Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a sophisticated, non-invasive imaging technique in wide use among human patients since the 1980s. It uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce superior images of the brain, spine, musculoskeletal system, joints, tendons, organs and all soft tissues in extraordinary, unparalleled detail.
While soft tissue is transparent in X-rays or CT, MRI offers the capability to differentiate tissues and identify and characterize even the most subtle abnormalities that are not detectable using other imaging methods, including ultrasound, CT, myelography or X-ray. The majority of neurological conditions can only be accurately diagnosed using MRI. Unlike myelography (the injection of a contrast agent into the spinal canal), MRI is far more accurate for spinal column disease diagnoses. With MRI, the spinal cord can be seen in multiple planes without overlay of bone or soft tissue.
MRI is the preferred procedure for these symptoms and conditions seen in pets:
- All Neurological Indications
- Seizures
- Neck and/or Back Pain
- Soft Tissue Masses
- Lameness
- Abnormal Nasal Discharge
- Behavioral Changes
- Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Disc Disease
- All Orthopedic Diseases (Hips, Stifle, Elbow, Shoulder, Bony Tumors, Stress Fractures and More)
- Abdominal/Pelvic and Thoracic Diseases (Lung, Liver, Spleen, Adrenal, Kidney, Bladder, Prostate and More)
MRI involves a safe, non-invasive procedure that does not use the harmful ionizing radiation found in X-rays. However, a contrast agent may be administered to increase the differentiation of tissue. Animals undergoing MRI exams must be anesthetized to remain completely still for the duration of the study (about 30-60 minutes).
MRI Indications Guide
MRI vs. CT Indications Guide
Minimum Specifications & Abilities
GE HiSpeed CX 150 1.5T Mobile MRI System
- CX 150/CXK4 Magnet
- Minimum 9.1 Software Operating System Levell
- Minimum High-Speed 23 MTM, 77 SR Gradients
- EPI, FGE and CINE
- FSE Flair, Time Of Flight MRA and Phase Contrast MRA
- EchoPlus (Diffusion), Special, EPI Flair and PROBE
- EPI Flair, SmartPrep, SSFSE and 3 Plane Localizer
- Worklist
- E3D TOF and FSE-Xl
- Basic Cardiac (Black Blood Imaging)
- Basic Cardiac (Fast Cine)
- Func Tool (Perfusion)
- Smart Prep 2000 Upgrade (Auto Table Step)
- 3D Surface Rendering Voxtool
- IVI
- ClariView
- UltraShort TR
- T2 Breathold
- Single Shot FSE MRCP
- T1 Breathold
- MRCP3
- High SNR 3D FSE-Variable R1
- Coils: CTL Spine Array, Neurovascular Array, Quad Head, 3" Round (2 Qty), GP Flex (2 Qty), Dual Array Adaptor, Quad Extremity, Shoulder, Torso Array, Quad Knee and CTL C-Spine
