bowel, and the various organs of the male and female pelvis.

BREAST MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Its high-resolution imaging provides superior views of abnormalities in the breast that might otherwise go undetected by other imaging technologies. In fact, the American Cancer Society recommends MRI exams in addition to annual mammograms for women at an especially high risk for breast cancer.

Inland Imaging’s dedicated high-resolution breast MRI and biopsy table features the very latest in breast MRI technology,

providing maximum patient comfort and superior image quality.

What should I expect?

For a breast MRI exam, you will lie face down on the specially designed breast MRI table, which is configured to allow the breasts to be positioned comfortably through two openings called breast coils. Sometimes, patients are given a contrast material through IV, which improves viewing of the targeted area.

A Breast MRI without IV Contrast takes approximately 45 minutes. For a Breast MRI with IV contrast, expect the exam to take 45-50 minutes.

How do I prepare?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be given a gown to wear during your study.

Leave metal objects at home. This includes jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins. You may be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work.

Inform your physician and the technologist of prior surgeries, metal implants, pacemaker, or aneurysm clips.

Inform your physician if you are claustrophobic or unable to lie down on your stomach for an extended amount of time due to pain so that appropriate pre-medication can be ordered.

Notify the technologist immediately if you are a woman who is nursing or may be pregnant.

CARDIAC MRI

A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam offers a clear window into the heart and vascular system, allowing physicians to view—with exceptional detail—the function and structure of the heart, heart chambers, valves and major vessels.

This information helps physicians diagnose and treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions. For example, a Cardiac MRI may help detect and evaluate coronary artery disease or defects with the heart chambers or valves. It is also used to determine the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease and to measure the buildup of plaque and blockages in the blood vessels.

HEAD AND SPINE MRI

MRI produces remarkably clear, detailed images of the brain and spine, making it an ideal tool to help evaluate problems that affect the brain and nervous system, such as stroke, spinal cord or brain trauma, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and other neurological disorders.

MUSCULOSKELETAL MRI

MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the imaging method of choice in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the muscle, joints and bone.

Injuries to the soft tissue, joints, and bones can be difficult to diagnose, even with a thorough physical examination by an expert. MRI provides physicians with the highly detailed images they need to accurately pinpoint and treat even the smallest soft-tissue injuries, including injuries to the muscle, ligament and meniscal tears, and problems with the cartilage and bone.

In many cases, MRI is a good, cost-effective alternative to surgery in the examination of injuries like rotator cuff tendonitis and bone bruises. With MRI, patients with these conditions may avoid surgery and get the care they need faster.

MRI’s ability to detect subtle bone marrow edema and problems with soft tissues also makes it the preferred imaging method in the diagnosis of many bone and soft tissue tumors, infection, and avascular necrosis, a disease in which bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply.

PROSTATE MRI

Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. But with early diagnosis and treatment, it’s also one of the most curable. Nearly 99% of patients diagnosed with the disease survived after five years, and 93% of patients survived after 10 years. MRI is a tool that can contribute significantly to these promising survival rates. An ultrasound and biopsy are typically among the first steps after an abnormal PSA test and physical exam. The exam may be performed to determine the volume of the prostate, to investigate elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, or to guide a needle biopsy of the prostate. However, if results of these tests are negative and PSA levels are still high, the patient will often be monitored and asked to return six months later for a second biopsy. An MRI scan can help close that crucial gap in time. A primary advantage of MRI over ultrasound is that it offers full visualization of the pelvis. Doctors can often determine if the cancer is contained within the prostate, or if it has spread to nearby organs, bones, or lymph nodes. Additionally, specialized computer software measures and analyzes enhancement patterns within the prostate. Color-coded images combined with kinetic data can help physicians more confidently identify tumors.

3T MRI PROSTATE SCREENING

The 3 Tesla (3T) MRI offers a non-invasive method designed to find small cancer cells in hard to reach places like your prostate. Using the 3T MRI nearly doubles the number of aggressive tumors that are caught. 3T MRI is so good at pinpointing the exact location of cancerous cells, your urologist will most likely have all the information he or she needs without requiring multiple biopsies.

MRI DEFECOGRAPHY

MRI Defecography is a non-invasive test that uses magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate how well pelvic muscles are functioning during various stages of a bowel movement or to assess pelvic floor disorders.

How is the procedure performed?

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove any metallic objects. You will be asked to empty both your bladder and bowels prior to getting on the scanner table, prior to being positioned on the scanner table. A soft gel that acts as a contrast material will be placed in your rectum. You will be positioned on the MR exam table lying on your back with your knees bent. A towel will be placed under you to absorb any urine or feces that may leak out during the exam. A device called an MR coil will be strapped around your pelvis. This coil helps improve the quality of the images.

Images will be obtained as you contract your muscles as you would during a bowel movement, including squeezing, straining and defecating. Images will also be taken while your muscles are relaxed. The MRI technologist will give you instructions throughout the exam.

You will need to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. The actual exam takes approximately 45 minutes.