Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pancreas

MRI of the pancreas today is an effective and informative method for visualizing its structures.

Using this technique, it is possible to identify volumetric neoplasms, which guarantees timelyld treatment. The use of MRI allows you to build a three-dimensional picture of organ structures. The technique allows you to separate the vascular elements, zones with liquid. This makes diagnosis much easier.

Brief information

Evaluation and visualization occurs through scanning. The device makes high-quality pictures of cuts, 3D-projection for the screen image. The pictures show stones in the ducts. The technology for obtaining information makes it possible to identify minimal inflammatory changes, neoplasms up to 2 cm in diameter.

Advantages of the technique

Magnetic resonance today is the most accurate technique for diagnosing lesions, which allows you to separate vascular elements, zones with fluid, which greatly facilitates diagnosis. An important advantage of MRI is the acquisition of images in many projections. The procedure is harmless. Tomography is more informative than CT, ultrasound and MRI does not use radiation.

The essence of the technique

The basis is the use of magnetic resonance. All processing is possible due to specialized computer software. The technique provides the most clear and objective visualization of the studied areas.

Indications for the procedure

Indications are soreness of the abdominal organs, the presence of ductal calculi, and pancreatitis. The technique visualizes all neoplasms, even the most minimal ones. Against the background of such a diagnosis, it is possible to determine the nature of each neoplasm. Indications are determined only by the doctor.

Preparation and methodology

Special preparation is not needed. Before the diagnosis, it is allowed to drink and eat.

If contrast is additionally applied, then preparation is necessary. It is important to prepare for its implementation in an appropriate way:

1. Before contrast diagnosis, it is required to exclude fatty foods, you can not drink alcohol, medicines containing alcohol.
2. It is forbidden to drink coffee and tea.
3. Before the examination, it is recommended to remove metal jewelry from yourself.
4. It is forbidden to pass the study with credit cards, phones.

The table with the patient drives into the apparatus until the iron is under the magnet. There are innovative devices that exclude the complete placement of the patient.

Noises are generated during the study period. Therefore, it is possible to use headphones. The device is equipped with a speakerphone for two-way communication. Finding a loved one for support is allowed. To call a specialist, there is a button that the patient has during the procedure.

Many more modern devices are additionally equipped with an internal camera to monitor the patient’s condition. Therefore, the patient during the diagnosis is constantly under direct medical supervision throughout the scan (meaning from 20 minutes to an hour). Many cells have special additional lighting and built-in air conditioners. Such solutions make the procedure even more comfortable.

The procedure does not cause discomfort or pain to the patient.

It is extremely important to remain still – this is the key to high-quality pictures. At the signal of the doctor, you will additionally need to hold your breath. Pictures are taken in series.

It is important to immediately inform the doctor about the first manifestations of pain or deterioration of well-being.

The specialist receives on the screen pictures of the image of the gland in the desired projections. The doctor deciphers the information and gives it to the patient.

Use of a contrast agent

Diagnosis usually goes without contrast. Difficult diagnostic cases are always accompanied by contrasting, especially if the vessels are affected.

Contrast is a special iodine-containing substance that is necessary for maximum clarity of visualization of the examined elements. It is administered parenterally a few minutes before diagnosis, the drug is neutral and characterized by low toxicity, therefore it does not have any effect on the patient’s condition.

By staining the vessels, further soft tissue contrast is improved. This significantly improves the quality of visualization, and the use of contrast is primarily justified in neoplasms. The dosage of the contrast element is always selected individually. It all depends on the age and weight of the patient. The substance is excreted over several days. After diagnosis, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to cleanse the body of contrast in a short time.

Contraindications to the procedure

There are a number of contraindications to the procedure. First of all, this is the presence of decompensation in the work of the heart. The procedure is not performed if the patient is in serious condition, if there is a metal-containing implant in the body (we are talking about pacemakers, pins, insulin pumps, hemostatic clips). Contraindication is also liver or kidney failure, epilepsy.

Closed plan devices are used in patients weighing up to 150 kg.

Tomography is strictly contraindicated in the first months of pregnancy. If the patient has tattoos, diagnosis is prohibited. It’s all because of the paint with metal elements.

The procedure is available to small patients due to its safety. If necessary, babies are sedated before the procedure.

Procedure safety

The technique is based on the use of the reflectivity of the rays. The dose of radiation is minimal, it cannot cause harm, so the procedure can be carried out repeatedly.

Price Features

The cost of the procedure is high. It can fluctuate: the region, type of device is taken into account. The disadvantage for patients may be the cost of the procedure. At the same time, we are talking about high-quality diagnostics, on which the correctness of the diagnosis depends.

Despite the high accuracy, MRI gives only a preliminary conclusion. The results must be shown to the attending doctor or specialist whose work is related to the identified pathology. After collecting all the studies and evaluating the clinic, the doctor makes the final diagnosis.

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