Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging at BIDMC

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging tool that produces detailed images of the body without the use of X-rays.

MRI Exams

Patient listens to providers before an MRI scan MRI exams that we perform include:

Routine neurological exams
Routine musculoskeletal exams
Routine abdominal exams
MR enterography
MR spectroscopy
MR elastography
Functional MRI
Cardiac MRI
Chest, abdominal and pelvic MRA and MRVs
Lymphedema MRIs
MRIs for patients with pacemakers
MRIs for patients with deep brain stimulators

Preparing for your MRI Frequently Asked Questions

About MRI

The images produced by an MRI are created using a large magnet, radio waves and a computer system to process the data. Procedures using MRI involve no ionizing radiation.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has been at the forefront of MRI clinical care since the early days of MRI use. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment that produces high-quality images, a very important tool for planning your medical treatment.

Our faculty and staff are highly trained and dedicated to giving the best possible patient care, and are actively spearheading innovative research. Additionally, our MRI scanners have been accredited by the American College of Radiology for image quality and system accuracy.

MRI Safety

MRI Guidelines

MRI poses no known risk to most patients if appropriate safety guidelines are followed. However, for some patients, MRI may be inadvisable.

Please tell your doctor if you have or believe that you might have any of the following:

Brain aneurysm clips
Cardiac pacemaker
Are or may be pregnant
Implanted medication pumps
Implanted nerve stimulating devices
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Any other surgically implanted or metallic object in your body

For the safety of staff and patients the MRI environment needs to remain free of metal objects. These items must be removed before entering the scan room:

all jewelry (including watches)
eyeglasses
removable metallic dental work
hairclips and hairpins
hearing aids
keys
coins
wallets and credit cards

Will the MRI Scan Hurt?

No — MRI imaging is not painful. However, for some, lying still can be slightly uncomfortable; minimizing movement is necessary to obtain the best possible pictures.

MRI Technology

MRI uses superconductive electromagnetics, field gradients and radiofrequency waves to create images of the anatomical and physiological structures of the body. While other imaging modalities can produce similar images, few can do so with the detail and precision of MRI. Because MRI does not use any radiation to produce images, it’s viewed as among the safest of the imaging modalities.

At BIDMC, we have multiple MRI scanners, and each can perform specific functions and tests. Our scanners are at either 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla, depending on the machine. To put these magnet strengths into perspective, the magnetic field strength of the Earth is 0.5 gauss, which translates to 0.00005 Tesla, making our 1.5 Tesla magnets 30,000 times more powerful, and our 3 Tesla magnets 60,000 times more powerful, than the magnetic field strength of the Earth.

Despite how safe they are with their lack of radiation, MRI systems are very powerful and loud, and can sometimes be uncomfortable machines. Every effort will be made to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible for your test. If you’re claustrophobic, we have “wide-bore” MRI machines that will give you a little extra room. However, not all tests are able to be performed on wide-bore magnets. When scheduling your appointment, if you feel you need one, simply let the scheduler know and every effort will be made to accommodate you. Because we have so many machines, we have the ability to perform common or routine exams, as well as more technical exams.