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The parathyroid glands are organs of internal secretion, the main function of which is the production of hormones responsible for phosphorus-calcium metabolism.
If the glands are malfunctioning, systemic disorders in the body will develop, requiring therapeutic correction.
An important part effective treatment is an accurate diagnosis, which will determine the dysfunctional disorders of the parathyroid gland.
MRI of the parathyroid glands
The location of the parathyroid glands is the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. They differ in minimal size, but at the same time they are of high importance for the whole organism, and even minor disturbances in their work can provoke functional problems of vital systems.
Today, there are techniques that allow you to determine pathological abnormalities with maximum accuracy even at the initial level of development and select the most effective treatment.
First, doctors prescribe laboratory tests and, in parallel, instrumental diagnostic methods. The first place among hardware diagnostics is occupied by magnetic resonance imaging of the parathyroid gland, since the technique has the maximum percentage of accuracy. Diagnostics is carried out due to high-frequency signals, which allow us to consider even minimal deviations from the norm in different projections.
The images that the patient receives through MRI diagnostics must be transferred to the attending physician for further analysis, diagnosis and treatment selection. Results can be provided in printed form and electronically.
Why do you need an MRI of the parathyroid glands?
A surgeon or an endocrinologist can prescribe this research method. Most often, the doctor is not interested in making a diagnosis, since this moment, as a rule, is established on the basis of the results of laboratory studies of trace elements and blood. MRI is prescribed in order to accurately determine the anatomical structure of the glands and their localization. This study is especially of interest to surgeons if surgical intervention is necessary, since sometimes during the operation it is difficult for doctors to visualize and find the necessary glands among the cervical tissues and muscles.
In other words, after the study, doctors can act confidently, and not blindly, and the study allows you to exclude or determine the presence of adenoma or hyperplasia. It is necessary to undergo a study immediately after the appointment and without delay, since timely diagnosis and treatment can protect against the occurrence of serious and complex diseases.
Benefits of MRI diagnostics of the parathyroid glands
Among the advantages of this it is worth noting:
- the procedure is carried out without ionizing hazardous radiation (present in X-ray examination and in CT examination);
- the efficiency of determining pathological changes in the glands is 95%, which makes it possible to study even minimal restrictions in their work;
- allows you to study the parathyroid gland from different angles and in section;
- for the procedure, it is not necessary to use an iodine-based contrast agent (what is important for people with allergic reactions to iodine and in the presence of concomitant thyroid pathology, when the use of iodine is not permissible).
Indications for MRI examination
An MRI examination of the parathyroid gland should be done in the presence of the following cases: a feeling of tightness of the skin on the face or a numb tongue; manifestation of osteoporosis for unclear reasons; manifestation of a neoplasm in the neck; convulsions; irritability; epilepsy; the presence of kidney stones. With the manifestation of these symptoms, it is recommended to first come to the endocrinologist. The doctor will prescribe TSH, T3 and T4 tests, and only based on the results will he issue an appointment for an MRI.
Algorithm for MRI diagnostics
Most often, the entire procedure takes about half an hour, but these time frames are relative, it all depends on the complexity of the disease and diagnosis. The patient is moved to a horizontal position on a special couch. In order for the patient to not move during the diagnostic period, he is fastened with special belts. It is important to understand that a static position will provide the highest quality image. Although the procedure is painless, you need to be patient and lie down without moving.
There is no special preparation for the procedure, it is only important to take into account a few nuances: the complete absence of contraindications, remove all metal objects (jewelry, clothing with metal rivets, zippers, etc.), warn the doctor about the presence of metal prostheses in the body.
Small children are given anesthesia so that they lie still.
If patients have increased nervousness, they are given sedatives.
Contraindications for MRI examination
Although the procedure is as safe as possible, there are still contraindications to its use. Among the most common of them, it is worth noting: the first trimester of pregnancy (it is important to consult a gynecologist); the presence of metal implants, cardio and neurostimulators; patient weight exceeding 150 kilograms; the presence of tattoos with paints on a metal basis.
Disadvantages of MRI diagnostics
Among the disadvantages of magnetic resonance therapy, it is worth noting the complexity of differences in lymphatic pathologies, thyroid nodal changes, and enlargement of the glands against the background of the similarity of the characteristics of their signals.
It is important, when any discomfort or complaints appear in the body, not to try to cope with the problems on your own, but to seek help from specialists, because only timely correct diagnosis and effective treatment will demonstrate quick and positive results.