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The Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging Division at Children's Hospital Boston combines an experienced multidisciplinary team with state-of-the-art technology to provide high-quality imaging and expert interpretation of numerous disorders of varying organs and systems.
Our radiologists have special expertise in childhood medical conditions and performing and evaluating diagnostic tests in children. They, along with our team of MR technologists and nurses, are committed to making your experience at Children's Hospital as pleasant as possible. We take the time needed to prepare children and families for tests and to ensure that children feel comfortable and safe.
In addition, the MR Division handles adults with congenital conditions and sports-related injuries.
How MR works
MR is an excellent way to obtain detailed 2 or 3 dimensional images of organs and structures within the body. MR uses a large, tube shaped magnet that creates a strong magnetic field around the patient. A radio frequency coil is placed over the body part that is to be imaged. The magnetic field, along with applied radio frequency waves, alters the alignment of hydrogen protons within the body. Computers reconstruct the images based on emitted signals from the protons.
Prior to entering the MR room, all individuals are scanned for items on or within the body, such as cardiac pacemakers, rectal implants and ferromagnetic objects. Some of these items may malfunction or move within the magnetic field and are considered a strong relative contraindication to having an MR. MR does not use ionizing radiation and based on years of experience, there are no known harmful effects to the body from the magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses used in this hospital. Because of this, MR is often the first choice for imaging babies and children. It is considered a "non-invasive" test because the machine takes pictures without touching the body.
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