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information on PET Imaging

The purpose of a MRI is to:

• Provide detailed images for detecting disease.
• Provide two/three-dimensional images by using a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer.
• Effective in early detection and treatment.

MRI does not use x-rays and is absolutely painless. A technologist will position you on the examination table. You will then be moved into the scanner. As the equipment scans you will hear peculiar noises. This means the scanner is doing its job.

After the exam the radiologist will provide your physician with an interpretation of the results of your MRI scan. Your physician can then make a diagnosis and explain the findings.

Patient Preparation
There is very little preparation for the MRI procedure. To ensure your safety, you will be asked question regarding your medical history. You may eat normally and go about your daily routine. Continue to take any medications prescribed by your doctor unless otherwise directed. In certain instances, a contrast agent may be administered by injection to allow the images to be more distinct. Because of the magnetic field, you will be asked to leave coins, jewelry, watches, glasses, credit cards, keys, hairpins, and other metal objects in a safe place outside the scan room.

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Q: What are Uterine Fibroids?
A: Fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Fibroids range in size and may be located in various parts of the uterus. Women with fibroids do not always have symptoms, but depending on their size and location, they can cause pain and heavy bleeding.

Q: Who is most likely to have Uterine Fibroids?
A: Uterine fibroids are very common though they don’t always cause problems. 20-40% of women over 35 will develop fibroids of a significant size and African-American women are at a higher risk than the rest of the population.

Q: How are Uterine Fibroids diagnosed?
A: Fibroids are usually diagnosed during a gynecologic internal examination. The presence of fibroids is most often confirmed by an abdominal ultrasound. Fibroids can also be confirmed using magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) imaging techniques.

Q: How can Interventional Radiologists treat Uterine Fibroids?
A: Interventional Radiologists can perform two minimally invasive procedures to remove uterine fibroids. These procedures can often can replace the need for major surgeries such as hysterectomy. These are Uterine Fibroid Embolization and Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRGFU).

Q: What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
A: This approach to the treatment of fibroids blocks the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids causing them to shrink. It is a minimally-invasive procedure, which means it requires only a tiny nick in the skin, and is performed by an interventional radiologist while the patient is conscious but sedated — drowsy and feeling no pain. Advantages over surgery include no incision and a shorter recovery time.

Q: What is Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound?
A:Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRGFU) is a non-invasive outpatient, procedure that uses high intensity focused ultrasound waves to ablate (destroy) the fibroid tissue. An interventional radiologist uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to see inside the body to deliver the treatment directly to the fibroid. This procedure, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in October 2004, is a newer treatment option for women with fibroids.

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