Magnetic

Resonance
Imaging
(MRI)
is generally shaped like a large,
covered box with a tunnel passing
through it.

is a scanning procedure that uses

strong magnets and radiofrequency
pulses to generate signals from the
body.
 Physicians use an MR examination to help diagnose
or monitor treatment for conditions such as:
tumors of the chest, abdomen or pelvis.
diseases of the liver, such as cirrhosis, and
abnormalities of the bile ducts and pancreas.
inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s
disease and ulcerative colitis.
heart problems, such as congenital heart
disease.
malformations of the blood vessels and
inflammation of the vessels (vasculitis).
a fetus in the womb of a pregnant woman.
 BEFORE:
Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your
exam and check in with the receptionist. You
will need to complete the MRI screening
form.
To eliminate possible MR safety issues, you will
be asked to change into a hospital gown. A
locker will be supplied to secure your
belongings.
A technologist will verify your
identification and the requested
exam. Your screening form will be
reviewed by the technologist in
consultation with the radiologist if
indicated. If MRI contrast is indicated
for the exam, an IV catheter will be
inserted in your arm by a nurse or
technologist.
 DURING:
The duration of the procedure will vary but the
average is 45 minutes to one hour per body
part.

You will be required to lie still during the actual

MR scanning. Depending on the body part that
is being examined, you may be instructed to
hold your breath for up to 30 seconds.
The magnet is permanently open on
both ends. It is well lit and there is a fan
for patient comfort. There is also a two
way intercom system for
communication between patient and
technologist. The part of the body
being scanned will be placed in the
middle of the magnet.
During the actual imaging, you will hear a
loud intermittent banging noise. You will
be provided with earplugs or head phones
to minimize the noise during the
procedure.
The technologist will also provide you with an
alarm button to alert the technologist of any
discomfort you may experience at any poin

Some MRI exams require an injection of

intravenous MRI contrast. Inform the
technologist if you experience any
discomfort during the injection.
 AFTER:
If a dye injection is used, the IV is removed from the
arm before you go home.
Allergic reaction from gadolinium dye is extremely
rare. However, if you experience symptoms such as
rash, hives, or shortness of breath, you should notify
the technologist immediately if you are still at the
imaging facility, or call your doctor or go to the
nearest hospital if you have already left the
imaging facility.
In the event that sedation is
needed (such as
for claustrophobia), you will be
sent home once awake and alert.
If you receive sedation, someone
must drive you home.
 Computed
Tomography
(CT) scan
 Computed Tomography (CT) scan

scan combines a series of X-ray images taken

from different angles and uses computer
processing to create cross-sectional images, or
slices, of the bones, blood vessels and soft
tissues inside your body. CT scan images
provide more detailed information than plain X-
rays do.
 Indications of CT scan
Diagnose muscle and bone disorders, such as bone tumors
and fractures
Pinpoint the location of a tumor, infection or blood clot
Guide procedures such as surgery, biopsy and radiation
therapy
Detect and monitor diseases and conditions such as cancer,
heart disease, lung nodules and liver masses
Monitor the effectiveness of certain treatments, such as
cancer treatment
Detect internal injuries and internal bleeding
 Risks
1. Radiation exposure
- During a CT scan, you’re briefly exposed to ionizing
radiation. The amount of radiation is greater than
you would get during a plain x – ray because the
CT scan gathers more detailed information.
- CT scans have not been shown to cause long –
term harm, although there may be a very small
potential to increase your risk of cancer.
2. Harm to unborn babies
- Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant. Although the
radiation from a CT scan is unlikely to injure your
baby, your doctor may recommend another type
of exam, such as ultrasound or MRI, to avoid
exposing your baby to radiation.
3. Reactions to contrast material
- The doctor may recommend you receive a
special dye called a contrast material through a
vein in your arm before your CT scan.
- The contrast material can cause medical
problems or allergic reactions.
- Most reactions are mild and result in a rash or
itchiness. An allergic reaction can be serious,
even life – threatening.
 How you prepare
Depending on which part of your body
is being scanned, you may be asked
to:
Take off some or all of your clothing and
wear a hospital gown
Remove metal objects, such as a belt,
jewelry, dentures and eyeglasses, which
might interfere with image results
Refrain from eating or drinking for a few
hours before your scan
People who are taking the diabetes
medication metformin (Glucophage) should
discontinue this treatment for several days
before a CT scan that includes contrast.
 Contrast material
- A special dye called a contrast material is
needed for some CT scans, to help highlight the
areas of your body being examined.
- The contrast material blocks x –rays and appears
while on images, which can help emphasize
blood vessels, intestines or other structures.
 Contrast material might be given to you:
By mouth. If your esophagus or stomach is being
scanned, you may need to swallow a liquid that
contains contrast material. This drink may taste
unpleasant.
By injection. Contrast agents can be injected through
a vein in your arm to help your gallbladder, urinary
tract, liver or blood vessels stand out on the images.
You may experience a feeling of warmth during the
injection or a metallic taste in your mouth.
By enema. A contrast material may be inserted
in your rectum to help visualize your intestines.
This procedure can make you feel bloated and
uncomfortable.
 During the CT scan
- CT scanners are shaped like a large doughnut standing on its
side.
- You lie on a narrow, motorized table that slides through the
opening into a tunnel.
- Straps and pillows may be used to help you stay in position.
- During a head scan, the table may be fitted with a special
cradle that holds your head still.
- While the table moves you into the scanner, detectors and the
x –ray tube rotate around you. Each rotation yields several
images of thin slices of your body. You may hear buzzing,
clicking and whirring noises.
a technologist in a separate room can see
and hear you. You will be able to
communicate with the technologist via
intercom.
The technologist may ask you to hold your
breath at certain points to avoid blurring
the images.
 After the CT scan
- After the exam you can return to your normal
routine. If you were given a contrast material, you
may receive special instructions.
- You may be asked to wait for a short time before
leaving to ensure that you feel well after the
exam.
- After the scan, you’ll likely be told to drink lots of
fluid to help your kidneys remove the contrast
material from your body.
 Results
CT images are stored as electronic data
files and are usually reviewed on a
computer screen. A radiologist interprets
these images and sends a report to your
doctor.
Ultrasound
(UTZ)
 Ultrasound
- also called sonography or diagnostic
medical sonography, is an imaging
method that uses high-frequency sound
waves to produce images of structures
within your body.
 Types of ultrasound

1. Transvaginal
ultrasound – a
transducer wand is
placed in a woman’s
vagina to get better
images of her uterus
and ovaries.
2. Transrectal
ultrasound – is
sometimes used in
the diagnosis of
prostate
conditions.
3. Transesophageal
echocardiogram –
uses the transducer
probe in the
esophagus so that the
sonographer can
obtain clearer images
of the heart.
 Ultrasound technology has advanced to allow
for different types of imaging:
 Doppler is a special type of ultrasound that creates
images of blood flow through vessels.
Bone sonography helps doctor diagnose osteoporosis.
Echocardiograms are used to view the heart.
3D imaging adds another dimesion to the ultrasound
image, creating three – dimentional interpretations
rather than the flat two – dimensional images that are
made with traditional ultrasound.
4D ultrasounds show 3D images in motion
 Advantages of ultrasound
They are generally painless and do not require needles,
injections, or incisions.
Patients aren’t exposed to ionizing radiation, making the
procedure safer than diagnostic techniques such as x –
rays and CT scans. In fact, there are no known harmful
effects when used as directed by your health care
provider.
Ultrasound captures images of soft tissues that don’t
show up well on x –rays.
Ultrasound are widely accessible and less expensive than
other methods.
 Indications of ultrasound
Ultrasound is used for a variety of reasons, including to:
View the uterus and ovaries of a pregnant woman and
assess her fetus
Diagnose gallbladder disease
Evaluate flow in blood vessels
 Guide a needle for biopsy or tumor treatment
 Evaluate a breast lump
Check a thyroid gland
Diagnose some cancers
Reveal genital and prostate abnormalities
 How you prepare
Most ultrasound exams require no preparation, with a
few exceptions: For some ultrasound exams, such as
of the gallbladder, your doctor may ask that you not
eat or drink for up to 6 hours before the exam.
Other ultrasound exams, such as of the pelvis, may
require a full bladder, so your doctor might ask you to
drink up to six glasses of water two hours before the
exam and not urinate until the exam is completed.
When scheduling your ultrasound, ask your doctor for
specific instructions for your exam.
 RESULTS

When your exam is complete, a physician

trained to interpret imaging studies (radiologist)
analyzes the images and sends a report to your
doctor. Your doctor will share the results with
you. You should be able to return to normal
activities immediately after an ultrasound.
Thank you!!!
