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MRI

Welcome to the most advanced MRI technology.

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is the diagnostic tool of choice for several conditions and one of the safest, most comfortable imaging studies available. Using a powerful magnet, radio frequency waves and computer software, an MRI creates high-resolution images of your organs, soft tissue, bones and body structures, without the use of X-rays.

The Latest Tech, Highest Quality

For Western Montana patients, we offer two MRI scanners with the latest in MRI diagnostic technology to ensure the highest quality imaging and patient comfort. Both of our scanners are open on both ends, well-lit and ventilated, and our dedicated team of registered MRI technologists helps put you at ease throughout your exam.

Our GE SIGNA™ Hero 3.0T MRI scanner is found at our location in the Northern Rockies Orthopaedics building across the street from our Main Center in Missoula. Using GE’s AI (artificial intelligence) deep-learning technology, our 3T MRI provides higher-resolution diagnostic images and shorter exam times. Its 70 cm wide-bore system can comfortably accommodate patients of all sizes. At our Main Center, we offer MRI patients CinemaVision technology, a virtual entertainment system that is especially helpful for pediatric MRI patients and adults who experience claustrophobia or PTSD — making their exam less intimidating and reducing the need for sedation.

 

We proudly hold the American College of Radiology gold seal in MRI, meeting highest quality and safety standards.

We offer several specialized diagnostic MRI services.

MRIs are used to diagnose a wide variety of diseases and conditions. If you are experiencing back or joint pain, suspect cancer, or have experienced a sports injury, stroke, heart attack, trauma or other condition, your healthcare provider may order an MRI.

At Advanced Imaging, we offer:

Bone and Joint MRI

to look for stress fractures, tumors in the bones or soft tissue, bone infections, and issues with the spine/disks, joints, cartilage and ligaments.

Brain and Spinal Cord MRI

for conditions such as aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, stroke, tumors, and spinal cord and brain injury trauma.

Cardiac MRI

to examine the function of the heart’s chambers and wall as well as check for heart attack or heart disease damage, aneurysms and blockages.

Dynamic Imaging MRI

for mapping vascular function to provide important such as blood flow, blood perfusion, fractional blood volume and vascular permeability.

Fetal MRI

to provide detailed information about the fetus’ anatomic structures.

Full and Abbreviated Breast MRI

to detect breast cancer, particularly in people who have dense breast tissue or who might be at high risk of the disease.

Internal Organ MRI

to check for cancerous tumors or abnormalities in the kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas, prostate and uterus.

Pelvic Floor MRI

for female patients experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction to identify any abnormalities or damage in the pelvic floor’s structure.

Rectal Cancer Staging

to determine the stage of cancer and assist healthcare providers in deciding appropriate treatment.

We are proud to be an American College of Radiology MRI-Accredited Facility.

On the recent trending subject of whole-body MRIs, the American College of Radiology, at this time, does not believe there is sufficient evidence to justify recommending total body screening for patients with no clinical symptoms, risk factors or a family history suggesting underlying disease or serious injury. Read this article from American College of Radiology for more information.

What To Expect

Let’s help you prepare.

We’re here to make your visit as comfortable as possible. A little prep goes a long way in ensuring everything runs smoothly.

  • A quality MRI study is dependent on your ability to remain still for the entirety of your exam. If you think you may be in too much pain to remain still or are claustrophobic, please talk with your healthcare provider about the possibility of taking pretreatment medications. Our CinemaVision technology may also be an option for you.
  • Please continue taking your prescribed medications.
  • Jewelry, including piercings, must be removed prior to your study. We encourage you to leave all jewelry at home but can offer a secure location for valuables if you forget.
  • If you have an implanted medical device, be prepared to provide our staff with the manufacturer name, model number and device name.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. This will give you time to fill out any necessary forms and change into scrubs if needed.
  • For the scan, your MRI technologist will put you into position on the MRI bed. A device called a coil will be positioned around the area of your body we are scanning. Once you’re comfortable, the technologist will move the table into the MRI scanner. You will be able to speak to and hear your technologist over an intercom.
  • The equipment does not touch your body, but you will hear buzzing and tapping noises from the machine. We will supply you with ear plugs and/or headphones and can talk with you throughout your scan. Some patients also find it comforting to have a cloth or other item covering their eyes, which can help if you are feeling claustrophobic. We have all these aids available for you.
  • Depending on your test, you may receive an intravenous injection during the MRI after initial images are taken. The injection is a contrast dye that helps to differentiate normal from abnormal tissues. Some patients describe a metallic taste or cool sensation after the injection. This is normal and usually subsides quickly.
  • The scan takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the purpose of your scan.
  • If you have renal disease, a kidney transplant, diabetes or gout.
  • If you have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
  • If you have aneurysm clips.
  • If you have other implantable devices such as a heart valve, middle ear prosthesis, tissue expanders or implanted neurostimulator.
  • If you know or suspect that you have metal fragments in or around your eye(s).

MRI FAQ

Still have questions?

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Is a whole-body MRI appropriate?

The American College of Radiology, at this time, does not believe there is sufficient evidence to justify recommending total body screening for patients with no clinical symptoms, risk factors or a family history suggesting underlying disease or serious injury. Read this article from American College of Radiology for more information.

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What body parts can the MRI scanner evaluate?

Physicians use the MRI scanner to examine one part of the body at a time. The scanner can take pictures of the head, neck, back, chest, abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle, foot, blood vessels and more.

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I’ve heard that an MRI can be very claustrophobic, especially for larger people. Is that correct?

Some patients feel claustrophobic in standard MRI scanners. Our wide-bore MRI scanners are designed to accommodate larger patients and to minimize claustrophobia for people of all sizes. For children and adults who may experience claustrophobia, we also offer CinemaVision technology, a virtual entertainment system.

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What does the MRI scanner look like?

The MRI scanner is donut-shaped, wide open on both ends, well-lit and ventilated.

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Why is the scanner so noisy?

The scanner works with strong magnetic fields. Inside an MRI machine there are parts called gradients. During a scan, the gradients turn on and off so fast that they create a sound.

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Will my head be in or out of the scanner?

The area of the body being scanned will be in the center of the scanner. For many procedures — with the exception of scans of the head, neck, chest and upper abdomen — your head will remain outside the scanner.

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Will I need a driver?

If your healthcare provider prescribes an oral sedative for your exam, we advise that you have a driver.

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Is there any risk to having an MRI?

An MRI is very safe. There are no health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine, nor have any side effects been reported. Patients with a pacemaker, certain types of aneurysm clips or certain other implants should NOT have an MRI until the implant has been researched by a technologist for safety. (See below for more about metal implants and scans.)

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What about radiation?

There is no radiation exposure associated with an MRI.

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May I have an MRI exam when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

While an MRI scan has no known side effects, it is not recommended for pregnant women unless your healthcare provider believes it’s important to get an MRI.

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How long does an MRI scan take?

MRI exams take an average of 15 – 45 minutes. There are a few variables that will determine the length, including the part of your body we are scanning and whether your scan requires a contrast dye.

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Why is it so important to remove ALL metallic objects before I enter the MRI scanning room?

You’ll need to remove all external metal objects — jewelry, keys, underwire bra, clothing with zippers, snaps or metal buttons, etc. — for safety reasons related to the machine’s magnetic fields and because they appear on the MRI image.

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Will there be a problem if I have had surgery in which metal has been implanted?

As a general rule, no. However, patients may have “MRI conditional” implants that can be scanned safely under certain conditions. Please be sure to inform your technologist of any prior surgeries and implants before your exam. Patients with the following should NOT have an MRI until the implant has been researched by a technologist for safety.:

  • Pacemakers
  • Defibrillators
  • Certain aneurysm clips
  • Certain neurostimulators
  • Certain implants that are not MRI-safe
  • Tissue expanders
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If I have a metal implant in my body, how will I know if it is MRI-safe?

All implants that are placed by a surgeon have a manufacturer name and model number. Some surgeons give their patients cards with the manufacturer name and model number. The facility where the implant was placed should have a record of what was implanted. That information will help us determine if your implant is MRI-safe.

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I am scheduled for an MRI joint / shoulder arthrogram. Is the procedure painful?

During the injection of a contrast dye, you may feel some slight pressure or discomfort as the joint is distended. The sensation is temporary and will pass within four – six hours after the procedure. Some soreness may also be present at the injection site for up to 24 hours.

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How soon after my joint injection may I resume normal activities?

You may resume regular activities immediately after the procedure. The radiologist will recommend, however, that you limit strenuous or stress-bearing activities on the affected joint for 24 hours following the procedure.

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How is an MRI different from a CT?

An MRI does not use X-ray radiation and a CT does. Instead, an MRI creates high-quality images through the combination of a strong magnetic field and radio waves. It can detect certain diseases much earlier than other medical imaging techniques can, making it the diagnostic tool of choice for several conditions.

How can we help?

Still not finding what you need? Please give us a call at (406) 327-3950.

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