Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of The Chest

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A magnetic resonance imaging scan is also called an MRI. An MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take pictures of the inside of your body. A chest MRI is done to see your blood vessels (veins and arteries), breasts, and bones of the chest. It will also show pictures of your lungs and heart. Pictures taken during the MRI can show heart or lung disease or a lump in your chest or breast tissue. An MRI of the chest may show a fracture (break) in your sternum (breastbone) or in one or more of your ribs. Your ribs are the bones that go from the sternum around your chest and to your spine. If you are at high risk of getting a certain disease, an MRI can be used to look for signs of the disease.
  
  
• You may need an MRI if you have symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. The MRI may show caregivers what is causing your signs or symptoms. This test may be done after an x-ray or another test to give caregivers more information about a medical problem. An MRI can be used before a procedure to help caregivers plan it or during a procedure to guide them. If you are being treated for a medical condition, an MRI can show caregivers how well your treatment is working. This will help you and your caregiver decide on the best treatment for you.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed.

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

• Ask your caregiver to explain the results of your MRI.
  
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You are unable to hear as well as you could before having the MRI.
  
  

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a medical device that has stopped working or is not working as it did before the MRI.
  
  

Learn more about Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of The Chest (Aftercare Instructions)