MR/PET
Hoag is proud to announce that it is the first hospital on the West Coast
to routinely offer patients a revolutionary hybrid technology that will
forever change the way neurology, cancer and cardiac patients are diagnosed
and treated.
Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (MR/PET), is an
innovative imaging technology that will help in early and accurate diagnosis
of various cancers, degenerative neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s
disease, mild traumatic brain injury and heart disease. MR/PET will also
help physicians tailor treatment options to ensure patients receive the
care that will most likely work best for them.
MR/PET is a hybrid imaging technology that combines in one instrument the
superior MR imaging of structure, and imaging of tissue metabolism on
a molecular level offered by PET. By creating simultaneous PET and MRI
data, the new technology provides more detailed information than either
technique can alone, in one step. This eliminates the need for multiple tests.
The structural and molecular information from a MR/PET will help cardiologists
and surgeons quickly and efficiently determine who could best benefit
from surgery following a heart attack. The applications for neurology
include more definitively diagnosing a traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer’s
disease through identifying the presence of certain molecular deposits
in the brain and how the brain is utilizing energy.
In cancer, MR/PET's ability to see specific molecules in the body will
allow us to target disease in a much more patient-specific, individualized
manner, leading to better and more efficient cancer treatment. Oncologists
will favor this new technology for patients who now have to undergo a
battery of tests, including PET and CT scans, both of which use ionized
radiation.
What to Expect
Resting Phase
The entire MR/PET procedure typically lasts 2-3 hours. It begins with an
injection of a tiny amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) “tracer”
solution that enables evaluation of glucose metabolism (function) in the
body. There are no known side effects to this injection. Once injected,
you will be asked to rest in a quiet room and avoid significant movement
or talking, which may alter the localization of the tracer. The resting
period lasts approximately 60 min.
Imaging Phase
The MR/PET scanner is very similar in size to an MR scanner. Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) produces images of the body’s internal structures
by passing radio waves through a powerful magnetic field. Differing frequencies
of radio waves are produced by the different body structures, in return,
these are mapped and converted into digital images by a computer. MRI
is especially good for imaging soft tissues in the body, including the
brain, nerves, muscles and organs.
You will be lying on your back on a movable table that slides into the
center of the machine. The technologist may use straps or bolsters to
help you stay still and maintain proper positioning during the examination.
He or she may place a device called a coil around the part of the body
being studied. This device sends and receives the radio waves which are
used to generate the image.
The imaging phase will take approximately 60 minutes in the scanner. In
some cases, more than one scan is required; you will be notified of the
number of scans at the time of injection. Your total time commitment will
be approximately 2 hours and reports should be in your doctor's office
within 48 hours.
The MR/PET scanner is noisy. You will be given a set of earplugs or headphones
to wear during the examination to reduce the noise. It is important that
you follow the technologist's instructions. You will be asked to remain
still multiple times throughout the examination while each sequence is
being performed. If you are claustrophobic (have a fear of being closed-in),
you may want to discuss the option of receiving sedation for the study
with your physician prior to your appointment. Some studies require the
administration of contrast material into the vein. MRI contrast is called
gadolinium and is different than the contrast administered for CT scans.
A radiology technologist or nurse will place an intravenous line through
which he or she will give the contrast.
How to Prepare
When you schedule your appointment, we will inform you about any specific
preparations depending upon the specific procedure your doctor has ordered.
Please contact the Scheduling Department at 949-764-5573 if you have any
questions.
If you have a pacemaker (unless it is a MRI safe pacemaker), or breast
tissue expanders, please contact your physician as you are unable to have
an MR/PET procedure.
Options exist for patients who suffer from claustrophobia or who are unable
to lie still for several minutes at a time. Because no radiation is involved,
a family member or friend can remain in the scan room with you to offer
comfort and support. Anyone who enters the scan room will need to be screened
by our staff.
A second option is taking anxiety-relieving medication such as Valium,
which your physician can prescribe for you. If you are planning on taking
anti-anxiety medication for this procedure, do not take your medication
until you sign your consent when you arrive. If you are already medicated,
your consent will not be valid and your procedure may need to be rescheduled.
You can take your medication during the 60 minute resting stage before
entering the scanner. Also, be aware that you cannot drive for several
hours after you take this medication, so you will need to arrange for
transportation home. If you have a programmable shunt, you will need to
go to your physician’s office immediately after the MRI to have
it re-programmed. Please schedule this in advance with your physician’s office.
If you have a Vegus Nerve Stimulator, you can only have a MRI of the brain
and it must only be done at Hoag Hospital Newport or Hoag Hospital Irvine.
If your physician has ordered your procedure with radiographic contrast:
- You should inform your physician if you have any allergies. If you have
been told you are allergic to contrast or have ever had a reaction to
Iodine or any form of contrast media, your doctor may prescribe medications
to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. A Radiology nurse should contact
you. If you have not been contacted by a Radiology nurse at least 24 hours
prior to your appointment, please contact the Imaging Scheduler immediately.
- If you have diabetes, kidney problems, lupus, surgery on your kidneys or
multiple myeloma, you must have lab work that includes a BUN and Creatinine
performed within 30 days of your exam. If you are over the age of 65 you
must have lab work within 90 days of your exam. This provides us with
information regarding your current kidney function. Please call your physician
if you have not had this blood work.
- If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and/or you are currently taking
any of the following medications: Metformin, Gluicophage, Glucophage XR,
Fortamet, Riomet, Metaglip, Glucovance, Actoplus Met, Avandament or Junamet,
stop taking your medication for a total of 48 hours after your exam. You
must contact your physician for alternative medications and instructions
prior to your exam.
- If you are currently receiving Dialysis; please schedule your dialysis
to follow your procedure with Contrast or the following day. It is imperative
you have dialysis no later than the following day after you have received
contrast for your procedure.
Instructions for the 24 hours prior to your exam time
We encourage you to hydrate with oral fluids at least 24 hours prior to
your study.
Do NOT engage in any strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to your exam
You may receive additional specific instructions when you schedule your
appointment depending upon the type of procedure that will be performed.
Some types of scans require fasting beforehand.
Please complete, print out and bring with you the following forms to your
appointment:
Instructions for the 12 hours prior to your exam time
Stay on a low carbohydrate diet.
Day of the Exam
Do NOT eat anything six (6) hours prior to your appointment time. This
includes mints and chewing gum. Please drink several glasses of water
(2-6) and take medications. If you need to eat, please limit yourself
to a small protein-only meal. If you are diabetic, please consult your
doctor for questions regarding medication.
You will need to complete a detailed screening sheet, on which you will
be asked whether or not you have any metal or other devices implanted
in your body that may interfere with the scan or cause injury to you.
If you have any concerns or questions about what expect of the procedure,
please ask the technologist before you enter the room. We also are happy
to answer your questions by telephone at any time before your appointment.
Because the MR/PET unit uses a very large, strong magnet, you will be asked
to remove and store jewelry, keys, wire-frame eyeglasses and any loose
metal objects. You may be asked to change into a gown unless you are wearing
clothing that is metal-free. Please wear comfortable clothing with no
metals, buttons or zippers. Preferably wear a sweat outfit or active wear.
You will receive an injection.
You will be asked to sit quietly in the waiting room for 60-90 minutes
after the injection.
If you have hair extensions with metal clips, please remove them prior
to the MR/PET procedure.
Side Effects
There are no residual side effects from a PET scan. On rare occasions,
MR contrast may cause reaction. You will be able to drive yourself home
unless you have taken any sedation medication. Consult your physician
before the exam if you may possibly be pregnant or are breast-feeding.
Follow Up Care
There are no restrictions after the test, although you should drink plenty
of fluids to flush the radioactive substance from your body.
Locations
Locations where Hoag provides MR/PET Imaging services