MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging is currently a relatively safe and high-precision diagnostic procedure that allows to determine the condition of the soft tissues, abdominal organs, pelvis, joints, cartilages, intervertebral cartilages and brain. Using nucleic magnetic resonance, in particular, radiofrequency impulses and magnetic field, specialists obtain the sharpest image of patient's organs and tissues that allows to reveal even various initial changes.

Magnetic resonance imaging is performed in two ways:

• without the contrast agent;
• with the contrast agent.

MRI with contrast agent is prescribed when it is necessary to obtain more deep characteristics of the process. Most of all, it is used in oncology to reveal tumors at early stages, and also to control the tumor behavior during the treatment, as the method allows to reveal the slightest changes.

A radiologist takes the decision on the way of performing of MRI diagnostics (with or without the contrast medium) based on the recommendations of the consulting physician.

Equipment

The modern Toshiba Elan 1,5T MRI used for diagnostics at Dobrobut clinic chain is created for the precise diagnostics in the most comfortable conditions for the patient. Various applications built in Toshiba Elan 1,5T MRI provide the examination acceleration and facilitate the diagnostics for medical staff.

The apparatus has the construction that allows to avoid the discomfort of patients with claustrophobia. The device has the built-in noise reduction system and the system which allows to examine the tissue areas unavailable for MRI before, such as musculoskeletal system and lungs, with ultrashort echo. The more sensitive magnet allows to perform the high-quality and high-accuracy heart examination with minimal breath holdings.

Toshiba Elan 1,5T MRI is the gold standard of MRI diagnostics for all medical centers around the world.

MRI diagnostic procedure is safe and painless

Indications for MRI diagnostics

MRI diagnostics allows to reveal brain and spinal pathologies, in particular, various types of tumors, developmental pathologies, aneurysms, disseminated sclerosis, and also to determine the brain state after injuries and apoplectic attacks. Magnetic resonance imaging is the main examination technique for the following diseases of joints and spinal chord: herniated nucleus pulposus, arthritis, arthrosis, joint injuries. MRI diagnostics helps to reveal tumors in soft tissues and internal organs; MRI method, together with mammography and ultrasound, are used to reveal the breast cancer.

MRI with contrast agent is mandatory before the planning of surgeries, as it allows to assess the advisability of the surgery, and also to give an idea of the dimensions and the precise localization of neoformations and get the information on close adjacency to other tissues. Besides, MRI is used in traumatology to assess the extent of joint damage in the result of beats and injuries.

Contraindications for MRI

Diagnostics with an NMR machine is contraindicative to people with various implants made of surgical steel inside the body (a titanium implant is not a contraindication), pacemakers and any electromechanical instruments such as insulin pumps, and also with metallic objects in the head and eyes area. Big tattoos with metallised coloring pigments are also included in contraindications.

MRI with contrast agent has some contraindications. It is forbidden to inject a contrast agent to the following categories of patients:

• with decompensation of severe renal and liver diseases,
• with renal or liver transplantation in past medical history,
• with diagnosed allergic reactions to a contrast agent during previous examinations.

It is also not recommended to perform the examination during the first pregnancy trimester; it is possible to perform the procedure during lactation, however, the mother should refrain from breast feeding within the next 24 hours.

A consulting physician makes a decision on the advisability of MRI with contrast agent for patients with bronchial asthma, erythroid myeloma and apparent cardiovascular insufficiency.