Monday May 21 , 2012
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MRI - Thorax

Chest MRI – Technique & Overview

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, printed or copied to CD. Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scanning). 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, MRA Chest with & w/o contrast CPT code 71555

Chest MRI - Benefits versus Other Diagnostic Tests

  • MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.
  • MRI of the chest is more informative than other imaging procedures for differentiating soft tissues. It provides very clear and detailed views of internal organs of the chest without obstruction by bone.
  • Tissues are imaged from multiple viewpoints.
  • MRI is a totally noninvasive imaging technique that does not require exposure to radiation.
  • MRI of the chest can help to diagnose abnormal growths and provides the information needed to stage them. Tumors may be distinguished from other lesions and from normal tissues.
  • Blood flow may be assessed without risking the side effects of angiography.
  • The contrast material used in some chest MRI exams does not contain iodine and so is very unlikely to produce an allergic reaction.

MRI of the Chest - Common Uses and Positive Findings

MR imaging of the chest is performed to:

  • 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

MRI Chest - 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.