Monday May 21 , 2012
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MRI - Chest

Chest MRI – Technique & Overview

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test. MRI of the chest gives detailed pictures of structures within the chest cavity, including the heart and vessels, from almost any angle. MRI also provides movie-like sequential imaging of the cardiovascular system that is important to assess the health and function of these structures (heart, valves, great vessels, etc.).

Chest MRI - Alternative Names and Explanations

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Chest, Chest MRI, MRI of the Chest, MR Imaging of the Chest, Chest MR Imaging, MRI Chest w/o contrast 71550, MRI Chest with & w/o contrast 71552

Chest MRI - Benefits versus Other Diagnostic Tests

  • MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.
  • MR images of the heart and vascular structures are often clearer and more detailed than with other imaging methods. This detail makes MRI an invaluable tool in early diagnosis and evaluation of cardiovascular conditions.
  • MRI has proven valuable in diagnosing a broad range of conditions, including cancer, heart and vascular disease, heart valve abnormalities, bone and other soft tissue abnormalities of the chest.
  • MRI can help physicians evaluate both the structure of an organ and how it is working.
  • MRI enables the discovery of abnormalities that might be obscured by bone with other imaging methods.
  • The contrast material used in MRI exams is less likely to produce an allergic reaction than the iodine-based materials used for conventional x-rays and CT scanning.
  • MRI of the chest is more informative than other imaging procedures for differentiating soft tissues.
  • MR imaging can assess blood flow without risking the side effects of angiography.

MRI of the Chest - Indications, Common Uses, & Positive Findings

  • assess abnormal growths, including cancer of the lungs or other tissues, which either cannot be assessed adequately with other imaging modalities (typically CT) or which are particularly well-suited to MR imaging.
  • determine tumor size, extent, and the degree to which the cancer has spread to adjacent structures.
  • assess the anatomy and functionality of the heart and its component structures (valves, etc.)
  • determine blood flow dynamics in the vessels and heart chambers.
  • display lymph nodes and blood vessels, including vascular and lymphatic malformations of the chest.
  • assess disorders of the chest bones (vertebrae, ribs and sternum) and chest wall soft tissue (muscles and fat).
  • A special form of MRI called magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is helpful to assess the vessels of the chest cavity (arteries and veins). MRA can also demonstrate an abnormal ballooning out of the wall of an artery (aneurysm) or a torn inner lining of an artery (dissection).
  • A Los Angeles radiologist must review your scan. You doctor will tell you what, if anything was detected and will prescribe a course of treatment.

Chest MRI - Images

chest-mri

Chest MRI - References, Links, and Additional Information

Schedule Your Chest MRI Today! 

  • If you are looking for professional radiology services at your imaging site/center, call us at 1-800-626-8315 or contact us for a consultation. 

  • If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Mid-Wilshire and need to schedule a radiology examination such as a MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, X ray, or PET scan, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

  • If you are in search of other things, we're surprisingly resourceful!  Call us 1-800-626-8315 or contact us via our contact form.
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  • Chest MRI, mri of the chest, chest cavity
  • Chest mri informational page outlining the benefits and common positive findings. Schedule an MRI in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or Glendale California (CA).
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