Diagnostic Imaging Services

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe and painless way of taking pictures of soft tissues of the body and is especially valuable in diagnosing brain and nervous system disorders, cardiovascular disease and cancer. An MRI provides greater accuracy in detecting certain disease and does not require radiation or surgery.

The procedure involves the use of a large magnet, imaging coils, and a computer working together to produce accurate cross-sectional images of any part of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, muscles, nerves, ligaments, tendons and blood flow. It has no known side effects or risks and is considered safe for both children and adults. The images produced by an MRI scan provide the doctor or specialist with very clear and detailed pictures of the area of suspected problems.

Physicians use MRIs to assist in diagnosing and/or monitoring treatment for conditions such as:

• Tumors of the chest, abdomen or pelvis
• Select types of heart problems
• Blockages or enlargements of blood vessels (i.e. aorta, renal arteries and/or arteries in the legs)
• Liver and abdominal disease
• Small intestine, colon and rectum disease
• Cysts and kidney tumors (including other parts of the urinary tract)
• Abnormalities of the reproductive organs
• Reasons of pelvic pain in women and uterine congenital abnormalities who are undergoing infertility assessment
• Sports Injuries

Preparation Instructions
To obtain preparation instructions for your upcoming test/procedure, click on a link below. You will be taken to a reliable, third-party website: www.radiologyinfo.org, a certified radiology website that is updated frequently to provide you with current information. Southlake Regional Health Centre supports the information provided on the following pages and will advise you of specific preparation instructions should they differ from the information below.

Magnetic Resonance (MR) - Angiography
Magnetic Resonance (MR)-Guided Breast Biopsy
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Breast
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Cardiac (Heart)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Chest
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Head
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Musculoskeletal
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Prostate
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Spine
Magnetic Resonance, Functional (fMRI) - Brain

For information on resources available to you during your hospital visit or stay (for example: parking, what to bring, discharge times and other helpful information) please click on Patients and Visitors.