About the MRI procedure

Welcome to the Duke Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Center!

General MRI information

An MRI is an image or picture that is created using a very strong magnetic field, radio waves, and computers. Physicians use MRI to create detailed pictures of structures inside the body. Some of the advantages of MRI over other methods for imaging the body (such as CT or CAT scan) are that no X-rays or radioactive materials are used to create the pictures.

At the Duke Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Center, MRI is used to specifically examine the heart and blood vessels throughout the body. Depending on the type of pictures that are taken, the MRI can provide information about the anatomy of the heart, the function of the heart, and the damage that the heart may have sustained. MRI may also provide information about the health of the blood vessels in the body.

What To Expect

We ask you to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your appointment time. There are many questions we need to ask prior to having the MRI. Your early arrival will help to ensure that we are able to perform the test efficiently and safely.

After arriving, we will ask questions about your medical history to help us interpret the images that we obtain. We will also ask you a series of questions that will determine whether or not it is safe for you to undergo the MRI. Specifically, you will be asked if you have any metal objects inside of your body.

Some examples include:

Pacemakers, Heart valves, Aneurysm repairs, Injuries in which metal could have lodged within the body.

We will assess whether it is safe for you to undergo the MRI based on the information you provide. We may also order additional tests or request further information from you or your doctor concerning any metal implants you may have.

When it is time for your MRI, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. You will also be asked to remove all metal objects, such as jewelry, hair pins, dentures, or bridgework. We recommend that you leave metal accessory items at home.

Your MRI may require at least one IV so that we may administer an MRI contrast agent. If you have had reactions to contrast agents in the past, you should inform the staff at this time.

What Happens During the MRI

The MRI machine is a tube with an opening in the center that is about 3 feet wide. You will be lying down on a table that slides into the central opening. While inside the machine, your head may be 1 foot from the end of the tube. Using a speaker and headphone system, we will be able to communicate with you throughout the exam. We will prompt you with instructions during the examination. For example, we may ask you hold your breath for 8-10 seconds. In most instances, it is important for you to stay as still as possible because movements can create poor quality images. During the scan, you will hear knocking sounds as the machine takes the pictures.

The length of the MRI scan varies depending on what kind of information your doctor has requested, but typically is between 45-90 minutes.

When You Will Be Informed of the Results

Typically, the results of any examination will be available to your doctor within 24 hours. Your doctor will communicate the results of your study directly to you.

Other Instructions

1. If you are undergoing an MRI stress test, avoid caffeinated drinks or foods, such as coffee or soft drinks, prior to any examination performed at our MRI center.
   
2. If you are undergoing an MRI stress test, do not eat or drink for the 8 hours preceding the examination. You should, however, take your prescribed medications as usual with small sips of water. Again, it is important that you avoid caffeinated drinks or foods.
   
3. If you become anxious in enclosed spaces, you should inform us prior to the examination day so that we can make arrangements to make you more comfortable during the scan.

Thank you! We look forward to meeting you. If you have any questions concerning the information in this brochure, do not hesitate to contact us by phone at (919) 668-5580 or by e-mail at questions@dcmrc.mc.duke.edu.