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3T Prostate MRI

What Is 3T MRI?

3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bones, and other internal body structures. Unlike other imaging techniques such as X-rays and CT scans, MRI does not expose patients to the potentially harmful effects of radiation.

The 70 cm open-bore design can help you feel more relaxed. It can also accommodate patients up to 550 lbs. The shorter magnet design means more head-out exams.

The stronger, 3T magnet also delivers excellent images for a more confident, accurate diagnosis.

How Should I Prepare?

You will be asked not to eat for 2 hours prior to the procedure. Please do not wear any jewelry or metal, and please do not wear make-up or use hair products if your head is being scanned.

What Should I Expect?

You will not be able to have an 3T MRI examination if you have any of the following:

  • Most pacemakers
  • Certain brain aneurysm clips
  • Cochlear implants
  • Metallic fragments in an eye
  • Implanted spinal cord stimulator
  • Certain other metal-containing implants

Some exams require injection of a contrast agent into a vein in your hand or arm to improve visualization of abnormalities on the 3T MRI images. MRI contrast is an organically bound gadolinium-based material that is extremely safe and typically has no side effects, though there is always the potential for allergic reaction. Please let us know if:

You have anemia or any diseases that affect red blood cells
You have asthma or other allergic respiratory disorders
You have kidney (renal) disease
You have history of working with metal

After you arrive for your appointment, you will be escorted to a procedure room, where you will be asked to change into a patient gown. Before heading into the exam room you will be asked to use the restroom. The technologist will position you on a cushioned table that will move into the tube-shaped scanner. After you have been properly positioned, the technologist will begin obtaining the 3T MRI images.

The 3T MRI machine creates a magnetic field around you and directs radio waves at your body to create the 3T MRI images. You won’t feel the magnetic field or radio waves, but you may hear loud tapping and thumping sounds coming from inside the machine. While the images are obtained, you will be instructed to lie as still as possible. The technologist will monitor you from another room. You will be able to speak to the technologist through a microphone, and the technologist will also be able to talk to you. Most exams take from 30 to 60 minutes, after which you will be able to return to your normal activities.

For your safety and the protection of others, we do not allow anyone other than patients in our exam rooms.

How Do I Get the Results?

After your 3T MRI study, the images will be evaluated by one of our board-certified radiologists with expertise in 3T MRI imaging. A final report will be sent to your doctor or healthcare provider, who can then discuss the results with you in detail.

Reports are also available on the MyRAD Patient Portal

A New Prostate Exam for Tucson Patients

Radiology Ltd. is proud to be among the first to offer 3T open-bore Prostate MRI exams, which provide exceptional imaging quality and enhanced patient care. Use of 3T MRI allows for a more complete assessment of prostate cancer prior to surgery and improves the accuracy of prostate biopsies.

Using 3T Prostate MRI we can:

  • Identify a specific target in your prostate for your urologist to biopsy
  • Help clarify the presence or absence of prostate cancer when PSA, biopsy, and other markers are unclear
  • Acquire high resolution and functional imaging of your prostate without the need for invasive instruments (such as an endorectal MRI coil)
  • Evaluate the motion of water molecules and evaluate blood flow in the prostate to assess the location, size, and aggressiveness of prostate cancer

Body Imaging Team

Shalini Guliani-Chabra, M.D.

  • Specialties:
    Body Imaging, General Radiology
  • Education:
    University of Mumbai, 1993
    M.D University of Mumbai, 1998
  • Internship:
    Internal Medicine, New York Medical College, 2002-2003
  • Residency:
    Diagnostic Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 2004-2008
  • Fellowship:
    Abdominal Imaging, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 2008-2009
  • Board Certifications:
    ABR 2008

Jason E. Wright, M.D.

  • Specialties:
    Body Imaging, General Radiology, Molecular Imaging
  • Education:
    B.S. - Brigham Young University, 2003
    M.D. - Georgetown University School of Medicine, 2007
  • Internship:
    Internal Medicine, University of Arizona Medical Center, 2007-2008
  • Residency:
    Internal Medicine, University of Arizona Medical Center, 2008-2010
    Diagnostic Radiology, University of Arizona Medical Center, 2010-2013
  • Fellowship:
    Nuclear Radiology, University of Arizona Medical Center, 2013-2014
    Body Imaging, University of Arizona Medical Center, 2014-2015
  • Board Certifications:
    ABIM (Internal Medicine) 2010; ABNM (Nuclear Medicine) 2014; ABR 2015

With Radiology Ltd. since 2015

Bobby T. Kalb, M.D.

  • Specialties:
    Body Imaging, General Radiology
  • Education:
    B.A. - University of Virginia, 1998
    M.D. - University of Virginia School of Medicine, 2002
  • Internship:
    Transitional, Emory University School of Medicine, 2002-2003
  • Residency:
    Emory University School of Medicine, 2003-2007
  • Fellowship:
    Body MRI, Emory University School of Medicine, 2007-2008
  • Board Certifications:
    ABR 2007

President and Chairman, Radiology Ltd.

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