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MRI is deservedly considered one of the most informative and reliable diagnostic methods, which, combined with the absence of radiation exposure and safety, determines its widespread use in clinical practice. MRI is increasingly used to examine the organs of the chest, lungs and bronchi along with the traditional areas of examination – the internal organs, brain, blood vessels and joints.
The modern generally accepted standard for diagnosing lung pathology is spiral or multislice computed tomography (MSCT). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can significantly complement the picture in the diagnosis and monitoring of various lung diseases, obtain additional data on the nature of focal processes and monitor the effectiveness of the treatment of focal and inflammatory diseases of the bronchopulmonary system.
The essence of the MRI method lies in the fact that under the influence of radio frequency pulses, hydrogen atoms in the human body placed in a strong magnetic field are perceived as special echo signals, which are then used to create high-precision images of internal organs. The MRI images that are obtained as a result of the study make it possible to see even minimal tumors and small inflammatory processes in all tissues containing water. Organs containing air, such as the lungs, intestines, and stomach, are less visible in the images than anatomical structures with a high content of water (more precisely, hydrogen protons, which are affected by a magnetic field). These are organs such as the liver, kidneys, brain and some others. In this regard, magnetic resonance imaging of the lungs is not clinically informative enough, and therefore it is done quite rarely. In the absence of lung pathology, MRI is ineffective due to the low density of protons in the lung parenchyma, destruction of lung tissue in emphysema, and hyperinflation. However, pathological changes leading to an increase in tissue density, such as tumors, infiltrates, are displayed on MRI with high diagnostic accuracy. Complications of inflammatory diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, such as pericardial or pleural effusions, empyema or lung abscess, are well recognized, which is not always possible with CT.
Indications for the procedure
MRI of the lungs and bronchi can reveal lesions and the structure of internal systems, differentiates symptoms and allows you to control treatment. Indications for the procedure are about 85 percent of pathologies that are associated with the region of the lungs and bronchi. We are talking about dust, infectious, eosinophilic bronchitis, tuberculosis, bronchiolitis and bronchial pathologies.
In addition, the examination will be quite effective in other diseases – bronchopneumonia, bronchial hyperreactivity, diffuse and terry bronchitis, as well as hyperactivity and edema of the bronchi.
MRI allows diagnosing various tumors, pulmonary circulation disorders, and correctly assessing respiratory function. Also, by examining the vascular component, cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed. Most often, the attending physician directs the patient to an MRI of the lungs and bronchi in case of suspected diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, lung cancer, atelectasis, pneumofibrosis. Acute and chronic pulmonary insufficiency, pulmonary aneurysm, pulmonary vascular anomalies, and pulmonary nodules can also be identified.
Contraindications and recommendations
There are several cases in which magnetic resonance scanning is categorically contraindicated. These include the presence in the patient’s body:
- artificial pacemaker;
- metal fragments;
- hearing aid or implants in the cochlea;
- metal implants;
- fixed metal dental bridges and/or crowns;
- surgical clips, for example, in the area of an aneurysm;
- surgical brackets;
- side pillar stimulators;
- kava filters.
In such cases, other diagnostic methods are used: ultrasound diagnostics, X-ray fluorography, endoscopy, computed tomography. We are talking about certain diseases that can be detected by the above methods in combination: infectious, obliterating, dusty bronchitis, tuberculosis and bronchial hyperreactivity, pneumonia and bronchial pathology.
Breastfeeding, the presence of an intrauterine device are not contraindications for MRI. In the case of pregnancy, a permissive conclusion from a gynecologist is required for the study. Although there were no obvious adverse effects of MRI on the fetus, doubts about the influence of strong electromagnetic radiation in the early period of pregnancy gave rise to a generally accepted rule: the conditional limitation is first trimester pregnancy, up to 12 weeks of gestation.
An MRI study cannot be performed in patients with severe impairment of vital functions requiring constant hardware and other correction, as well as in people with a fear of closed spaces and in patients with inappropriate behavior.
How is the diagnosis?
If you carry out the procedure following all the rules, all the symptoms and tests will be determined correctly. At the same time, preparation for the procedure does not require much effort:
- The procedure does not require abstinence from food and drinks. You can eat and drink, as well as exercise. Some experts recommend spending time before the procedure in peace and quiet.
- You should come to the procedure in comfortable clothes, without jewelry and jewelry. In some cases, the patient may be offered a disposable gown.
- The device itself consists of glass and a scanner. Before starting the procedure, the patient needs to take the most comfortable position, since it will not be possible to move and move during magnetic resonance imaging.
- The doctor must fix the patient’s body with special belts. This is necessary in order to get the most clear, detailed and high-quality images.
- After that, the table with the patient moves into the tunnel of the apparatus.
- The scanners analyze the tissues, after which the data is sent to the specialist’s computer.
- Some studies may require contrast. This is done according to indications. If necessary, the patient is given a special substance intravenously (hand or forearm).
- After that, the radiologist draws conclusions and deciphers the data.
It is worth noting that during the procedure, the doctor observes the patient from the next room. The procedure itself takes approximately 30-60 minutes on average. In some circumstances, the study may take longer.
Combination with therapy
Treatment of diseases of the chest should be controlled by diagnostic measures. The treatment regimen for any diseases of the broncho-pulmonary system should be developed and prescribed exclusively by a pulmonologist. Usually, medication is not an obstacle to the procedure, but in rare cases, if the patient’s condition inspires concern in the doctor due to the instability of the functioning of vital organs, he has the right to reschedule the study.
In case of doubt, it is best to make an appointment and get a consultation with a doctor before undergoing an MRI.