MRI or MRA of the Chest and Heart
Your doctor has recommended you for either magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of your chest and heart. These procedures use a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create detailed images of the chest area. The angiography procedure is specifically designed to examine the heart and the blood vessels entering your lungs. Our team of specialist physicians can use these images to distinguish different types of tissue as well as diseased tissue. Our team of physicians, nurses and technologists are led by our Chief of Cardiac Radiology, Daniel S. Berman, MD, and our Chief of Thoracic Radiology, Peter J. Julien, MD.
Before Your Exam
You may eat and drink before this exam.
Please wear comfortable clothing.
Although we do not anticipate any delay in your scheduled appointment, we recommend that you bring a book, a magazine, or a music player to pass the time while you are waiting.
In addition, you may bring a CD to listen to while being scanned.
If you are claustrophobic (fearful of small, enclosed areas) or experience pain when lying on your back for more than 30 minutes, your referring physician may prescribe a relaxant or pain medication. The imaging physicians at Cedars-Sinai will not prescribe such medications.
After Arriving at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
You must inform the technologist, radiology nurse and/or imaging physician if you have any allergies, are pregnant or are nursing.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, which will determine if an MRI or MRA is safe for you. People with various implants (usually metallic) or with metal in their bodies (including some tattoos) may have difficulty with an MR-which utilizes a strong magnetic field. The imaging physician needs to be informed of any of these potential problems.
During Your Exam
There are no restrictions placed on you after this procedure. You may eat or drive as normal.
An imaging physician will exam your films and write a report with the findings. This will be sent to you doctor who will discuss the results with you.
To request copies of your pictures on a PC and MAC compatible CD, or a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000 and follow the prompts for your selection.
After the Exam
There are no restrictions placed on you after this procedure. You may eat or drive as normal.
An imaging physician will exam your films and write a report with the findings. This will be sent to you doctor who will discuss the results with you.
To request copies of your pictures on a PC and MAC compatible CD, or a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000 and follow the prompts for your selection.
Parking and Drop-off
S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center parking is located at the corner of San Vicente Boulevard and Gracie Allen Drive. Enter off Sherbourne Drive.
You can also park in the Medical Center North Tower off George Burns Road.
Parking is partially validated and validation is available in the lobby of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center.
There is a large metal sculpture in the shape of the number "8" in front of the center.
There is a curbside patient drop-off zone on Gracie Allen Drive.
