Thyroid and/or Parathyroid MRI
Your doctor has recommended you for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of your thyroid and/or parathyroid. The thyroid and parathyroid are hormone-secreting glands located in the neck. An MRI uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create detailed images of the neck area. Physicians can use these images to distinguish normal, healthy tissue and diseased tissue. Our team of specialist physicians, nurses and technologists is led by Barry D. Pressman, MD, Chief of Head and Neck Imaging.
Before Arriving for Your Exam
You should not have anything to eat or drink three to four hours prior to the exam start time, unless instructed to do so by your physician.
If you are claustrophobic (fearful of small, enclosed areas) or experience pain when lying on your back for more than 30 minutes, your referring physician may prescribe a relaxant or pain medication to help you through the exam. The imaging physicians at Cedars-Sinai will not prescribe such medications for you.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time. You may also bring a CD to listen to during the procedure.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home. Please wear comfortable clothing.
After Arriving
You must tell the technologist, radiology nurse and/or imaging physician of any allergies you may have, and if you are pregnant or are nursing.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, which will help determine if an MRI is safe for you. People with various implants (usually metallic) or with metal in their bodies (including some tattoos) may have difficulty with an MRI, which utilizes a strong magnetic field. The imaging physician needs to be informed of any of these potential problems.
During the Exam
You will be positioned on the scanning table head-first with your arms at your side. Coils (special devices to improve image quality) may be placed on or around the neck area. The scanning table will slide your entire body into the magnet.
During the scan you will not feel anything, but you will hear intermittent humming, thumping, clicking and knocking sounds. Earplugs will be provided to help mask the noise and to allow you to listen to music.
In most cases, the imaging physician requests a contrast agent (dye) to improve the quality of the images. The contrast agent is injected into a vein in the arm, and may cause a cool sensation.
As pictures are taken, you must hold very still, and in some cases, hold your breath.
The technologist is always able to see and hear you during the exam.
The MRI exam will take approximately 45 minutes. The MRA exam will take approximately 20 minutes.
After Your Exam
There are no restrictions placed upon you. You may eat or drive as normal.
Your films will be examined by an imaging physician and a report sent to your doctor. Your doctor will review the results with you.
To request a copy of your images on a CD or film, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
Parking Information
Valet parking is available in front of the Imaging center from 7:30am-5:00pm.
For self parking, please enter parking lot P4, located at the corner of San Vicente Blvd. and 3rd Street. The entrance is on San Vicente Blvd.
If you are arriving after 5:00pm, please park in parking lot P1, located off of George Burns Rd. between Beverly Blvd. and Alden Dr. The entrance is off of George Burns Rd.
Partially validated parking at a cost of $4.00 is provided to our imaging patients for valet and self parking in the lots mentioned above.
Please Note: We do not validate for parking lots in the Medical Office Towers located at 8631 and 8635 W. 3rd St.
