Magnetic resonance imaging is a very effective research method in radiation diagnostics. MRI has several advantages over other methods of radiation diagnosis. First of all, this is the absence of x-ray radiation, and, therefore, the absence of harmful effects on the human body.
Secondly, this is the non-invasiveness of the method, in which most studies, unlike computed tomography, are performed without intravenous contrast due to obtaining a good contrast of soft tissues, and MRI also allows you to obtain images of blood vessels without the introduction of a contrast medium.
The most popular types of magnetic resonance imaging are studies of the following organs / departments:
- the spine;
- brain and head;
- cerebral vessels;
- pituitary gland;
- studies with contrast medium;
- knee joint and knee;
- elbow joint;
- shoulder joint;
- wrist joint and hand;
- the hip joint;
- ankle joint;
- abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space;
- paranasal sinuses;
- sacroiliac joints;
- sacrococcygeal region;
- pelvic organs.
The Department of Radiation Diagnostics K+31 is equipped with a Toshiba magnetic resonance imager with a field strength of 1.5 Tesla. It belongs to the class of closed-type high-field tomographs, which allows one to obtain ultra-high definition and high resolution images on it. The tomograph allows you to perform not only routine studies such as scanning all parts of the spine, large joints, brain, but also more complex studies that require synchronization of scanning programs with the patient’s breathing and heart rate.
The large diameter of the tomograph tunnel - up to 71 cm, makes examination comfortable for almost all patients in the weight range up to 170-190 kg. To reduce the sound effect (noise from the tomograph), ear plugs are used.
On average, an MRI scan lasts from 15 to 45 minutes.
During the study, it is necessary to maintain complete immobility. This should be considered in patients with severe pain. If due to severe pain there is no possibility for a long time to be in a forced position, then before the study it is necessary to perform anesthesia with your doctor or come for examination after relief of acute pain.
After an MRI scan
After the examination, according to the results of the scan, you will need to consult a specialist doctor - a neurologist, traumatologist, surgeon, urologist, gynecologist or others. The final diagnosis is made by your doctor and prescribes the appropriate treatment according to it.
MRI contraindications
There are absolute and relative contraindications for MRI. If there are absolute contraindications, the study is not possible, if there are relative contraindications, the question of conducting the study is decided individually with the MRI doctor performing the study.
Absolute contraindications for MRI:
- the presence of a pacemaker;
- clips of cerebral vessels after surgical treatment;
- large metal implants and fragments in the body;
- the presence of metal chips, fragments in the eye area;
- middle ear implants (fixed hearing aids).
Relative contraindications to MRI:
- heart valve prostheses;
- pins;
- neurostimulants;
- claustrophobia (fear of confined space);
- decompensated heart failure;
- hemostatic clips (except cerebral vessels);
- pregnancy (first 13 weeks);
- the presence of an inner ear prosthesis;
- the presence of tattoos, especially in the study area;
- the need for monitoring cardiac activity.
Frequently asked Questions
What implants can be used for MRI?
With ceramic-metal dentures, crowns. They are not considered as implants. Also, the intrauterine device has no effect on the results. Any metal or ferromagnetic implants are called into question. This also applies to cochlear prostheses of the inner ear. In these cases, it is necessary to provide the doctor with an implant passport.
Can I do an MRI during pregnancy?
Among the contraindications for MRI are the first 3 months of pregnancy, when the fetal organs are laid. During this period, the procedure can be carried out only in case of urgent need and only in the direction of a doctor. The device is not exposed to x-rays, as in computed tomography or x-rays. The magnetic field with which MRI works does not affect the development of the fetus, and over 30 years of application of the technology, no negative cases have been identified. Otherwise, MRI is the safest procedure and is used to diagnose the health of both the mother and the fetus. The device is able to detect a wide variety of malformations, diseases and collect all information about the development of the fetus.
Does MRI affect breastfeeding?
The electromagnetic waves and magnetic field generated during the study do not affect the body of the nursing mother and do not cause any changes in the composition of milk. After the procedure, you can immediately start feeding.
What is an MRI procedure?
An assistant helps the patient sit on the apparatus table. One of the conditions is the fixation of the examined area of the body to ensure immobility. To do this, use soft belts and rollers. The patient does not feel discomfort, he can blink, swallow and talk to the doctor. The investigated part of the body is located in the coil of the apparatus, emitting and receiving reflected magnetic waves.
Examination of one organ or part of the body takes 30-40 minutes. However, if it is a complex case, it will take more time. The process itself is a series of shots that last for several minutes each. During the operation of the apparatus it is impossible to move, a slight movement is allowed in the intervals, but the investigated part of the body must remain motionless. Otherwise, the next series of shots will not coincide with the previous one. For a series of shots, the doctor will ask you to hold your breath for 10-15 seconds.
How is an MRI performed with contrast?
In some cases, exclusively in the direction of a doctor, the procedure involves the use of a contrast medium. It is pre-injected into a vein on a patient’s arm through a catheter. This is an absolutely safe solution, which for some time makes the vessels of the organ under study (for example, the brain) visible to the MRI apparatus. It does not cause allergic and adverse reactions. During the day, the substance is completely excreted from the body naturally.
What are the sensations of MRI?
The procedure is completely painless. The only thing that can cause a feeling of discomfort is the need to be alone in the office during the study. But the doctor will be in the control room and talk with the patient over the speakerphone. Patients with a fear of confined space also have nothing to fear. Our device leaves enough open space. In addition, the Siemens tomograph has an extremely low noise level during operation. If the study is carried out with a contrast medium, then when it is administered, the patient may feel cool, a small rush of blood associated with the entry of the substance into the vessels. Sensations last no more than a couple of minutes.
Is MRI preparation necessary?
No, no special preparation is required. But the doctor must know about your illnesses, recent injuries, surgeries, etc. If you wear metal jewelry, you have to remove them. If the doctor has not limited the intake of drugs, food before MRI, no changes in the usual daily routine occur.
