What Can an MRI Detect?

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is one of the most useful tools doctors have to help detect, manage and prevent diseases. These potentially life-saving screenings use a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your tissues, organs and blood vessels. And now, with simonONE’s preventative care MRI you can get a yearly MRI on your own time at an affordable cost. When conducted annually, simonONE physicians will be able to monitor and compare your MRI images over the years, so you can practice preventive, empowered healthcare. So what exactly can an MRI detect? The simple answer: a lot of things. But we like to back up our claims here at simonONE. Here are some real patient stories and the conditions we were able to detect with an MRI screening.

Tumors in the Brain | Pituitary Mass

A male patient in his 20s came to us with complaints of headaches and abnormal vision disturbances. After conducting an MRI scan, a 2.3 cm pituitary mass was found and appeared to have a massive effect on the adjacent optic chiasm, which is a vital organ for our vision. The patient was immediately referred to a neurosurgeon for consultation and treatment.

Abnormalities in the Brain | Intracranial Aneurysm

MR Angiography Head images are able to diagnose brain aneurysms, stenosis and vascular malformations. We had a female patient in her late 50’s come in for a screening and we detected a 3 mm saccular aneurysm in her left internal carotid artery. Another patient, male and also in his late 50’s, was found to have a 2 mm aneurysm in his right ophthalmic artery. We were able to refer both patients for a neurosurgeon consultation.

Tumors in the Chest | Breast Mass

MRI Chest images can detect and diagnose pulmonary masses, mediastinal masses, cardiac abnormalities, aortic aneurysms and masses in the chest wall. After an MRI screening of a 60-year-old patient, we found a 1.3 cm mass in his left breast. While rare, male breast cancer does occur, yet it is still important to differentiate between breast cancer and gynecomastia. Additional imaging was requested for this patient so his provider could make the distinction and provide the right follow-up treatment. While hearing these stories may sound scary, the results for MRI screenings can be life-saving as it allows patients to seek the right treatment as soon as possible and when the condition is more treatable. Schedule your MRI screening today.