Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
The fully accredited S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center offers the full range of MRI studies using the latest technology and highly trained, subspecialized imaging physicians. The bore on our newest MRI scanners are 33 percent wider than older machines and are also shorter, making them even more patient friendly.
For MRI studies, you can speed up the registration process by printing and filling out the pre-registration form before you arrive. Forms are available here.
For further information, links are listed below to detailed descriptions of the most common MRI procedures performed at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center.
Please follow this link to see a video about our MRI Exams. Some of the video is only for patients staying in the hospital. But much of it will be helpful to those who just come to our imaging center for this exam.
- Abdomen
- Abdomen and/or pelvis
- Adrenal gland diagnostics
- Anesthesia
- Angiography (MRA)
- Brain
- Breast
- Cardiac
- Cervical spine
- Chest
- Cholangiogram
- MRI Defecography
- Endometriosis
- Enterography
- Head MRI MRA MRV
- Knee
- Lower extremities (legs)
- Lumbar spine
- MR guided breast biopsy
- MR guided breast needle localization
- Myelogram
- Neck
- Pancreas
- Pelvis
- Pituitary
- Prostate (MRI spectroscopy of prostate: same prep)
- Shoulder
- Spine: Please see cervical, lumbar or thoracic spine
- Spine survey (MRI) for ankylosing spondylitis
- Thoracic spine
- Thyroid and/or parathyroid
General preparation instructions for an MRI
For studies that involve IV contrast: If you have veins that are small or hard to find, or have a port, please arrive 60 minutes before your scheduled arrival time.
If you take a relaxation medication before your study, it is our policy that you must have someone to drive you home after your study.
MRI Contraindications
We cannot scan patients with pacemakers, defibrillators or other implanted electronic devices.
Compatibility
Cardiac MRI is safe with joint replacements, coronary stents, ASD/PFO closure devices, sternal wires and most prosthetic heart valves. Patients with a history of metallic implants, shrapnel or prior neurosurgical clip placement are all individually evaluated prior to MRI.

MRI scan room at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center
The S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center provides a full range of advanced imaging, both radiology and cardiology, as well as interventional radiology and interventional tumor (oncology) treatments to the greater Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Encino, Mid-Cities, Sherman Oaks, Silver Lake, Studio City, Toluca Lake and West Hollywood.