Contents
Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdominal cavity is one of the most popular diagnostic procedures. It makes it possible to examine the organs of the gastrointestinal tract from any angle and fix pathological processes, anatomical defects of tissues of different density. One of the diagnosed organs is the spleen. What you need to know about the spleen, what pathologies can be detected with the help of MRI and what to expect from the procedure?
What you need to know about magnetic resonance imaging
MRI is performed to identify pathological processes in the tissues of the human body. One of the studied organs is the spleen. Diagnostics will help to identify heart attack, inflammation, leukemia, typhoid fever, twisting of the leg, benign and malignant neoplasms.
It is tomography that is considered the most informative research method. For example, ultrasound may not reveal a tumor or soft tissue anomalies, and computed tomography may not provide enough information when an organ changes.
Layered magnetic scanning is absolutely painless and safe. Scientists have proven that the magnetic field does not affect human health, so the procedure is available even for babies, pregnant women from the second trimester and elderly patients.
How does a tomograph work
A tomograph is a large magnet that not only creates a magnetic field, but also captures, processes and transforms the information received into a three-dimensional image. The patient is a source of protons (a person consists of water, and water contains elementary particles).
If you place a source of protons in a magnet, then elementary particles will begin to emit radio waves. Each radio wave will be endowed with a specific frequency and intensity. These characteristics depend on the location of the proton.
The computer captures radio waves and, through mathematical calculations, finds the protons that emit them. Each radio wave belongs to a special elementary particle, the tomograph only needs to correctly calculate its location. The equipment captures these values and transforms them into a three-dimensional image of the abdominal cavity.
Scanning and processing of results takes about 60 minutes. Time may vary depending on the area, contrast applied, etc.
What is contrast
Contrast is a special substance based on gadolinium, which is used during MRI. The drug is administered intravenously.
The substance stains the spleen and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract and literally highlights them in the final image. The diagnostic result is clearer and more detailed, which facilitates the work of medical staff. The attending physician can examine the section of the spleen from any angle and find even the smallest deviations from the norm.
In most cases, contrast is used when cancer is suspected. Gadolinium helps to separate the tumor from the soft tissues and make it as visible as possible.
The decision to use contrast is made by the attending physician. He warns the patient about this, conducts a short briefing, takes an allergy test and explains the essence of the manipulations.
As a rule, the contrast agent is absolutely inert and the patient does not feel its introduction in any way. If the patient began to feel some kind of malaise – must be reported roentgenthe laboratory assistant who performs the MRI or the attending physician– radiologistif symptoms developed after diagnosis.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
| Показания | Противопоказания |
|---|---|
| Inflammatory / infectious processes of the abdominal cavity | The presence of metal implants, stimulators and devices (for example, pacemakers or braces) |
| Torsion of the peduncle of the spleen | Tattoos (provided that the ink contains metallic substances) |
| Congenital or acquired organ defects (for example, after mechanical injuries) | First trimester of pregnancy (doctors advise to shield the still unformed fetus from any intervention to minimize side effects) |
| Cancer neoplasms, regardless of nature and stage | The general serious condition of the patient (be sure to inform the attending physician about the deterioration in health. He will decide on further diagnosis and therapy) |
| Splenic infarction or increased susceptibility to the disease | Claustrophobia, various mental disorders (the patient will not be able to follow the instructions of the laboratory assistant, and additional stress can only aggravate the pathology) |
| General diagnostics of the spleen before / after surgery | |
| Evaluation of the effectiveness of the therapeutic course | |
| Severe pain or discomfort in the spleen area, regardless of etiology | |
| Preventive examination of patients who are at high risk |
Features of the diagnosis of the spleen
Magnetic resonance imaging is classified as a non-invasive diagnostic method that does not require prior preparation.
Before the procedure, the patient is asked to remove all metal objects and change into comfortable clothes without decorative elements. What is it for? Metal can affect the magnetic field, distorting the final image. During the scan, the patient must remain completely still. Even the slightest inaccurate movement will spoil one or two scans, which will be reflected in the three-dimensional picture.
Before the diagnosis, be sure to transfer the medical documentation to the laboratory assistant. It contains a referral from the attending physician, an anamnesis, and other specific instructions. On the basis of medical documentation, the laboratory assistant sets up the operation of the tomograph, selects the optimal location, time and scanning programs.
As soon as all the preparations are completed, the laboratory assistant helps the patient to sit on the retractable table of the tomograph, explains the essence of the tomography, points to the alarm button and retires to the adjacent room. From now on, the dialogue between the patient and the medical staff takes place through a button and a speakerphone. If you feel pain, burning, itching, excessive discomfort, or want to stop the diagnostics for any other reason, press the signal button. X-raythe aborant is obliged to suspend the diagnosis, assess the patient’s condition and relieve unpleasant symptoms.
During the procedure, it is necessary to hold your breath periodically for 10-20 seconds. All actions of the patient are regulated roentgenlaboratory assistant Listen carefully to your healthcare professional and follow their instructions carefully.
If the scan involves the introduction of a contrast agent, then after the first (native) scan, the table is rolled out from the patients, a catheter with a contrast agent is placed in the cubital vein, the table is rolled up, and re-scanning begins immediately after the injection of the contrast agent.
The method of scanning the abdominal cavity is no different from an MRI of any other part of the body. The tomograph looks like a massiveth pipe with a sliding table in the middle. The patient is on this table. inside this tube, where a scanner is embedded that captures information about the state of the spleen.
The work of the tomograph is associated with noise, which is absolutely normal, and should not frighten the patient. He is required to maintain a motionless body position, holding his breath several times at the request roentgenlaboratory assistant. At the end of the scan, the medical officer releases the patient from apparatus, helps you get up, asks how you feel and tells you when the results will be available. Usually it takes 30-40 minutes to process the information.
The radiologist evaluates the information received, making a conclusion based on it. This conclusion must be handed over to the attending physician along with the pictures. He will compare the image with the results of previous diagnostics, history, individual characteristics of the patient. Do not try to decipher the scans yourself. Trust the doctor and strictly follow the therapeutic course.
What is the difference between MRI and CT
Both methods are used to diagnose pathologies of the spleen and other organs of the human body. The difference lies in the specifics of the operation of the equipment. A magnetic resonance tomograph studies the effect of a magnetic field on protons, and a computed tomograph records the absorption of X-rays by tissues.
The need for a particular diagnosis is determined by the doctor. Always consult a doctor before both scheduled and preventive examinations.
The information content of CT and MRI is approximately on the same level. The main difference lies in the security of the methods. Scientists believe that the magnetic field does not affect the functionality of the human body. The patient can perform an MRI at least daily, without fear for health and possible side effects.
Things are different with CT. Absolutely all CT scanners operate at reduced radiation exposure. The patient receives a minimal dose of radiation (compared to x-rays), but radiation still tends to accumulate in the body. Because of this, CT and X-rays are not suitable for multiple diagnoses. A certain period of time must elapse between exposures to avoid harmful effects.
Another difference between CT and MRI is the price. Magnetic resonance imaging is more expensive. In any case, both methods are equally in demand in medical practice. The doctor prescribes this or that study based on the characteristics of the patient and his illness. You should also take into account the list of indications and contraindications for tomography. For example, patients with tattoos based on metallic ink will have to choose CT, but pregnant women, for example, are shown only magnetic resonance imaging. The main thing is to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions and refuse self-medication.