The 3T Siemens Vida fit (70cm wide bore), and 1.5T Siemens Avanto Fit system MRI scanners, plus a full set of coils, allows imaging of any part of the body. Small regions such as fingers and wrists, to whole body scans can be easily accommodated. The comprehensive range of software allows post processing analysis in specialty imaging.
While we are able to scan any area of the body, our areas of specialty include: cardiac, paediatric, neurological, vascular MRA, and advanced liver studies including FerriScans and MRE Elastography.
The Centre has a specific interest in congenital heart disease, ventricular function for cardiomyopathy and viability, pericardial disease and flow imaging. Ventricular function is assessed using 3D software, producing cardiac mass, ventricular volumes and ejection fractions.
Resonance Health has demonstrated expertise in liver imaging technologies with FerriScan. FerriScan has been available for over ten years and is globally recognised as the gold standard in the measurement of liver iron overload. FerriScan is used in over 30 countries worldwide, is quality assured and has regulatory clearance in the United States, Europe and Australia. It is the first such test to have achieved international regulatory approvals.
Measurement of liver iron concentration is critical in the management of patients with potentially fatal iron overload conditions. FerriScan is also available as a dual service with a Cardiac T2* measurement to enable better-informed decisions on the management of patients at risk of iron- induced organ damage.
FerriScan analysis provides proven accuracy in the determination of liver iron concentration and has the highest sensitivity and specificity over the range of liver iron concentrations of any MRI-based method of LIC measurement. Results that are reliable and reproducible over time and across different models of MRI scanner.
FerriScan was originally calibrated against liver biopsy in 105 patients with various iron overload conditions. A further multi-centre validation study on five different scanners with 233 patients concluded:
- The FerriScan technique is robust
- There is no shift in accuracy or precision across different MRI scanners
- FerriScan is unaffected by fibrosis or chelation therapy
- FerriScan can be used with patients of all ages
We offer a full clinical non-contrast MRI of the liver in addition to the FerriScan component.
The Centre for Advanced MRI (CAMRI) is one of the few private MRI facilities in New Zealand fully equipped with general anaesthesia and resuscitation equipment. Our team of anaesthetists, technicians and recovery nurses are fully registered, and have expertise in paediatric, cardiac and other high risk patients. Their extensive experience enables us to offer the best possible care for you or your child.
Liver lesions are sometimes difficult to characterise, but with the help of MRI scans and specific liver contrast agents, a more accurate diagnosis can be made.
Iron disorders of the liver can be assessed non-invasively by MRI scanning. Our system has been specifically calibrated to enable quantification of liver iron concentration. The MRI is also able to quantify fatty changes that may also accompany liver disease.
Liver, liver iron studies, MRCP, renal and adrenal scan are part of our standard abdominal imaging protocols.
CAMRI also offer FerriScans.
MR Elastography is the non-invasive assessment of variations in tissue stiffness.
Liver fibrosis is an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins including collagen that occurs in most types of chronic liver diseases.
Advanced liver fibrosis results in cirrhosis, liver failure, and portal hypertension, where liver transplantation may be the only treatment option. Diagnosis traditionally requires liver biopsy and there is an acknowledged need for accurate less invasive methods to detect and monitor chronic liver disease. These challenges have led to increasing interest in MR Elastography as a clinical and research tool.
The principle, by applying mechanical waves, MRI can now be used to non- invasively assess variations in tissue stiffness.
Hence MR Elastography offers:
- A new MRI-based biomarker for characterising tissue non-invasively
- A new approach for improved treatment decisions, especially in liver fibrosis.
The 3T magnet and dedicated multi-channel coils for hand/wrist, foot/ankle, extremity, and shoulder, enable high resolution imaging of any joint of the body.
MapIt syngo can create inline calculation of parametric maps of T1, T2 and T2* properties of the images tissue. This enhances the evaluation of cartilage in the joints.
The surgical planning for brain lesions can often be assisted with specialist brain sequences.
We are able to offer single voxel, 2D CSI, and 3D CSI spectroscopy, perfusion and diffusion weighted imaging, diffusion tensor/fibre tracking, Arterial spin labelling, Susceptibility weighted imaging, and functional MRI (motor and language tasks).
Asking a child to lie completely still inside a big, noisy scanner for 30-45 minutes can be frightening. Even the smallest amount of movement during an imaging sequence will degrade the images, making a competent diagnosis difficult.
While some children may be able to accommodate these requirements others will require a general anaesthetic to enable the best images to be acquired.
Child entertainment?
For children that are comfortable and relaxed in the MRI scanner, we are able to offer a DVD movie to watch or a story CD to listen to during the scan
High resolution MR Angiography can be performed including TWIST (time resolved 4D angiography), NATIVE syngo, or QISS non-contrast MRA technique for the evaluation of peripheral arterial tree without a contrast agent.
Post processing tools include maximum and minimum intensity projections, surface shaded display, and volume rendering technique.
Our capabilities are continuously being updates. Please contact us if you have specific requests.
