Lupus Site - a guide for lupus patients and their families

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
MRI is a diagnostic technique that provides high-quality cross-sectional or three-dimensional images of organs & structures within the body without using x-rays or other radiation.

The patient must lie still on a table, which is then moved inside a chamber.
Commonly, a special substance called a contrast agent is administered prior to or during the test.
The contrast agent is used to enhance internal structures and improve image quality.
Typically, this material is injected into a vein in the arm.

The machine can be very noisy!
 It is completely painless & there are no known risks or side effects.

In lupus patients, the MRI may be used to check for clots, inflammation or haemorrhages in the brain, or to see if there is fluid in the joints.