What is a full-body MRI scan?
The full-body MRI is a NONINVASIVE test.
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the whole body (also known as full-body MRI) is a test that doctors use to diagnose medical conditions. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses, and a computer to produce detailed pictures of internal body structures rather than using radiation (x-rays). Detailed MRI images allow doctors to examine the body and detect disease.*
What are the common uses of the full-body MRI?
MRI imaging of the body evaluates:
• Organs in the abdomen—including the liver, kidneys, spleen, bowel, pancreas, and adrenal glands.
• Pelvic organs including the bladder and the reproductive organs.
• Blood vessels (this may require a specific type of MRI called MR Angiography or MR venogram).
• Lymph nodes.
Physicians use an MRI exam to help diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions such as:
• Tumors of the abdomen or pelvis.
• Diseases of the liver, such as cirrhosis, and abnormalities of the bile ducts and pancreas.
• Inflammation of the bowel caused by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis or appendicitis in pregnant or younger patients.
• Malformations and inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis).
• Assessing a fetus in a pregnant person.*
* Source: Radiology Info. For more information visit: radiologyinfo.org
At Scantibodies Imaging and Therapy, the full-body MRI is performed in approximately 22 minutes in a specially conditioned room with ambient light and a sound system.
What equipment is used to perform a full-body MRI at Scantibodies Imaging and Therapy?
Equipment:
Our Philips 1.5T Ingenia MRI uses a high-resolution system, which runs on fiber optics.
Amenities:
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Our MRI features a 70cm diameter opening designed to help reduce claustrophobia in some cases.
- It is enabled for patients weighing up to 485 lb (220 kg).
- Patients can listen to relaxing sounds during their imaging study, using noise-reducing headphones.
What are the benefits of a full-body MRI?
In some cases, a full-body MRI can acquire multiple diagnosis with one scan. Your trusted physician is able to determine when you require this imaging study.
• MRI images of the soft tissue structures are sometimes more likely to accurately identify disease than other imaging methods. This detail makes MRI an invaluable tool in early diagnosis and evaluation.
• MRI has proven valuable in diagnosing a broad range of conditions, including cancer, heart and vascular disease, and muscular and bone abnormalities.
• MRI can detect abnormalities that bones might obscure with other imaging methods.
• MRI allows physicians to assess the biliary system noninvasively and without contrast injection.
• The MRI gadolinium contrast material is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than the iodine-based contrast materials x-rays and CT scans use.
• MRI provides a noninvasive alternative to x-ray, angiography, and CT for diagnosing conditions of the heart and blood vessels.**
** Source: Radiology Info. For more information visit: radiologyinfo.org