New Advances in MRI

Breast MRI

“MRI of the breast is a useful tool for the detection and characterization of breast disease, assessment of local extent of disease, evaluation of treatment response, and guidance for biopsy and localization. Breast MRI may be bilateral or unilateral. To enhance the probability of accurate results, MRI findings should be correlated with clinical history, physical examination, and the results of other imaging examinations.” American College of Radiology 10/1/04

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT BREAST MRI:

1. Breast MRI can detect breast cancer, particularly invasive disease.

2. Breast MRI should not be routinely done in case of microcalcifications. A positive MRI may help, but a negative MRI does not rule out “in-situ” (early) carcinoma.

3. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and particularly with dense breasts, have a discussion with your clinician as to the pros and cons of breast MRI , especially regarding the exclusion of possible additional cancers in either breast.

4. If it is decided that you should have a breast MRI, ask questions about the facility. Make sure they can perform MR guided needle localization or percutaneous biopsy for lesions not seen on any other modalities like Ultrasound.
 
 
 
 
 
  5. If you are being sent for Breast MRI make sure:  

a.

Pre-menopausal: That you are in your second week of your menstrual cycle, ideally 7-10 days after the first day of your period.  
b.
Post-menopausal: That you have stopped your hormones for a minimum of three weeks, but if possible for 6 weeks prior to your exam.
c.
Hand carry your mammogram and ultrasound films with you to your appointment. They are important to the radiologist to correlate all studies to come to a final diagnosis.
 

Cardiac MRI

As Michigan Resonance Imaging continues to expand our services, we are starting to provide Cardiac MRI scans. This application allows physicians to test ventricular function, ejection fractions and mass calculations. This new application is helpful in assessing overall cardiac health. The literature also recommends using Cardiac MRI post infarct to determine the extent of damage as it relates to myocardial visibility.
Contact us as at 1-800-233-0272