Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
What is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of your head and body. These detailed images are used to diagnose a wide range of conditions. At the U-M Health Radiology, the extensive MRI experience of our board-certified, fellowship-trained experts helps to ensure this form of imaging is used wisely, thereby limiting costly hospitalizations, surgical interventions and duplicate diagnostic imaging studies. While an X-ray is very good at showing bones, an MRI lets the radiologist see structures made of soft tissue such as ligaments and cartilage and organs such as your eyes, brain and heart.
Appointment Information
To schedule an appointment, please call 734-936-4500.
What to Expect
An MRI exam is painless. You don't feel the magnetic field or radio waves. Most MRI machines consist of a large magnet shaped like a tunnel. You lie on a table that slides into the tunnel. A computer creates a composite, three-dimensional representation of your body. Two-dimensional images are then created and displayed on a monitor and/or converted into photographic film for further viewing and analysis.
Risks & Benefits
- Contrast material that contains gadolinium may be used in this test. But for most people, the benefit of its use in this test outweighs the risk. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or are pregnant.
- If you breastfeed and are concerned about whether the dye used in this test is safe, talk to your doctor. Most experts believe that very little dye passes into breast milk and even less is passed on to the baby. But if you are concerned, you can stop breastfeeding for up to 24 hours after the test. During this time, you can give your baby breast milk that you stored before the test. Don't use the breast milk you pump in the 24 hours after the test. Throw it out.
Research
Through clinical research, the Radiology Department has taken a leadership role in establishing new MRI techniques that distinguish benign from malignant tumors in the kidney, liver and adrenal glands as well as MR angiography (to view major blood vessels) and MR cholangiopancreatography (to help diagnose bile duct and pancreatic disorders).
News & Stories
Doctors urge caution regarding elective MRI scans
New prostate biopsy technique shows potential future of MRI
New mouse model for liposarcoma can help uncover new therapies
An AI model that can read and diagnose a brain MRI in seconds
Hospital partnership improves follow up scans, decreases long term risk after aortic repair
