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MRI Breast Exam
The American Cancer Society recommends MRI of the Breast for women who are at a high risk of developing breast Cancer.
MRI breast is used in conjunction with mammography. It offers an extremely sensitive image to help resolve the unknown or inconclusive result from a mammography or ultrasound. This exam requires an injection of a small amount of contrast which enhances the areas within the breast and highlights any areas of concern for abnormality. MRI breast images are then processed by Dyna Cad which is a computer- aided software designed to further help the radiologist's interpretation.
How should I prepare for an MRI Breast?
- You may wear your own clothing if there are no metal clasps or zippers on them. However, you will be asked to change into a gown from the waist up.
- You will be asked not to have anything to eat or drink four hours prior to the exam except medications unless told otherwise.
- You should be prepared to answer questions regarding your medical health problems or surgery. Some conditions like kidney disease may prevent an MRI from being taken with contrast material.
- If you are claustrophobic (fear of enclosed spaces) or suffer from anxiety, please let us know.
- People with the following implants may not be scanned and should not enter the scanning area without in-depth review of the device by DRA Imaging, PC.
- Pacemaker
- Internal (implanted) defibrillator
- Cochlear (ear) implant
- Brain aneurysm clips
- Some other devices that may represent a risk or cause an artifact include:
- Artificial heart valves
- Implanted drug infusion ports
- Artificial limbs or metallic joint prostheses
- Implanted nerve stimulators
- Metal pins, screws, plates or surgical staples
- Usually metallic objects used in orthopedic surgery pose no issue during MRI.
- Sometimes X-rays are required to determine the presence of metallic objects in the body before an MRI. Also dyes used in tattoos may contain iron and could heat up during the procedure, but rarely pose a problem. It is suggested, tattoos less than 6 weeks old not be scanned.
Pregnancy Policy:
All patients of childbearing age (10 - 54) will be required to sign that there is No Chance of Pregnancy prior to an imaging exam being performed (Exception: - Ultrasound). If there is a chance of pregnancy, STAT blood work will be ordered prior to the procedure being performed to establish that there is no chance of pregnancy.
In the event, you are pregnant and the exam is deemed necessary by your physician, you will be shielded and monitored with a radiation badge.