MRI Protocols

This page is for OHSU's MRI technologists and physicians. It outlines all sequences and protocols currently applied in our MRI section. Our radiologists work closely with OHSU MRI technologists in the art of creating optimal images using current technology. Protocols listed have been reviewed and approved by a radiologist.
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Body imaging protocols currently applied in our MRI section. Radiologists work closely with OHSU MRI techs in the art of creating optimal images from current technology. Dr. Alice Fung has approved the protocols below. All body protocols for pediatric patients are under Pediatric Protocols.
ABDOMEN and PELVIS W/WO
ABDOMEN/PELVIS APPENDICITIS WO
ADRENAL MASS W/WO
DEFECOGRAPHY WO
FEMALE PELVIS CERVICAL CANCER STAGING W/WO
FEMALE PELVIS UTERINE CANCER STAGING W/WO
FEMALE PELVIS / SOFT TISSUE PELVIS W/WO - updated 9/8/20
FEMALE PELVIS UAE W/WO
LIVER MASS W/WO
LIVER MASS WO & MRCP
LIVER MASS W/WO & MRCP with EOVIST
LIVER MASS W/WO & MRCP
LIVER MASS W/WO EOVIST
LIVER MASS WO IRON (Fe) QUANTIFICATION
LIVER MASS W/WO IRON (Fe) QUANTIFICATION
MRE ENTEROGRAPHY W/WO
MRE ENTEROGRAPHY W/WO LARGE BORE
PANCREAS W/WO MRCP
PANCREAS W/WO SECRETIN
PELVIMETRY WO
PERINEAL FISTULA W/WO
PLACENTA WO
PROSTATE W/WO
RECTUM/RECTAL CA W/WO -Updated 12/2/19
RENAL MASS W/WO
RENAL ARTERIAL SCLEROSIS W/WO
SCROTUM W/WO
UROGRAM W/WO
Technologist tips
- CHECKING IMAGES
Page the Body Radiologist to check images if you have any questions regarding the exam.
- PATIENT PREP
For all Pelvic MRI studies except the Bladder Protocol or the MR Urogram: Please have the patient void their bladder prior to exam to improve image quality.
Breast Imaging protocols currently applied in our MRI section. Radiologists work closely with OHSU MRI techs in the art of creating optimal images from current technology. Dr. Karen Oh has approved the protocols below.
MR Bilateral Breasts WWO Protocol
MR ISPY Breast Protocol
MR Breast Biopsy - Protocol for Technologists
MR Breast Biopsy - Post & Pillar Biopsy Method
MR Breast - Guided Wire Localization
MSK protocols currently applied in our MRI section. Radiologists work closely with OHSU MRI techs in the art of creating optimal images from current technology. Dr. Barry Hansford has approved the protocols below. All MSK protocols for pediatric patients are under Pediatric Protocols.
ANY INFECTION/OSTEO CASE REGARDLESS OF BODY PART:
- If infection/osteo is a diagnostic consideration, please run 3 PLANES T1 without FS. (Infection cases aren't always ordered with contrast).
- If for infection/osteo and is ordered with GAD, always run 3 PLANES T1 without FS PRE contrast. (Infection cases aren't always ordered with contrast).
- If GAD is administered, all the post contrast imaging must be fat sat, there is zero value in non fat sat post contrast imaging for MSK.
- DIFFICULT PATIENTS: Start exams with AX T1 non-fat sat sequences in case the exam is terminated early for difficult patients.
IF HARDWARE IS PRESENT IN THE AREA OF INTEREST:
- Try to assess beforehand whether or not hardware will interfere with protocol. Hardware doesn't necessarily mean you have to change the protocol. If available, Check an X-ray. You may be able to decide before hand (discuss with radiologist if needed).
- Try a fat-sat mid-TE sequence- is there too much susceptibility artifact and/or inhomogeneous fat suppression? (discuss with radiologist if needed)
- If the protocol needs to be modified:
- Perform on 1.5T
- Increase Bandwidth if possible
- Run non-fat-sat mid-TE sequences or STIR instead of fat-sat mid-TE
- If post-contrast, do non-fat-sat T1 instead of fat-sat T1
Upper extremities

ELBOW WO
ELBOW W/WO
ELBOW ARTHROGRAM WO
FINGER (not thumb) WO or W/WO
FOREARM WO or WWO
FULL BODY (MSK)
HAND WO or WWO
HAND RHEUMATOLOGY W/WO
HUMERUS WO or W/WO
SCAPULA WO or W/WO
SHOULDER WO
SHOULDER W/WO
SHOULDER ARTHROGRAM WO
THUMB WO or W/WO
WRIST WO
WRIST W/WO
WRIST ARTHROGRAM WO
WRIST RHEUMATOLOGY (wrist thru MCP)
Lower extremities
ANKLE WO
ANKLE W/WO
ANKLE R/O AVN – BILATERAL
ANKLE PLANTAR FLEXION WO
ANKLE ACHILLES TENDON WO
FEMUR WO or W/WO
FOOT- FOREFOOT WO or W/WO
FOOT- HINDFOOT WO or W/WO
FOOT- ENTIRE FOOT WO or W/WO
HIP WO – ROUTINE
HIP WO – ORTHO DETAIL
HIP W/WO – (Unilateral or Bilateral)
HIP WO FOR AVN – UNILATERAL OR BILATERAL
HIP ARTHROGRAM WO - UNILATERAL
HIP SHRINERS – BILATERAL
KNEE ROUTINE WO
KNEE W/WO
KNEE ROUTINE WO + FEMORAL ANTEVERSION
KNEE ARTHROGRAM WO
KNEE QUAD RUPTURE WO
KNEE MATERIALISE WO - added 9/25/19
KNEE OSTEOCHONDRAL PLANNING WO - added 9/27/19
LUMBOSACRAL PLEXUS WO or W/WO
PELVIS WO
PELVIS WO (Fast Fracture Evaluation)
PELVIS W/WO
PELVIS HAMSTRING WO
PELVIS SPORTS HERNIA WO
PELVIS PIRIFORMIS WO
PELVIS SACROILIITIS / SI JOINTS / SACRUM WO OR WWO
TIB/FIB WO or W/WO
TOE WO OR W/WO
Neuroradiology protocols currently applied in our MRI section. Radiologists work closely with OHSU MRI techs in the art of creating optimal images from current technology. Dr. David Pettersson has approved the protocols below.
Brain

ROUTINE BRAIN WO - updated 10/16/2020
BRAIN WO TRAUMA
ROUTINE BRAIN W/WO - updated 10/16/2020
BRAIN W/WO & MRA WO - Vasculitis
BRAIN TUMOR W/WO - updated 10/16/2020
BRAIN W/WO TUMOR AND SPECTROSCOPY - updated 10/16//2020
BRAIN & ORBITS W/WO
CINE (FOR BRAIN,CSP OR LSP)
DEMENTIA - updated 6/8/2020
DTI
FRAMED STEREO WO
FRAMELESS ONLY WO, WWO OR W/CONTRAST - updated 7/14/2020
fMRI -Updated 1/7/2020
RADIATION THERAPY W/WO - updated 5/29/2020
RADIATION THERAPY AVM W/WO + MRA
MRA BRAIN WO
MRA CAROTID DISSECTION WO
MRA CAROTID DISSECTION W/WO
MRA NECK WO
MRA NECK W/WO - updated 6/29/2020
MRV (see also: Venous Thrombosis MRV WWO)
MS BRAIN WWO - updated 6/8/2020
PITUITARY W/WO + DYNAMICS
PITUITARY W/WO + RADIATION THERAPY PLANNING
PRE DBS - VIM AND THALAMOTOMY -Updated 6/3/2020
PRE DBS - GPI -Updated 8/6/2020
PRE DBS - STN -Updated 6/3/2020
EPILEPSY/SEIZURE BRAIN WO updated 6/8/2020
EPILEPSY/SEIZURE BRAIN W/WO updated 6/8/2020
SPECTROSCOPY- Single
SPECTROSCOPY- Multi
STROKE BRAIN WO
THIRD TENTRICULOSTOMY WO (EVT)
TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA WO (BURCHIEL) -Updated 12/2/19
VENOUS THROMBOSIS / MRV W/WO
QUICK BRAIN WO
ENT
BRACHIAL PLEXUS (BILATERAL) WO
BRACHIAL PLEXUS (BILATERAL) W/WO
IAC WO -Updated 12/2/19
IAC W/WO -Updated 12/2/19
IAC WO - CHOLESTEOTOMA -Updated 12/2/19
IAC W/WO - CHOLESTEOTOMA -Updated 12/2/19
IAC PRE COCHLEAR IMPLANT WO
ORBITS WO (ALL AGES)
ORBITS W/WO 0-9YRS
BRAIN AND ORBITS WO
ORBITS WO WITH CINE
PAROTID, FACE, SINUS, OR SKULL BASE WO - Updated 5/26/2020
PAROTID, FACE, SINUS, OR SKULL BASE W/WO - Updated 5/26/2020
(PLEASE SEE BRAIN LIST FOR TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA WO (BURCHIEL)
5th/7th NERVE TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA W/WO -Updated 12/2/19
SOFT TISSUE NECK WO
SOFT TISSUE NECK W/WO
TMJ WO (always bilateral)
Spine
CERVICAL SPINE WO - updated 10/16/2020
CERVICAL SPINE WO TRAUMA - updated 10/16/2020
CERVICAL SPINE WO FLEX/EXT - updated 10/16/2020
CERVICAL SPINE W/WO - updated 10/16/2020
LUMBAR SPINE WO - updated 10/16/2020
LUMBAR SPINE W/WO - updated 10/16/2020
LUMBAR SPINE LIMITED WO - updated 10/16/2020
LUMBAR/SACRAL PLEXUS - updated 10/16/2020
THORACIC SPINE WO - updated 10/16/2020
THORACIC SPINE W/WO - updated 10/16/2020
TOTAL SPINE WO - updated 10/16/2020
TOTAL SPINE W/WO - updated 10/16/2020
TOTAL SPINE LIMITED SURVEY WO - updated 10/16/2020
TOTAL SPINE CHIARI/TETHERED CORD WO - updated 10/16/2020
Neuroradiology protocols currently applied in our MRI section. Radiologists work closely with OHSU MRI techs in the art of creating optimal images from current technology. Dr. David Pettersson has approved the protocols below. Above 9 years old use adult protocols, except for the newly added Rapid Swift for under 16 yrs old.
Brain
ALD W/WO
ROUTINE BRAIN WO - updated 10/16/2020
ROUTINE BRAIN W/WO - updated 10/16/2020
BRAIN TUMOR W/WO - updated 10/16/2020
BRAIN+ORBITS W/WO 0-9 YRS OLD
FRAMELESS ONLY WO, WWO OR W/ CONTRAST - updated 7/14/2020
INFANT HIE COOL BRAIN WO
MRA BRAIN WO
MRA CAROTID DISSECTION/VERTEBRALS W/WO
MRA NECK W/WO
MRV (see also: Venous Thrombosis MRV WWO)
PITUITARY W/WO
PITUITARY W/WO RADIATION THERAPY PLANNING
EPILEPSY/SEIZURE BRAIN WO
EPILEPSY/SEIZURE BRAIN W/WO
ACUTE STROKE
STROKE BRAIN WO
THIRD TENTRICULOSTOMY WO (EVT)
TRAUMA BRAIN WO
TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA WO (BURCHIEL)
QUICK BRAIN WO
TRAUMA QUICK BRAIN - updated 5/29/2020
CINE WO
SPECTROSCOPY- SINGLE
SPECTROSCOPY- MULTI
ENT
BRACHIAL PLEXUS (BILATERAL) WO
BRACHIAL PLEXUS (BILATERAL) W/WO
IAC WO -Updated 12/2/19
IAC W/WO -Updated 12/2/19
IAC WO - CHOLESTEOTOMA -Updated 12/2/19
IAC W/WO - CHOLESTEOTOMA -Updated 12/2/19
IAC PRE COCHLEAR IMPLANT WO
ORBITS WO (ALL AGES)
ORBITS W/WO 0-9YRS
ORBITS WO WITH CINE
PAROTID, FACE, SINUS, OR SKULL BASE WO - Updated 5/26/2020
PAROTID, FACE, SINUS, OR SKULL BASE W/WO - Updated 5/26/2020
(PLEASE SEE NEURO LIST FOR TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA WO (BURCHIEL)
5th/7th NERVE TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA W/WO -Updated 12/2/19
SOFT TISSUE NECK WO
SOFT TISSUE NECK W/WO
TMJ WO (always bilateral)
Spine
CERVICAL SPINE WO - updated 11/3/2020
CERVICAL SPINE WO Chiari - updated 11/3/2020
CERVICAL SPINE WO Chiari with Cine - updated 11/3/2020
CERVICAL SPINE WO TRAUMA - updated 11/3/2020
CERVICAL SPINE W/WO - updated 11/3/2020
THORACIC SPINE WO - updated 11/3/2020
THORACIC SPINE W/WO - updated 11/3/2020
LUMBAR SPINE WO - updated 7/14/2020
LUMBAR SPINE W/WO - updated 11/3/2020
LUMBAR SPINE TETHERED CORD WO OR W/WO - updated 11/3/2020
TOTAL SPINE WO - updated 7/14/2020
TOTAL SPINE CHIARI OR SYRINX/TETHERED CORD WO - updated 9/25/19
TOTAL SPINE W/WO - updated 11/3/2020
TOTAL SPINE LIMITED/NEUROAXIS W - updated 11/3/2020
Pediatric imaging protocols currently applied in our MRI section. Radiologists work closely with OHSU MRI techs in the art of creating optimal images from current technology. Dr. Petra Vajtai has approved the protocols below. The pediatric radiologists will usually protocol specific sequences they need in RIS. If not, follow the adult protocol, but make changes to the slice, gap, and FOV as needed.
MSK- Upper Extremities
- For all upper extremities from finger to shoulder, use adult MSK protocols with FOV/Slice/Gap adjustments for patient size.
- Please run AX T1 FS PRE GAD for all MSK WWO exams.
MSK- Lower Extremities
- For all lower extremities NOT listed below, use adult protocols with FOV/Slice/Gap adjustments for patient size.
- Please run AX T1 FS PRE GAD for all MSK WWO exams.
HIPS BILATERAL POST-REDUCTION WO
HIPS PERTHES WWO
PELVIS W/WO (Routine)
PELVIS WO (Post Anorectoplasty or Ileoanal Pull-Through)
PELVIS W/WO (Female)
PELVIS WO (Female)
PHYSEAL BAR WO
SI JOINTS WO OR W/WO
Body
CHEST/ABDOMEN WO
CHEST/ABDOMEN W/WO
CHEST/ABDOMEN/PELVIS WO or W/WO
ABDOMEN WO or W/WO
ABDOMEN/PELVIS ROUTINE WO
ABDOMEN/PELVIS ROUTINE W/WO
ABDOMEN/PELVIS APPENDICITIS WO
ENTEROGRAPHY W/WO -Updated 12/2/19
LIVER MASS W/WO
LIVER MASS with MRCP WO Updated 11/11/20
LIVER MASS with MRCP W/WO Updated 11/11/20
MRCP WO
PANCREAS W/WO with MRCP Updated 11/11/20
PANCREAS W/WO with MRCP and SECRETIN Updated 12/8/20
RENAL MASS W/WO
RENAL ARTERY STENOSIS W/WO
MRV SVC/Subclavian Veins W/O
MRV PORTOSPLENIC VEIN/HEPATIC ARTERY W/WO
MRI/MRA VASCULAR MALFORMATION W
MRI/MRV LE KLIPPEL-TRENAUNAY W/WO
MRA UPPER EXTREMITY W/WO
MRA LOWER EXTREMITY BILATERAL (RUN-OFF) W/WO
SCROTUM W/WO
SCROTUM WO
UROGRAM
Important notes -updated 12/2/19
- Do NOT change any study parameters to reduce scan times, especially if it states in multiple places not to change parameters.
- Some exams are NO READ. Be sure to select the appropriate box in EPIC if the exam is not to be read by a radiologist.
- Do NOT add a screen capture note to the study, as this will capture PHI on the images which will negate the anonymity requirement for the research study.
A4
ADNI 2 /ADNI GO
Athersys B01
Bayer Asteroid
BIOGEN IDEC
Biogen- Ascend
Brachytherapy - updated 11/12/2020
CSOM230C - Acromegaly
DeNovo Knee
EISAI
Focus FH/MIPO
Games- RP
Gaucher
Histogenic Knee (MR3)
INCB
INI (Insulin)
ISIS
Kinespring
Meeker Achilles - new 9/2020
Norvartis Cain 457F2302
Novartis CCNP520A2202J (5175) (Subject)
Novartis CLCI699
Pfizer A3921119
PPMI
Roche Scarlet Road AD Study
SMM3001 Total Spine and Pelvis WO
Springworks NIR-DT-301
T2 PROTECT AD
Virtual Scopics
Vitamin D- MS Study
XOMA
Pediatric sedation
Pediatric Sedation charge nurse: 81904
Pediatric Radiology pager: 15816
OUTPATIENTS
- Pediatric sedation outpatients check in with DCH Pediatric Sedation Services on the 7th floor of Doernbecher.
- Screening forms are scanned after check-in by the DCH Imaging front desk.
- Pediatric patients under 1 year old must have current labs if contrast is indicated.
- MSK and Body: Pediatric Radiologist must check images before giving contrast and prior to letting the patient off the table. Neuro exams do not need to be checked unless there is a question or a concern.
INPATIENTS
- Pediatric sedation inpatient exams are coordinated by the Pediatric Sedation Charge nurse, who will then call us for availability..
- The floor nurse will fax us the screening form once it has been filled out, or will fill out the electronic form in EPIC.
- Inpatient Pediatric patients must have current labs no older than 24 hours if contrast is indicated. Notify sedation if they need to draw blood for you to use the iStat.
- MSK and Body: Pediatric Radiologist must check images before giving contrast and prior to letting the patient off the table. Neuro exams do not need to be checked unless there is a question or a concern.
POST PROCESSING
Post Processing Brain Perfusion on Philips Portal
Post Processing Brain Perfusion on EWS workstation
Spectroscopy Post Processing Steps
How to obtain actual numeric ADC values (rather than a map) for a ROI
pCasl Post Processing Instructions
Multivoxel post processing - Spectroview with Gausian Filter