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The IAC Standards and Guidelines
for MRI Accreditation

 

Click here for a printer-friendly PDF of the MRI Standards

 

Appendix A

 

Body Imaging: MRI body imaging includes examinations of the chest, neck, abdomen, pelvis, breast and vascular structures and is a technological challenge due to physiological motion artifacts. However, since the emergence of fast scan and motion compensation techniques, MRI examinations of the body have become more practical. The ability to acquire scan data during a breath hold has greatly improved spatial resolution of structures in areas previously degraded by motion artifacts. In addition, the ability of MRI to demonstrate anatomy and pathology in multiple planes, and the improved conspicuity provided by chemical shift imaging, has made MRI an important tool for imaging of body structures. In many instances, MRI has become the imaging method of choice for demonstrating organ function and morphology, and the detection, differentiation and staging of benign and malignant lesions.

 

Cardiovascular Imaging: Cardiovascular MRI involves imaging of the heart and central vascular system using single-planar and multi-planar acquisitions. Included in disorders of the heart are disorders of the myocardium, heart chambers, valves, coronary blood vessels, blood pathways and the pericardium. Included in disorders of the central vascular system are abnormalities of the aorta (ascending, arch, thoracic descending, abdominal descending and the iliac bifurcation), the pulmonary vasculature and the thoracic venous system.

 

Musculoskeletal Imaging: MRI is a valuable tool in the visualization, detection and staging of a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders. These include degenerative, infectious, neoplastic and traumatic evaluation of articular structures, non-articular soft tissues, bones and bone marrow.

 

Neurological Imaging: Neurological MRI involves imaging of the brain and spine using both 2D and 3D acquisitions and neuro physiological techniques. Included in disorders of the brain are conditions of the skull base, intra and extra cranial vasculature, the cranial nerves as well as other structures. Included in disorders of the spine are conditions involving the cervical, thoracic lumbar and sacral regions.

 

Breast Imaging: MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing breast health when used in conjunction with a clinical examination, mammography and ultrasound. MRI scans are used to produce high quality images that show increased or abnormal blood flow in the breast (often a sign of early cancers); aid in the detection of abnormalities in dense and fatty breast tissues; and use subtraction and 3D imaging to delineate suspicious lesions.

 

MRA Imaging: MR angiography is used to evaluate abnormalities and disease processes of blood vessels in all parts of the body. Common indications for the use of MRA include, but are not limited to, the diagnosis and evaluation of: atherosclerosis, aneurysms, arterial venous malformations, patency of vessels following stent placement, aortic dissections and the evaluation of tumors, blood supply.