Body MRI Imaging

The Body MRI division is responsible for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and for a variety of additional specialized purposes.  (Two other divisions--Musculoskeletal Radiology and Neuroradiology-- perform MRI exams for body regions not covered by Body MRI.)

Among its specialized functions, Body MRI is used as an adjunct to Body CT in specific cases to augment and/or clarify findings noted on CT, including hepatic (liver) imaging, kidney imaging, and pancreatic imaging. Aneurysm screening is commonly performed with Magnetic Resonance Angiography MRA.  In addition, we have a Cardiac Imaging program that uses both cardiac CT and MR. Other exams performed by the Body MR division include:

• Breast MRI 
  note: MRI of the breast is NOT a routine screening option;
  see Breast MRI Policy (pdf) for more information.
• Renal MRA
• Peripheral MRA
• MR spectroscopy of the brain
• Functional MRI of the brain

Equipment
The division maintains three permanent 1.5 T magnets and two mobile 1.5T magnets. We also use the 3T magnet in the Advanced Imaging Center. Two state-of-the-art GE 1.5 Tesla MR units are available; both are equipped with high-speed gradience, allowing for improved MR angiography and echoplanar and functional imaging. The scanners are operational seven days a week. Staff is available to answer questions about MRI studies at (603) 650-8527.

Research
Body MRI provides many opportunities for investigational research. We recently collaborated with a local 3D imaging company to image real-time MRI sequences of aortic aneurysms and study how the aneurysms deform over time according to the cardiac cycle. We are currently involved in a clinical trial in conjunction with the GI Department. The trial involves the use of secretin in assessing the lymphatic duct by MRCP, as compared to ERCP, to evaluate the efficacy of secretin and determine if it has any added value.

Teaching
Education continues to have a high priority in the Body MRI Division. Our cross-sectional imaging and magnetic resonance imaging fellows actively participate in reading MRI studies, while learning the intricacies of the imaging parameters, which we individually tailor to answer each patient’s clinical question. We have incorporated cardiac imaging into our residency training as an adjunct effort with Cardiology.

A bimonthly Body MRI conference is given which reviews the prior two weeks' cases, with discussions of the pathology and techniques used in the examination. We attend the weekly Genitourinary-Radiology conference, the Gastrointestinal Tumor Board Conference, and a GI-Radiology conference to review MRI and CT studies in a case presentation format. We work closely with the GI Department to provide service to their patients; MR Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a growing noninvasive corollary to Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Dr. Tsapakos is a speaker at the annual DHMC Hepato-Cholangiopancreatography Conference.

Directions
From the Rotunda/Information Desk in the main Mall, head North toward the inpatient towers. Just after the stairs and before the elevator, follow the signs to Reception 3W. 

From the East Entrance or the patient parking garage, go to Level Three East Mall and proceed past the Emergency Department. Reception 3W is the second reception area on the left.

Michael Tsapakos, MD   Body MRI; Co Director, MRI 

Laurence D. Cromwell, MD   Neuroradiology

Douglas Goodwin, MD   Musculoskeletal Radiology

Steven Poplack, MD   Breast MRI, body and pelvic imaging

All technologists have special competence certification in MR imaging.