Magnetic resonance imaging / MRT Hanover

Private practice Dr Sven Walter

A very modern imaging examination procedure is magnetic resonance imaging - also known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI for short). This examination can be used to create very detailed cross-sectional images of the inside of the body. MRI does not require any radiation at all and covers the widest diagnostic spectrum of all radiological procedures. In many areas, MRI is considered an indispensable modality for visualising pathological changes in the body.

In my Radiology practice I carry out MRI diagnostics and also offer you the 3 Tesla MRI as a speciality at my location in Berlin-Charlottenburg. An outstanding feature of my practice equipment is the mobile MRI couch as a so-called double couch system. This enables comprehensive disinfection of the MRI couch between examinations as well as quiet patient preparation outside the examination room in a relaxed atmosphere.

Interesting facts about magnetic resonance imaging

Information on the function and use of MRI

How an MRI works

Magnetic resonance tomograph - this is the name of the device that produces the MRI images. It is a tube-shaped device. You as the patient are pushed into it in a comfortable position on a mobile couch. There are magnetic coils in the wall of the tube. They generate a pulsating magnetic field and radio waves.

There are atoms in our body that react to this magnetic field (known as resonance). This produces signals that differ depending on the type and composition of the tissue and provide an excellent contrast as a result. Different anatomical structures can be differentiated from each other in detail and even the smallest changes can be detected.

An MRI scan is useful in these cases

Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to create three-dimensional images of the inside of the body - without any radiation exposure and using the tomography method. MRI diagnostics is particularly suitable for visualising soft tissue and fluid-filled cavities. Accordingly, MRI is particularly important in the assessment of the brain and spinal cord, in joint diagnostics, in the search for tumours in soft tissues and organs and in bile duct diseases.

A wide variety of diseases and changes can be detected or ruled out in this way. The radiation-free procedure also allows repeated follow-up checks to be carried out without any concerns. An additional contrast agent can also be useful in MRI diagnostics for certain issues, particularly when looking for tumours, inflammatory changes or vascular damage.

MRI examination options

Examination areas for MRI diagnostics

MRI of the head

Various examinations of the skull can be specially planned
Brain and vascular imaging
Targeted examination of the pituitary gland, the eye sockets and the paranasal sinuses
Skull base with cranial nerve visualisation
Head/neck transition
Facial skull
Jaw joints etc.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head is used to clarify inflammation, bleeding, cerebral infarction or tumour diagnostics, among other things. The vessels can also be visualised very well. Stenoses (constrictions) or aneurysms (dilatations) of the vessels can also be detected with this examination.

MRI of the neck region

Salivary glands (ear and lower jaw)
Larynx and trachea
Thyroid and parathyroid glands
Vessels and lymph nodes
Nerve plexus
Neck muscles

MRI of the neck region often involves the clarification of inflammations and tumour-related changes or the targeted assessment of lymph nodes. I can also monitor the healing process after operations and other therapeutic measures in the neck area if necessary.

MRI of the upper extremity

Shoulder joint
Scapula and acromioclavicular joint
Collarbone
Bony upper and lower arm
Musculature and soft tissue
Nerves and vessels
Elbow joints
Metacarpus and wrists
Finger joints

With MRI of the shoulder, arms and hands, I can assess whether, for example, inflammatory processes, signs of wear or fractures are present in these areas. The joint-forming structures, overstretching or tears in tendons, ligaments and muscles can be visualised in detail.

MRI of the upper extremity

Shoulder joint
Scapula and acromioclavicular joint
Collarbone
Bony upper and lower arm
Musculature and soft tissue
Nerves and vessels
Elbow joints
Metacarpus and wrists
Finger joints

MRI of the chest

Hull wall
Ribs and sternum
Lung and pleura
Mediastinum (middle pleural cavity)

MRI of the chest is used to diagnose bruises, fractures and lung effusions. It is also helpful in tumour diagnostics.

MRI of the heart

MRI is very well suited to recognising inflammatory changes in the heart muscle or pericardium. The examination also helps to detect congenital or acquired changes to the heart. It can also be used to assess circulatory disorders and the extent of scarring after a heart attack.

MRI of the spine

Cervical spine
Thoracic spine
Lumbar spine
Sacrum and coccyx

Magnetic resonance imaging can be used, for example, to assess the spinal canal with the spinal cord and nerves in detail and to detect a herniated disc. MRI can also be used to detect inflammation, malformations, degenerative changes or tumours in the spine.

MRI of the abdomen

Abdominal wall
Liver with gallbladder and bile ducts
Pancreas with duct system
Spleen and lymph nodes
Adrenal glands
Kidneys and urinary tract
Vessels
Small intestine and large intestine

I can use an MRI to detect inflammation or tumorous changes in the abdominal cavity. The examination is also suitable for detecting injuries to the organs located there. With MRCP, a special type of magnetic resonance imaging, I can examine the pancreas and bile duct system without overlapping.

MRI of the pelvis and hip

Bony pelvis
Sacroiliac joints and hip joints
Vessels and lymph nodes
Rectum and anus
Urinary bladder
Genital organs

MRI diagnostics can provide certainty in the event of abnormal laboratory values and ultrasound findings as well as unclear complaints in the lower abdominal area. Pathological processes that take place in the pelvic and hip area can be clarified in a differentiated manner in this way.

MRI of the prostate

MRI of the prostate is a special multi-parametric examination. It is recommended in the case of an unclear increase in the PSA value as well as in the case of abnormal palpation and ultrasound findings. Prostate MRI is also useful if the biopsy is negative but the PSA value in the laboratory is abnormal.

MRI of the lower extremity

Bony upper and lower leg
Musculature and vessels
Knee joints and ankle joints
Heel and Achilles tendon
Midfoot and forefoot

Accidents, sports injuries or diseases of the lower extremities are indications for an MRI of the legs. I can use the examination to detect inflammation, torn muscle fibres and bone fractures. Magnetic resonance imaging is also suitable for clarifying problems with the kneecap, internal joint structures, ligaments and tendons.

MRI of the lower extremity

Bony upper and lower leg
Musculature and vessels
Knee joints and ankle joints
Heel and Achilles tendon
Midfoot and forefoot

By clicking on the different areas in the image, you can obtain more information on the regions examined by MRI.

The possible regions of investigation include

MRI of the head
MRI of the neck region
MRI of the upper extremity
MRI of the chest
MRI of the heart
MRI of the spine
MRI of the abdomen
MRI of the pelvis and hip
MRI of the prostate
MRI of the lower extremity

Do you need an MRI appointment in Hanover?

Then you are welcome to contact me by phone, e-mail or via the contact form. You can also arrange your next appointment conveniently and easily online. I look forward to your enquiry!

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