MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a diagnostic method that allows us to see inside the human body without the use of X-rays. It produces 2 and 3 dimensional images of what is occurring inside the patient’s body. The MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer. The magnet is large enough to cover the patient.

How does an MRI Scanner work?

The human body is composed of small particles called atoms. Under normal circumstances, the protons inside of these atoms spin freely.

The magnet creates a strong, steady magnetic field that causes the protons to line up in the same direction.

The Radio Frequency (RF) Signal is beamed into the magnetic field, which causes the protons to move out of alignment. When the RF signal is suspended, the protons move back to their aligned position and release energy.

A receiver coil measures the energy released by the protons and the time it takes them to return to their aligned position. These measurements provide information about the type of tissue in which the protons lie, as well as its condition.

The computer uses the information obtained by the Receiver Coil to construct an image, showing the distribution of protons of certain atoms (usually hydrogen), and displays specific anatomic sections of the scanned area. The screen image can then be printed on X-ray film, recorded on CD or electronically sent to a remote computer.

We, at TecniScan, perform the following MRI procedures:

Aorta, Abdomen, Forearm, Tongue Base, Arms, Hips, Spinal Canal or Spinal Cord, Cerebral, Collarbone, Elbows, Cholangio-cholecystogram, Cholangiogram, Spine, Neck, Cerebral Spectroscopy, Pharynx, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Hydrodynamics, Sella Turcica [Turkish saddle], Shoulders, Larynx, Facial Bones, Jaw, Hands, Myelogram, Wrists, Thighs, Obstetric, Ears, Shoulder Blade, Orbits (Eye-Sockets), Pancreas, Parotid, Pelvic, Feet, Pyelogram, Leg, Brachial Plexus, Renal, Knees, Sacroiliac, Paranasal Sinus, Brain Stem, Achilles Tendon, Ankles, Chest.

Preparation for MRI:

A 2-hour fasting period.
Special preparations:
- Abdomen MRI scans of 4 hours of fasting
- MR Cholangiogram:
  This procedure requires liquid diet the day prior to the exam. Do not ingest porridge, “incaparina” [nutritious powder-drink prepared by the “INCAP” – Nutrition Institute for Central America and Panama] or milk. You may eat fruit compote or steam-cooked vegetables, specially cassava or potatoes. On the day prior to the exam, drink 2 ounces of Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia 20 minutes after lunch and repeat the same dose after dinner.
  On the day of the exam, the patient must come in a fasting state.
- MR Pyelogram:
  One day prior to the exam, drink 2 ounces of castor-oil mixed with cold tomato juice.
  Eat dinner no later than 7:00 pm, soft diet, preferably steam-cooked vegetables.
  Avoid drinking water.

NOTE: In order to undergo an MRI procedure, it is recommended to make a previous appointment through TecniScan on-line chat or PBX: 24293500.