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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

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Visit these sites for more info on MRI procedures:

for physicians/staff Protocols & Lab Guidelines
intranet only Radiology Handbook

General Information

Looking for general information about MagneticResonance Imaging?

We recommend visiting the ACR RSNA website created by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Radiology Society of North America (RSNA).

We would also encourage all patients who may have questions about an up coming exam to first explore the ASRT website produced by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

Topics covered on those websites include:

Our Services

The Body MR section at the University of Pennsylvania performs state-of-the-art MR scanning on all parts of the Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis.Imaging is performed on high field General Electric and Seimens systems. For those with extreme claustrophobia, an open General Electric magnet is available at one of our community sites in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

MRI Procedure Screening Form for Patients

Please print out the MRI Procedure Screening Form for Patients and bring it with you the day of your MR Procedure.

If you need Adobe Acrobat in order to access the form, please see the Adobe Web Site.

MRI Examination Types

The following is a partial list of the types of MR examinations that we offer. Orthopedic MR examinations are described in our Musckulosketal Imaging Section while MR evaluation of the heart and blood vessels is described in our Cardiovascular Imaging Section.

In alphabetical order, these include:

Adrenal Gland Imaging

All of our MR systems are capable of performing "chemical shift" imaging which is a technique that can distinguish malignant from benign adrenal masses. Some patients may have a tumor of the adrenal gland that results in high blood pressure. MR can detect and characterize such masses (e.g. Pheochromocytoma and Aldosterone producing adenoma) and suggest which lesions are amenable to surgical therapy.

Bladder Imaging

Men with bladder cancer can be treated by tumor removal through a cystoscope or partial or complete removal of the bladder. It is the stage of the bladder cancer that best determines what therapy is best. MR can evaluate bladder tumors for the following:

Breast MR Imaging

Women who have indeterminate findings on either mammogram or sonography may benefit from a MR examination of the breast. MR may more specifically characterize a questionable lesion to better determine whether a biopsy is needed. Women who are at high risk for developing breast carcinoma (because of a strong family history or because they are carriers of a predisposing gene) may benefit from MR screening in order reassure that no occult breast tumor is present.

Cervical Cancer

A PAP smear initially diagnoses women with cervical cancer. Determining the extent of cervical tumor best determines which treatment is best (surgical vs. radiation therapy) MR can provide the following information about the cervix:

Colon Imaging

Either Barium Enema or CT colonography better achieves the screening examination of the colon. MR is ideal for evaluating potential fistula tracts of the distal colon, rectum and anus. Such fistulas and complicating abscesses occur in various conditions including inflammatory bowel disease.

Kidney Imaging

MR has the ability to characterize renal masses. Some common kidney MR applications include:

Liver Imaging

MR is considered the most accurate imaging modality for liver evaluation. Applications of hepatic MR include:

Ovarian imaging

MR imaging of the ovaries is most often performed after an ultrasound either cannot identify an ovary or detects an ovarian lesion that cannot be completely characterized. MR can detect and characterize many types of ovarian pathology that can be treated conservatively or with laparoscopy. Examples include:

Sometimes a uterine fibroid can be located next to an ovary and mimic an ovarian mass. MR can often characterize the mass as benign and uterine in origin and identify a normal adjacent ovary. In women with suspected or known ovarian cancer, MR can document the location and extent of tumor prior to surgery. In women who have already had surgery and/or chemotherapy, MR can evaluate the abdomen and pelvis to document the success of therapy.

Pancreatic Imaging

All of our magnets are capable of performing magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) that is a non-invasive technique that can visualize the bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreatic ducts without the use of an endoscope or sedation. Many diseases of the pancreas result in blockages of the pancreatic duct which can be shown with our MRCP methods. Applications of pancreatic MR MRCP include:

Prostate Imaging

Most of our MR studies of the prostate are performed in men who have documented prostate cancer. MR can stage a known cancer that may help determine which therapy is optimal. A comprehensive MR examination of the prostate evaluates for:

Testicular Imaging

Ultrasound is considered the first imaging test of choice for the testes and scrotum. MR can be performed to further an equivocal ultrasound finding.

Uterine Imaging

Most imaging of the uterus involves the evolution of an enlarged uterus or evaluation of a uterine cause of pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding.

MRI is also available at Penn MRI at Radnor, 250 King of Prussia Rd., Suite 2K, Radnor, PA 19087.
For appointments, call 1-610- 902-1880.

Division Chief
Evan S. Siegelman, MD

MRI Procedure Screening Form for Patients -- PDF file.

If you need Adobe Acrobat in order to access the form, please see the Adobe Web Site.

You cannot have an MRI if:

IF YOU HAVE A CARDIAC PACEMAKER or NEUROSTIMULATOR. If you have CEREBRAL ANEURYSM CLIPS contact us immediately. Depending on the type of clip, we may not be able to perform an MRI. If you are pregnant or if you have any other type of biomedical implant, please call us at (215) 349-5270, because the MRI exam may not be possible. Also tell us if you had any brain, eye, ear or other surgery or if you are pregnant.

IF YOU EVER HAD EXPOSURE TO METAL FRAGMENTS IN OR AROUND THE EYES, or work with metal such as arc-welding, grinding, drilling metal, tool and die work, please contact us.

Please call us if you weigh over 300 lbs.

If you are CLAUSTROPHOBIC, please call us; we may need to schedule your appointment for specific times with sedation.

Please call (215) 662-6570 (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania) or (610) 902-1880 (Penn MRI at Radnor) if you have any further questions about your MRI exam.

Locations

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Division
Devon Medical Imaging Center
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Ground Founders Building
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Penn MRI at Radnor
250 King of Prussia Rd., Suite 2K
Radnor, PA 19087

Penn Tower, Bridge Level
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Scheduling

Radiology appointments are made, either by the referring physician's office, or by the patient, directly. Radiology Main Scheduling can be reached at (215) 662-3000.

If you (the patient) scheduled the appointment, you will need to bring the referring physician's prescription (signature) to the examination.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment:
Call (215) 662-3000 for all other types of radiological examinations.