Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create detailed images of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. MR technology allows the physician to evaluate different types of body tissue, as well as distinguish normal, healthy tissue from diseased tissue.

Some of the most common MRI procedures we offer are:

• Head
• Knee
• Lower extremities (leg, foot, ankle)
• Neck
• Pancreas
• Pelvis
• Pituitary
• Prostate
• Shoulder
• Spine (lumbar or thoracic)
• Thyroid/parathyroid

MRIs are performed for a variety of reasons, including:

• Precisely determine which part of the brain is handling critical functions such as thought, speech, movement and sensation (brain mapping)
  
• Assess the effects of stroke, trauma or degenerative disease (such as Alzheimer's disease) on brain function
• Monitor the growth and function of brain tumors
  
• Evaluate the structures and function of the heart, valves, major vessels and surrounding structures
• Diagnose and manage a variety of cardiovascular problems
• Detect and evaluate the effects of coronary artery disease
• Determine the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease
• Detect the buildup of plaque and blockages in the blood vessels
• Analyze conditions such as pancreatic tumors, obstructive jaundice, chronic pancreatitis and other abnormalities

• You can print and fill out the MRI Questionnaire (PDF)(Opens in a new tab) and the MRI and Pregnancy form (PDF)(Opens in a new tab), if applicable, before arriving to speed up the registration process.
  • If you are receiving an MRI of your arm, knee, lower extremities or shoulder, you may also fill out the X‑ray/CT/MRI Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (PDF)(Opens in a new tab).
  • If you are receiving an MRI Cardiac, you may also fill out the Cardiac Imaging Questionnaire (PDF)(Opens in a new tab).
  • If you are receiving an MRI Prostate, you may also fill out the MRI Prostate Questionnaire (PDF)(Opens in a new tab).
• Depending on your exam, you may or may not be able to eat before the procedure. You will be given instructions on eating and drinking prior to the exam. 
  • If you are receiving an MRI Abdomen/pelvis, an MRI Adrenal glands or an MRI Thyroid/Parathyroid, you should not eat or drink three hours before the exam start time.
  • If you are receiving an MR Cholangiogram, you should not eat or drink eight hours before the exam start time, unless instructed to do so by your physician.
  • If you are receiving an MRI of the bladder, please drink one to two glasses of water and do not use the restroom. The exam requires you to maintain a half‑full bladder.
  • If you are receiving an MRI Prostate, your colon must be empty. Please take a Fleet enema #1 two hours before your procedure.
  • If you are receiving an MRI Brain, MRI Cardiac, MRI Chest, MRI Neck or MRI Pelvis, you may eat and drink before the exam. 
• If you are claustrophobic (fearful of small, enclosed areas) or experience pain when lying on your back for more than 30 minutes, your referring physician may prescribe a relaxant or pain medication to help you through the exam. The imaging physicians at Cedars‑Sinai cannot prescribe such medications for you.
• If you plan to take relaxation medication before your exam, it is our policy that you come with someone who can drive you home.
• For studies that involve IV contrast: If you have veins that are small or hard to find, or have a port, please arrive 60 minutes before your scheduled arrival time.
• If your doctor gave you an order, please bring it with you.
• Consider bringing a magazine, book or music player to help you pass any time you may spend waiting.
• You may bring a CD to listen to during the procedure. We will provide you with headphones and a CD player.
• Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
• Please wear comfortable clothing.

• You must tell the technologist, radiology nurse and/or imaging physician about any allergies you may have, and if you are pregnant or are nursing. 
• If you are receiving an MRI of the spine, you must also inform the staff if you have had any prior back surgery or if this exam is a cancer follow‑up.
• You will be asked to complete a questionnaire which will determine if an MRI or MRA is safe for you. 
  • People with various implants (usually metallic) or with metal in their bodies (including some tattoos) may have difficulty with an MRI, which utilizes a strong magnetic field. The imaging physician needs to be informed of any of these potential problems. 
  • Cardiac MRI is safe with joint replacements, coronary stents, ASD/PFO closure devices, sternal wires and most prosthetic heart valves.

• You will change into a hospital gown.
• You will lie on the scanning table headfirst with arms at your side.
• Coils (special devices to improve image quality) may be placed on or around your abdomen.
• The scanning table will slide you into the magnet.
• During the scan, earplugs will be provided to help mask the noise (intermittent humming, thumping, clicking and knocking) and allow you to listen to music.
• In most cases, the imaging physician requests a contrast agent (dye) to improve the quality of the images. The dye is injected into a vein in the arm and may cause a cool sensation.
• As pictures are taken, you must hold very still, and in some cases hold your breath up to 25 seconds.
• The technologist is always able to see and hear you during the exam.

• Lower Extremities: 45‑60 minutes
  
• Neck: 45 minutes
• Pancreas: 45 minutes
• Pelvis/bladder: 45‑60 minutes
• Pelvis: 45 minutes
• Pituitary: 45 minutes
• Prostate: 60 minutes
• Shoulder: 45‑60 minutes
• Spine (lumbar or thoracic): 45 minutes
• Thyroid/parathyroid: 45 minutes

• There are no restrictions placed upon you. You may eat or drive as normal, although if you took relaxation medication, you will need someone to drive you home.
• Your films will be examined by an imaging physician and a report sent to your doctor. Your doctor will review the results with you.