Section Of MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

The Section of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital seeks to provide the highest level of expertise for the performance and interpretation of MR examinations. It also seeks to develop an environment conducive to teaching and learning, and to provide the necessary scientific atmosphere and tools for research.

It aims to deliver prompt, reliable and accurate MR imaging services of the highest quality possible in line with the mission and vision of the UST Hospital.

It is manned by properly trained, qualified and recognized consultant radiologists who are leaders in their field and well respected by their peers. Well-trained radiologic technologists, nursing and secretarial staff compose the non-medical support personnel.

The consultant staff of the Section is divided into the following sub-specialties: Body Imaging, Musculoskeletal Radiology, Neuroradiology, Pediatric Radiology, and Head and Neck Radiology.

Radiology residents-in-training, medical interns and clerks regularly rotate in the section as part of their training and clinical exposure in MRI.

Located in the ground floor of the UST Hospital, Espana, Manila, the Section of MRI of the Division of Radiological Sciences, University of Santo Tomas Hospital is a fully equipped state-of-the-art facility for magnetic resonance imaging of the whole body.

The Section is equipped with a 1.5 Tesla MRI system of a known tested brand capable of performing the whole array of MR procedures for neuroradiology, musculoskeletal and body imaging.

The present MR system features a hardware and software platform that is perfectly balanced, combining power and flexibility to maximize image quality, speed and throughput. It is considered as the most friendly and advanced ultra-short, high-field scanner, offering optimal patient comfort and image quality.

Perfusion and diffusion weighted imaging for detection and characterization of early stroke are among the latest applications the unit is capable of. Magnetic resonance angiography and cholangio-pancreatography are routinely performed with the highest resolution possible. Imaging of the spine, bones, joints and soft tissues depicts the fine details of anatomy for early and accurate detection of disease conditions.

The section of MRI is open for service only during office hours at 7am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday.

SERVICES OFFERED AT MRI

(SYSTEM BASED PROTOCOLS)

Neuroradiology MRI
• Cranial MRI
• Pituitary or Sella Protocol
• Temporal Lobe
• Seizure Protocol
• MR Angiography of the Brain (Contrast enhanced study)

Chest (Mediastinum) MRI
• MR Angiography of Thoracic Aorta

Musculoskeletal MRI
• Orbits, Eyes, or Globes
• Paranasal Sinuses
• Nasopharynx
• Neck MRI
• MR Angiography of the Neck (Contrast enhanced study)
• Cervical Spine
• Cervical-Thoracic Spine
• Thoracic Spine
• Thoracic-Lumbar Spine
• Lumbar Sacral Spine
• Whole Spine
• Upper Extremity
• Shoulder Joint
• Elbow Joint
• Wrist Joint or Hand
• Lower Extremity
• MR Peripheral Angiography of the Leg (Contrast enhanced study)
• Hip Joint
• Knee Joint
• Ankle Joint or Foot

Gastrointestinal MRI
• Upper Abdomen
• Lower Abdomen
• Magnetic Resonance Cholecystopancreatography (MRCP)
• MR Angiography of Abdominal Vasculature (Contrast enhanced study)

Patient preparation would include :

1.   For plain non contrast MR examination - No Fasting Needed.
2.   For MR study with contrast - Fasting at least two hours before the procedure.
3.   For MRCP study- Fasting at least 4-6 hours before the procedure.

MRI Preparation Instructions and Review with Patient

1.  Does patient have any metal inside their body, such as rods, pins, metals? Does      patient have a pacemaker? If yes, tell patient to inform the ordering physician      immediately.
2.  If diabetic, patient may have a little juice to maintain blood sugar levels.
3.  If patient is claustrophobic and needs a sedative prior to the procedure, the      procedure must be done in the hospital. Patient will need a driver for      transportation after the exam.
4.  If female, and any chance patient is pregnant, tell her to talk to her ordering      physician immediately. The test may not be appropriate.
5.  Continue to take regular prescription medications with a small amount of water.
6.  If patient is having an MRCP (gall bladder/common bile duct), tell them they      CANNOT eat or drink anything for at least 4 hours prior to exam.
7.  If patient is having any other type of MRI, they may have a light meal before their      appointment.
8.  Leave all jewelry, including body piercing jewelry, at home.
9.  Arrive 30 minutes prior to appointment time. Please be prompt.

Those Patients Having IV Contrast:
If FEMALE AND BREASTFEEDING, please pump a 24-hour supply of breast milk prior to scan. On day 1 following scan, pump and discard the milk, using 24-hour supply. Resume normal feeding on day 2 after exam.

If patient is having IV sedation (in hospital only):
No food or drink 8 hours prior to test.

If diagnosis is neoplasm, tumor, or cancer, patient will have IV contrast.