Why did Trump get an MRI? Here's what the scans typically looks for
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President Trump sitting at the resolute desk in the Oval Office of the White House on Nov. 6. Photo: Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President Trump's doctor revealed Monday the justification for the president's October MRI scan, saying the results were "perfectly normal."
The big picture: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are vital to tracking major health issues such as tumors, strokes and spinal cord conditions, among several other potential issues.
State of play: On Monday, Trump's physician, Sean Barbabella, said Trump underwent the scan because "men in his age group benefit from a thorough evaluation of cardiovascular and abdominal health."
- Presidents typically undergo one comprehensive physical exam every year, but Trump has had two checkups this year — and reportedly had "excellent" results from the first exam in April.
- Trump, who is the oldest president ever inaugurated, has faced scrutiny and questions from Democrats over his health in recent months.
- In July, the White House said Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.
Here's what to know about MRIs and why people get them.
What is an MRI?
An MRI scan is a medical imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and tissues within your body.
- Most MRI machines are massive magnets that use the magnetic field, radio waves and hydrogen atoms "to create cross-sectional images — like slices in a loaf of bread," per the Mayo Clinic.
- Some can create 3D images so doctors can see tissues and organs within your body from different angles.
MRI scans typically take anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
- They are painless, though some may feel constricted within the machine's tight walls.
Why do people get MRIs?
People typically undergo an MRI scan so doctors can view organs and tissues, or get a better look at the skeletal system, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- The imaging technique can produce high-resolution photos of what's going on inside someone's body, allowing physicians to diagnose various conditions.
What do MRIs typically scan for?
There are multiple MRI types based on what conditions doctors are looking for.
- The most frequent type scans your brain and spinal cord.
- The Functional MRI (or fMRI) captures images of blood flow to parts of the brain to help doctors see the brain's anatomy and how well parts of the brain are functioning. This is sometimes used when doctors are considering someone for brain surgery.
- The fMRI can also be used on people suffering from head injuries or Alzheimer's disease.
What can MRIs diagnose?
An MRI of the brain and spine can assess and diagnose many conditions, including:
- Aneurysms of brain vessels.
- Eye and ear conditions
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Spinal cord issues.
- Stroke.
- Tumors.
- Trauma-induced brain injuries.
A cardiac MRI produces images of the heart and its arteries, according to the American Heart Association. It's typically used to examine heart conditions, including:
- Tissue damage after a heart attack.
- Heart artery blockage.
- Inflammation of the muscular layer of the heart walls.
- Tears, aneurysm or narrowing of the main heart artery.
- Heart muscle diseases, like cardiomyopathy, heart failure and tumors.
- Heart valve disorders.
- Congenital heart problems.
An MRI of other internal organs evaluates the liver, kidneys, spleen, bowel and pancreas, among other organs, per the Radiological Society of North America. It can help diagnose or monitor treatments for:
- Tumors on the abdomen or pelvis.
- Liver diseases.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Abnormal blood vessels.
- A fetus in the womb for pregnant women.
An MRI of bones and joints can examine those areas and soft tissues, such as muscles, cartilage and tendons for injuries, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. It can also identify conditions including:
- Tumors.
- Inflammatory disease.
- Bone marrow disease.
- Herniated or degenerated discs on the spinal cord.
An MRI of the breasts can be used for a number of issues, including the extent of breast cancer or related concerns, per the Mayo Clinic.
- These MRIs can be done to monitor any conditions for those with a family history of breast cancer, or who have inherited cancer genes.
Why did Trump get an MRI?
Driving the news: Trump's doctor suggested the president's MRI scan was due to his age.
- He said Trump showed no signs of arterial narrowing, inflammation or clotting, adding that his heart chambers are a standard size.
- Trump's organs are also "very healthy and well-perfused," Barbabella said.
What they're saying: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the memo's explanation while speaking with reporters Monday.
- "Everything evaluated is functioning within normal limits with no acute or chronic concerns," she said. "In summary, this level of detailed assessment is standard for an executive physical at President Trump's age and confirms that he remains in excellent overall health."
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