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Magnetic resonance imaging, i.e. MRI or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is one of the diagnostic imaging techniques widely used in medicine. Magnetic resonance imaging enables non-invasive examination of all internal, anatomical structures of the body (bones, soft tissues, brain, heart, skeletal canal).
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses the magnetic properties of water molecules in the human body, or more precisely protons, in hydrogen nuclei. Protons placed in a magnetic field undergo a certain order. When exposed to radio waves of an appropriate frequency, they change their state and give back energy by sending waves of the same frequency (resonance).
The waves are picked up by the sensors of the tomograph and then computer-processed into a cross-sectional medical image. Computer processing also allows you to create three-dimensional images of the examined organs.
- MRI of the head – how to interpret the results?
Magnetic resonance imaging in relation to radiological examinations using X-rays is non-invasive. The magnetic field and radio waves used in this study are harmless to the human body.
It should be added that in terms of construction, there are two types of MRI machines:
- open – allowing access to the patient from three sides (it is useful if the examined patient is afraid of closed stops, has problems with obesity or is in a forced position);
- closed – the patient is placed in the magnet tunnel.
See also: Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart – diagnosis of heart defects and diseases [EXPLAINED]
Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to determine the condition of internal organs, tissues, and thanks to the use of contrast, even their functions. It precisely determines pathological changes in the muscular and skeletal systems, and even in the bone marrow. Thanks to the examination, it is possible to visualize the blood vessels, the heart cavity and the heart muscle.
Magnetic resonance imaging is widely used in the diagnosis of central nervous system diseases (multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, neurological disorders, spinal canal tumors). It is used to detect tumors in soft tissues, tumors of the heart, lungs, tumors of the reproductive organs.
Therefore, the indications for MRI include diseases such as:
- split core,
- spina bifida,
- craniocerebral cleft,
- congenital cutaneous sinus of the spine,
- transparent septal cyst,
- genetic diseases (Wilson’s disease, Huntington’s disease),
- cerebral ischemia,
- nodules located in the central nervous system.
As you can see, MRI of the head is one of the most frequently performed imaging examinations.
See also: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance – A Breakthrough in Drug Research
It is very important to check your blood creatinine levels before an MRI scan. It is recommended to perform such a test within a week before an MRI, especially if the patient is suspected or diagnosed with impaired renal function (in healthy subjects the results are usually valid for 21 days).
It is worth adding that, in addition to testing the creatinine level, sometimes it is also required to test the GFR index, which is assessed on the basis of a blood sample and (less frequently) the patient’s daily urine collection.
Also learn: How much is a research referral valid?
Magnetic resonance imaging is a painless examination. Depending on the area studied, the procedure takes an average of 15 to 45 minutes. It is a discomfort to stay still inside the scanning apparatus, especially for people suffering from claustrophobia. Some patients then use sedatives or even general anesthesia. The medical staff watches over the patient at all times and has constant contact with him (via a microphone and a TV camera).
The test should be performed on an empty stomach – you should not eat or drink for at least four hours before the test. People who are constantly taking medications or insulin can take them at a specific time, they are not a contraindication to the test.
In some cases, a contrast is given before an MRI scan. The contrast used is safe and causes allergic reactions only occasionally. The test may also be performed during menstruation. Pregnancy is not a contraindication to the examination, but it should be avoided, especially in the first trimester.
Do you want to do an MRI? Familiarize yourself with the offers of clinics and choose the facility that suits you best.
Before the examination itself, if it is necessary to use the contrast, the patient is inserted into a cannula. The procedure begins with the person being placed on a table, which slides into a huge machine, usually resembling a circle. During the examination, the patient hears a specific knocking sound, which in its intensity resembles a spinning washing machine. It is because of this sound that the subject sometimes wears noise-reducing headphones. It is worth adding that the table on which the patient is located moves by itself when several images are to be taken, so that the examined person can still lie motionless.
After the examination, the patient may have the cannula removed. The patient may also change if he / she had to do so before the test, after which the person may return to his / her daily activities, such as taking food and medication, working or driving (assuming that sedatives, which usually lower the blood pressure, have not been used before). some time concentration and reflexes).
- Can MRI with contrast be harmful?
At this point, it should be added that in the case of magnetic resonance imaging with the use of contrast, in order to get rid of this agent from the body as soon as possible immediately after the examination and for the next hours, you should drink plenty of water.
In addition, it is worth staying for some time (about 20 minutes) in the facility where the test was performed. Thanks to this, the patient will be sure if, for example, an allergic reaction has not occurred. In the case of breastfeeding women, women should not breastfeed for the next 24 hours after contrast administration, and the milk removed during this time should be discarded.
Test results (in the form of a printout with description and images stored on a CD) are usually available within a few days (up to a week).
Do you need an MRI referral or need to discuss your test results? Make an online appointment with your doctor without leaving your home. Make an appointment and send the test results to the specialist.
Contraindications for performing magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging, due to the action of a strong magnetic field, cannot be performed in people with a pacemaker or neurostimulator. The doctor performing the MRI must be informed of any metallic objects in the body:
- orthopedic implants (screws, wires, stabilizers),
- metallic intrauterine device,
- metallic dental prostheses.
People with suspected metal filings in the eyeball (turners, locksmiths) must first undergo an ophthalmological examination. The swarf exposed to the magnetic field may damage the eyeball. In order not to distort the image, the clothing in which we perform the test must not contain metal elements (buttons, zippers). The clothing itself should also be comfortable due to the need to remain motionless for a long time during the test.
- Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart – diagnostics of heart defects and diseases
Sometimes, in the case of a whole-body MRI, the patient may be asked to wear disposable hospital gowns. We also leave phones and magnetic payment cards outside.
Interestingly, in the case of magnetic resonance imaging, you should not come to the examination in makeup or use hairspray or brightening lotion before, because cosmetics may contain metal particles that may adversely affect the results of the examination.
The same is true of tattoos, as the dyes used for tattooing may also contain metal particles. In such a situation, please inform your doctor about tattoos on your body before the examination.
So, in summary, contraindications to performing an MRI include:
- orthopedic implants made of metal,
- pacemaker,
- cochlear implants,
- neurostimulators (e.g. analgesic, brain),
- metal clips on the brain aneurysm,
- artificial heart valves (some),
- metal shards in the body.
In addition, contraindications should also include hypersensitivity to gadolinium contrast agents or certain kidney diseases.
Functional MRI
This test is a more advanced type of magnetic resonance imaging that allows you to analyze the activity of individual brain centers. Functional MRI uses the action of the magnetic field on the oxygen atoms that circulate in the blood.
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This test is currently the most important and the most frequently used element in the diagnosis of brain diseases. Functional MRI is also used in psychiatry and neuropsychology.
Magnetic resonance imaging under sedation
Sometimes it happens that MRI is performed in the so-called sedation, i.e. after administration of sedatives. Such measures are given to avoid patient movements that may make it difficult to obtain a clear image. MRI under sedation is recommended for children who usually have difficulty staying motionless for long periods.
- Ultrasound better than MRI. What can this simple study?
Speaking of magnetic resonance imaging in the case of children (from 2 years of age), they should come for the examination on an empty stomach. If children are fed solid food, 6 hours should pass from the meal. In the case of breastfeeding, the break should be 4 hours. In the case of children and unconscious patients, the method of general anesthesia can be used.
See also: Full body magnetic resonance imaging. When to do and what is it?
The cost of the MRI scan
It should be said that magnetic resonance imaging is quite expensive, and its price ranges from less than PLN 200 to even PLN 2000. This is due, on the one hand, to the facility where the test will be performed, and on the other hand, to the part of the body that will be tested.
For example, the cost of magnetic resonance imaging of the bones, head or abdominal cavity is about PLN 500 to 600, and in the case of the spine – from PLN 200 to 600 (depending on which section of the spine is examined).
Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography
Computed tomography and MRI scans are two different ways to create detailed images of the inner parts of the body. Doctors can analyze such images to detect abnormalities such as bone fractures, organ tumors, or joint damage.
- Eye movements or heartbeat filmed “live” with MRI
During computed tomography, a person is put on a large X-ray machine called a computed tomograph (X-rays are used in the examination). The images made in this way appear on the computer image. Magnetic resonance imaging, in turn, uses radio waves and magnets to create images.
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During an MRI scan, a person is put on the MRI scanner, which is a machine that produces a constant magnetic field and uses radio waves to bounce off the water molecules and fat cells in our body. The captured images are transferred to the computer.
Computed tomography is more common and cheaper than MRI and is generally better for larger areas of the body, while MRI gives a better overall picture of the tissue being examined. Both have risks but are relatively safe procedures. Your doctor recommends which test is appropriate for you, depending on a number of factors.