Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technology that uses a strong magnet and radiofrequency waves to produce pictures or "images" of your internal organs and structures. Because MRI allows your doctor to see inside your body from any angle with great clarity, it gives doctors a wealth of information more quickly than past tests and exploratory surgeries.

 Emory Crawford Long Hospital offers a complete range of MRI services, including brain, spine, abdominal, gynecologic, prostate and orthopedic imaging, as well as MR angiography.  We, however, continue to add new equipment and services, as a state-of-the-art MRI scanner was added in the summer of 2002, and a new service in breast and cardiac MRI is now offered.  To learn more about the MRI services provided by Emory Crawford Long Radiology, please click on the links below:

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Hours of operation:

Monday - Friday: 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

Available 24-hours-a-day for emergencies

Schedule an appointment:

To schedule an appointment, please call 404-686-XRAY (404-686-9729).

Cardiac MRI

MR Angiography (MRA)

General MRI

Cardiac MRI:

Novel developments in cardiac MRI now allow complete and effective evaluation of cardiac structure and function for a wide variety of indications.  Such indications include studies for cardiac ischemia, valvular disease and arrythmias, as well as evaluation of the aorta and thoracic vasculature. 

MRI has proven to be an effective modality for assessing the patient with a non-diagnostic echocardiogram and for non-invasive evaluation of aortic valvular disease. 

Historically, it has been very effective in the management and assessment of complex congenital heart malformations. Rapid scan techniques and cardiac gating, which images the heart at the same point in the cardiac cycle, now allow evaluation for transmural and subendocardial ischemia.  Cine imaging, which watches the heart in real-time, allows us to assess cardiac function and output. 

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MRA is an established method, and arguably the most reliable method, for non-invasive evaluation of vascular stenosis and aneurysms.  MRA is usually applied as a screening tool in those patients suspected of having vascular stenosis, particularly in the carotid, vertebral, renal, iliac or femoral arteries in the brain. 

MRA is used as a primary diagnostic modality for aortic disease such as aneurysm or dissection, and is often used as a follow-up modality for this purpose.  Similarly, MRA is an effective screening method for intracranial (Berry) aneurysms. 

It is a particularly useful tool in the patient with renal dysfunction who is a poor candidate for angiography or CT angiography.  Routine studies of the aorta, carotid arteries, intracranial vasculature and peripheral vasculature may be performed in rapid fashion with our new, dedicated vascular coils. 

General MRI:

During a general MRI, images are taken of all parts of the body.  The detailed images produced are used to diagnose disease and to determine the extent of it.   

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technology that uses a strong magnet and radiofrequency waves to produce pictures or "images" of your internal organs and structures. Because MRI allows your doctor to see inside your body from any angle with great clarity, it gives doctors a wealth of information more quickly and in many cases, more economically than past tests and exploratory surgeries.

CT and MRI differ in two basic ways. CT uses x-rays to detect and record the radiation absorbed by different tissues, and sends the data to a computer to transform into images. MRI does not use x-rays. Instead, MRI employs a powerful magnetic field to monitor the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in water, the most abundant element in the body. When subjected to the magnetic field of an MRI, the hydrogen protons are knocked out of alignment and emit a radiofrequency signal that is detected by the MRI machine, which then processes the signals into images.

CT scans usually show little differentiation in soft tissues, but highlight solid structures, like calcium deposits or kidney stones. MRI scans emphasize detailed tissue structures due to differences in water content.

Why am I having this exam?
MRI allows doctors to see images of your internal organs and structures in great detail from many angles. For the exact purpose of your exam, however, please refer to your referring physician.

How long will this exam take?
An MRI takes approximately 45 minutes.  You should, however, plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your exam for registration.  If you require sedation, please arrive one hour prior to your appointment.

Why does the exam take so long?
Several sequences are acquired, which helps in differentiating normal from abnormal findings.

Does it hurt?
No. MRI is a non-invasive procedure, and no pain is involved.  However, sometimes an IV has to be inserted prior to the procedure. 

Does the machine make a lot of noise?

The magnet makes a knocking sound as images are being taken. In between scans the machine is quiet. Ear plugs will be available to you for your exam and their use will not prevent you from hearing the technologist if he or she speaks to you during the exam.

Will I be claustrophobic?
Most people have no reaction at all. However, if you have had claustrophobic reactions to enclosed spaces before, you should let the technologist know. Even if you are uncomfortable in small spaces, staff members can help you complete the study through sedation, which may require a re-scheduling of your appointment. 

Do I need to be NPO (no food in the morning)?
For patients requiring sedation, NPO status is required. Morning medications should be taken with a little water.
 

I have tattoos.  Is this a problem?

If you have any tattoos please inform your physician and the department during the scheduling process.

Does the machine use X-rays?

No. MRI uses a powerful magnet in conjunction with radiofrequency waves to generate images of your internal organs and structures. There is no ionizing (X-Ray) radiation.

Can I get copies?
Yes. You can receive a film copy of your exam. This can require some waiting time (for image processing) and a fee is involved.

How and when will I receive my results?
You will need to contact your referring physician for your results.  Critical results will be called to the referring physician immediately.  Results that are not critical will be available in your physician's office within 24 hours. 

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How to prepare for an MRI

To streamline your visit, and to ensure the most accurate results from your MRI scan, please keep in mind the following as you prepare for your exam:

• You must not weight more than 350 lbs.
• You can expect to be at the center at lease one hour.  If more than one body area is imaged, or if sedation from our staff is needed, the visit will take longer.
• If you are claustrophobic and you require sedation from us, please make us aware of your claustrophobic condition at the time your doctor's office schedules your appointment. 
  • If you are claustrophobic and require our sedation efforts, we will need for you not to eat or drink anything for at least 4 hours prior to your test. 
  • If you have a morning appointment, please do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before.
• If you are not claustrophobic, you may eat and drink what you wish.
• If you have a pacemaker in your heart or an anuerysm brain clip, please call our scheduling department regarding your exam.  These medical implanted devices are a life threatening risk if your MRI procedure takes place. 
• Your referring physician may request an injection of an IV contrast material that will be seen on your MRI called Gadolinium.  This contrast contains no Iodine.  Gadolinium is used in MRI only and typically does not cause any adverse reactions.  There is no oral contrast that patients need to drink.
• The imaging procedure has no radiation involved and thus is extremely safe from any detrimental ionizing effects.  However, please be advised that our image information gathering process is not as simple and quick as an ordinary x-ray. 
• You will need to lie very still for long periods of time as the data is acquired.  We will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible while you are being imaged.
• All personal belongings will be locked into a locker, which has a key you will keep. 
  • Personal belongings include anything that is removable from your person:  Watches, wallets, briefcases, eyeglasses, waist belts, removable insulin pumps, jewelry, pocket knives, credit cards.  In short, anything that could become a hazard in the MRI scanner. 
  • Dentures can be kept in place unless your study involves the head area.
• If you do not wish to change your clothes, please wear loose workout suits, sweat pants, any clothing that has absolutely no metal, no zippers of any kind, and no metal backed buttons.  Work-out bras are ideal.  Bras that contain metal will need to be removed.
• Please remove all hair pins from your hair. 
• If a wig is worn, please tell the technologist before your test. 
• If you think you are pregnant, please inform the MRI staff. 
• Please remove all jewelry including earrings and body piercing.

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