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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver and biliary tract is an examination that is carried out simultaneously, since the liver consists of seven sections that have separate nutrition from the circulatory system, and the biliary tract unites them.
Indications for liver MRI
MRI is a study that allows you to recognize and identify a variety of diseases. More often, MRI diagnostics of the liver and biliary tract are prescribed in order to refute or confirm the diagnosis made by the doctor.
The study allows you to determine the following diseases: hemangiomas, angiomas, sarcomas, cholecystitis, the initial stage of liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, oncology in the liver area. Modern medicine actively uses MRI diagnostics to determine the foci of a disease in the early stages in order to start treatment therapy in a timely manner. Often, contrast is used to identify neoplasms or tumors.
Preparation and diagnosis with a tomograph
For magnetic resonance imaging, the body must be specially prepared. For the preparatory moment, there is no need to go to the hospital, because all the procedures can be safely carried out at home. Especially preparatory moments are important for diagnosis using a contrast agent.
For a more informative study, it is necessary for the patient to exclude gas-producing foods from the diet three days before the procedure, and to refuse food 4-6 hours before the study. Failure to comply with these rules will, as a result, provoke inaccurate diagnostic results, as a result of which the doctor will prescribe an incorrect and ineffective treatment, time will be lost, the disease will turn into a more complex and, at times, incurable form. You need to have direction, results with you previous surveys, if any: Ultrasound, CT scan, x-ray data, kidney tests and cardiovascular studies.
The procedure is carried out within half an hour… Often research is carried out using additional contrast agent. During the MRI, the patient should lie still, if this is problematic, they can resort to anesthesia (especially for children under the age of 10 years).
What is contrast for?
The contrast agent used for the MRI scanpractically safe for the human body. By introducing a contrast into the blood before an MRI of the liver, it is possible to identify: the presence of a narrowing of the bile ducts; the presence of neoplasms, polyps and stones; causes of obstructive jaundice; condition of the bile ducts and bladder.
The contrast agent, getting into the vessels, carries out the process of their staining. The stronger the blood flow, the stronger the staining, therefore, the diagnosis will be more informative.
Contraindications for an MRI examination
MRI of the liver and biliary tract has a number of contraindications, including: the presence of neurostimulators and pacemakers; built-in large metal implants; hemostatic clips built into the brain; the presence of ferromagnetic and electronic implants of the middle and inner ear.
Among the relative indications, it is worth noting: the presence of claustrophobia; pregnancy, especially in the first three months; the presence of severe pain that prevents lying still for one hour; the need for constant physiological monitoring; the presence of prosthetic heart valves.
Titanium, which has recently been used in medicine, is completely safe for the procedure. Also, the period of breastfeeding, the period of menstruation, the presence of intrauterine devices will not interfere with the study. A large percentage of devices and devices introduced into the body for medical reasons interact well with the MRI machine.
It is important, before starting the procedure, to tell the doctor about the presence of foreign bodies in the body, because only he can say with accuracy whether it is possible to undergo a study, or it is recommended to choose another alternative method.
Alternative methods for diagnosing a liver condition
MRI of the liver and biliary tract is the most accurate, safe and effective diagnostics, but it has a rather high cost and not all patients can afford it. In this case, the doctor may suggest alternative research methods, such as CT.
CT, like MRI, can show the presence or absence of liver disease, but its cost is an order of magnitude lower. The pricing policy is determined by the fact that the equipment for computed tomography costs less than the equipment for magnetic resonance imaging. But it is important to understand that during the CT scan, the patient is irradiated with X-rays, therefore, it cannot be called safe for the body.
Often, studies need to be repeated after a short period of time, and in this case, diagnostics through computed tomography is no longer suitable. All doctors recommend, despite the cost, a safer and more reliable diagnosis through the use of magnetic resonance equipment.
Where is the procedure performed
MRI diagnostics of the liver and biliary tract can be performed in regional clinics with the availability of appropriate equipment, as well as in large special diagnostic centers. The study is carried out with a referral from the attending physician, and it is also allowed to undergo the procedure only at the request of the patient (subject to absence of contraindications for the study).