 MRI - Types of Studies
MRI Types - All Inclusive ListRadiologists will be involved in the care of these patients. Below is an all-inclusive list of all of the types of MRI examinations. Various institutions (hospitals & imaging centers) have their own list of protocols for doing examinations and will probably only be able to perform some of these examinations. Some of the very specialized examinations such as MR neurography and MR spectroscopy are traditionally performed in academic hospitals. Most of the other exams are performed at most outpatient imaging centers and are readily available. Radiology reading services are typically performed after images have been acquired either via onsite radiology or teleradiology. Abdominal MRIMRI of the abdomen looks at the liver, spleen, adrenal glands, pancreas, and spleen. MRI is often used to further characterize findings seen on Ultrasound, X ray, or CT scans. MRI is often much more definitive. Ankle MRIMRI of the ankle allows exquisite evaluation of the muscles, joint surfaces, bursa, as well as the flexor and extensor tendons. Stress fractures, bone spurs, and other internal derangements are easily seen. Bone and Joint MRIMRI can evaluate virtually all of the bones and joints, as well as the soft tissues. Tendon, ligament, muscle, cartilage and bone injuries can be diagnosed using MRI scans. It can also be used to look for infections and masses. Brain MRIMRI of the brain produces very detailed pictures of the brain. It is commonly used to study patients with headaches, seizures, weakness, blurry vision, etc. Contrast resolution is much sharper on an MRI scan than on a CT scan. The head coil is wrapped around the brain and help produce higher quality images. Breast MRIMRI of the breast has made a lot of advances recently. There is excellent visualization of the breast tissue, areolar regions, the axilla, and the chest wall. Breast MRI is superior to mammography for deep chest wall structures. It is also superior to ultrasound for deep chest wall lesions. Insurance coverage for this procedure is under intense debate because of the large financial implications in breast cancer monitoring. Cardiac MRIMRI of the heart can evaluate the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart, the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease, and build-up of plaque and blockages in the blood vessels. It is an invaluable tool for detecting and evaluating coronary artery disease and the function of the heart muscles, valves and vessels. Cervical Spine MRIMRI of the cervical spine is a very common procedure. This is used to evaluate the intervertebral discs on the cervical spine (neck). The exiting nerve roots are evaluated as well as the bone marrow. The prevertebral and posterior paraspinal muscles are seen well. Knee MRIMRI of the knee is very effective for evaluating the meniscus, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the knee. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)MR Angiography is also known as MRI Angiogram. This replaces the previous conventional angiogram which required that the radiologist place a needle into your arter or vein to take x ray images (fortunately). Virtually any artery or vein in the body can be evaluated by MR angiography. This is a very dynamic and rapidly being offered service. The blood vessels in the neck (carotid and vertebral arteries) and brain are frequently studied by MRA to look for areas of narrowing or dilatation. In the abdomen, the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys are also frequently examined with this technique. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or MRCP is an MRI of the biliary tree and pancreas. It is often done in conjuction with an abdominal MRI. Contrast is often not needed. There is excellent visualization of the biliary tree, pancreatic duct, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. MR Guided BiopsyNeedle guided biopsy using MRI is currently used on a limited scale. It is sometimes used for breast biopsies when the tumor is ONLY visualized on MRI. This is usually done in academic centers. MR Tractography (MRT)MRI tractography visualizes the neural tracts of the brain. It allows visualization of various neural pathways. Although this is largely investigational at this time, it may be used for patient care in the future. MR Neurography (MR Myelogram)This is a highly advanced and new technique. MRI of the neural system focuses on nerve roots and creates very high resolution images to evaluate neurologic challenges. Lumbar Spine MRIMRI of the lumbar spine is very effective at evaluating the exiting nerve roots, the cauda equina, the intervertebral discs, and the vertebrae. Lower back pain is an extremely common challenge in the USA. Pelvic MRIFor women, pelvic MRI is used to evaluate the ovaries and uterus as follow-up to an ultrasound exam which showed an abnormality. It is also used to evaluate endometrial cancer. For men, pelvic MRI is sometimes used to evaluate prostate cancer. Prostate MRIMRI of the prostate is largely still investigational but is starting to be used for patient care (clinical use). The main focus is visualization of the prostate and evaluation for prostate cancer. The seminal vesicles, retroperitoneum, and bladder and well visualized. Extension into the rectum is very well visualized. Pelvic lymph nodes can sometimes be seen. Sciatic Nerve MRIMRI of the sciatic nerve is done to better characterize the lumbosacral plexus, the sacral nerve, the pyriformis muscle, and the sacrotuberous ligament. This could reveal extraspinal causes of sciatica. Typically T1, T2 fat-saturated, and STIR sequences are utilized. Also see MR Neurography. Shoulder MRIMRI of the shoulder is very effective for evaluating the rotator cuff, the tendons, ligaments, and the glenoid labrum surrounding the shoulder. Spine MRIThis test is most commonly used to look for a herniated disc or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) in patients with neck, arm, back and/or leg pain. It is also the best test to look for a recurrent disc herniation in a patient who has had prior back surgery. Also see cervical spine MRI, thoracic spine MRI, and lumbar spine MRI. Thoracic Spine MRIMRI of the thoracic spine can be performed for evaluation of the bones, soft tissues, intervertebral discs, or paraspinal soft tissues. Common findings are disc bulges, compression fractures, and nerve root pathology. The spinal cord is seen very clearly. The results will be read by a radiologist on-site or off-site (this is called teleradiology).
MRI Studies and their respective CPT Codes
If we've accidentally left out any types of MRI, please contact us and we'll update this list! |
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