Mri

With magnetic resonance tomography, precise sectional images of the body can be made. Read more about this procedure here!

Mri

The MRI is an imaging technique and is also referred to as magnetic resonance imaging, MRT for short. It is particularly suitable for the representation of soft tissues and organs. Here you can read all important information about the MRI examination, when it is used, what risks it poses and what you need to consider as a patient before and after MRI.

Product Overview

MRI

  • What is a magnetic resonance imaging?

  • When do you perform a magnetic resonance imaging?

  • What do you do with magnetic resonance imaging?

  • What are the risks of magnetic resonance imaging?

  • What should I pay attention to after magnetic resonance imaging?

What is a magnetic resonance imaging?

What is an MRI? Many patients ask this when the doctor orders such an examination. The abbreviation MRT stands for magnetic resonance tomography, also called magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic resonance tomography) or colloquially called nuclear spin. It is a commonly used imaging technique that produces precise, high-resolution images of the body. Based on these images, the doctor can assess organ structures and functions. If the whole body is examined by magnetic resonance imaging, one speaks of a whole-body MRI. It is also possible to examine only individual body parts or organs. Examples:

  • Small bowel MRI (Sellink, hydro-MRI)
  • Abdominal MRI (Abdomen = abdominal cavity)
  • Coronary arteries (cardiac MRI, sometimes under stress as stress MRI)
  • Cranial (cranial) MRI (cMRT)
  • Joints (for example MRI shoulder or knee joint)

Further information: MRI head

When a magnetic resonance imaging of the head makes sense and how the investigation proceeds exactly, read in the article MRI: Head.

Further information: MRI - Knee

What diseases and injuries in the knee joint can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging, you will learn in the article MRI: Knee.

Further information: MRI - HWS

How the MRI of the cervical spine runs and when it is performed, read in the article MRI: HWS.

MRI: Functioning and physical fundamentals

Magnetic resonance imaging exploits the fact that atomic nuclei spin around their own axis. This rotation is called a nuclear spin and creates a small magnetic field around each core. The hydrogen atoms occurring everywhere in the human body also show this nuclear spin. Normally, their axes of rotation point in different directions. But that changes with MRI:

The MRI device (magnetic resonance tomograph) is usually a large tube, into which the patient is pushed on a couch. The annular magnetic tunnel creates a strong magnetic field along which the hydrogen atoms in the patient's body align in parallel. Then, the MRI device emits short radio wave pulses, which momentarily bring the hydrogen atoms out of position. In addition, the atoms absorb some energy. After each pulse, they return to parallel alignment. This process is called relaxation. The previously recorded energy, which in turn releases the hydrogen atoms, is recorded. Since the different tissues in the body have a different water content, there are different signals from which the computer calculates the MRI images.

MRI sequences

The electromagnetic pulses emitted by the MRI machine are called sequences by the radiologist. The different sequences represent tissues differently. Frequently used sequences in magnetic resonance imaging are, for example:

  • Spin echo sequence (SE)
  • Gradient echo sequence (GRE) (for calcification or bleeding)
  • Fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR MRI for inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis)
  • Spin echo fat saturation (SE fs)

MRI: T1 / T2 weighting

As described, the return of the atoms to their original position is referred to as relaxation. The computer calculates the sectional images from this. Depending on whether it orients itself to the longitudinal or the transverse orientation of the atoms, one speaks of a T1 or T2 weighting. In T1 weighting, fatty tissues appear brighter than their surroundings, T2 weights show fluids.

Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast agent

For some questions, the doctor must administer a contrast agent to the patient before MRI. Usually, the contrast medium is simply injected into a patient's vein, where it spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream. In the case of hydro-MRI for examinations of the digestive tract, the patient can also drink the contrast agent; it then spreads in the gastrointestinal tract. In Sellink MRI, the patient can receive the contrast agent via a small intestine probe.

Further information: MRI - contrast agent

You can read everything important about the use of contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging in the article MRI contrast agent.

Difference: CT - MRI

One important difference (MRI / CT) relates to radiation exposure: computed tomography (CT) uses x-rays, which means radiation exposure to the patient. Magnetic fields and radio waves, on the other hand, are generated by magnetic resonance imaging and do not involve radiation exposure.

The disadvantage is the greater time required for MRI: the duration of the examination is between 30 and 45 minutes. Computed tomography, on the other hand, is much faster with an average duration of 10 minutes, making it the method of choice in emergencies where the doctor needs a cross-sectional view of the body as quickly as possible. The decision as to whether a patient will benefit more from MRI or CT, therefore, the doctor must always meet depending on the suspected diagnosis.

When do you perform a magnetic resonance imaging?

In contrast to CT, which is good at imaging very water-poor structures such as bone, magnetic resonance imaging is the method of choice if you want to examine soft tissue more closely. It is therefore often used in cancer diagnostics, for example to assess the course of a tumor disease or to find metastases. The attending physician also often initiates an MRI in the following cases:

  • MS (multiple sclerosis)
  • inflammatory diseases of the bone
  • inflammatory diseases of the organs (pancreas, gall bladder etc.)
  • Abscesses and fistulas
  • Malformations and bagging of the vessels (such as aneurysms)
  • Joint damage (arthrosis, tendon injuries, cartilage and ligaments)

For these diseases, the examination is important

  • ligament
  • dementia
  • disc prolapse
  • Cholangiocellular carcinoma
  • Housemaid's knee
  • stroke
  • meniscus tear
  • bone inflammation
  • neurofibromatosis
  • fracture

What do you do with magnetic resonance imaging?

In advance, the doctor will inform you about the purpose of the examination, the course of the procedure and possible MRI side effects. You will also learn if you need to appear sober for examination (such as in small bowel MRI).

Whenever possible, you must discard all metal-containing and magnetizable electronic items, such as jewelry, piercings, keys, coins, hairpins, hearing aids, removable dentures, brassiere (with metal hangers), glasses, watch, magnetic cards (credit cards), belts and mobile. The strong magnetic field generated by the MRI machine can heat such objects (risk of burns) or accelerate them like bullets. Conversely, the objects may possibly affect the magnetic field, which adversely affects the image quality.

If you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, it is important that you tell your doctor about the MRI. Because magnetic resonance imaging may interfere with the function of the sensitive device, the physician must decide whether to go through the examination at all. In case of doubt, he must first ask the manufacturer.

In addition, metal parts in the body can move in magnetic resonance imaging or heat so much that burns can occur. Special care should be taken when:

  • Prostheses with metal content
  • Nails, plates or screws in the body (used for example after fractures)
  • prevention spirals
  • stents
  • Metal splinters that have remained in the body after accidents or gunshot wounds

Also inform your doctor about any tattoos or permanent make-up before the magnetic resonance imaging, because some of the dyes also contain metal particles. On MRI, this can lead to skin irritation or even burns. Normal make-up may need to be removed before MRI.

For the examination, you must lie down on the mobile, narrow couch in front of the MRI unit. Then you are pushed into the tube. As long as the investigation continues, you should lie as still as possible, so that sharp images can be created. You may also need to hold your breath for a short while - you will receive a corresponding instruction via a loudspeaker.

The MRI examination is accompanied by loud knocking sounds caused by the switching on and off of the magnetic coils. You will therefore get ear protection or sound-proof headphones with music in advance.

MRI: claustrophobia in the tube

If you suffer from claustrophobia, you should inform the doctor in advance. To better tolerate the tightness in the tube, he can give you an anxiolytic drug. In extreme claustrophobia MRI can also be performed in a short-term anesthesia. This also applies to an MRI in children. Some clinics and practices also offer the so-called open MRI, in which the patient is less cramped.

Open MRT

A open MRI (open MRI) is a good alternative for patients suffering from claustrophobia. Even patients with severe obesity, which are difficult to examine for reasons of space in the usual MRI device, benefit from open MRI.

Another particularly important advantage is that the doctor has access to the patient through the open tube at all times.For example, under image control, he can take samples from suspected cancer nodes or administer locally effective medication.

Not all radiology practices and clinics have an open MRI scanner. If you prefer to be examined in an open system, talk to your doctor about it. He may recommend a suitable practice. Alternatively, you can research the internet yourself, which radiologists offer an open MRI.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Special Procedures

A special case is the so-called upright MRI, in which the patient is not lying on a couch, but can sit or stand in an open system. In particular, the physician can assess the spine under the conditions prevailing under normal conditions.

For certain questions, the doctor also uses combined procedures, such as PET / MRI, which additionally visualize metabolic processes. PET stands for positron emission tomography.

More about the symptoms

  • gait disturbance
  • tingle
  • dizziness
  • apraxia
  • a headache
  • knee pain
  • ptosis
  • anorexia
  • ageusia
  • chills

What are the risks of magnetic resonance imaging?

Magnetic resonance imaging is a very safe, painless diagnostic tool. Only pregnant women in the first third and patients with sensitive implants or metal parts in the body receive magnetic resonance imaging only when absolutely necessary.

Side effects that may result from the contrast agent are:

  • feeling hot
  • a headache
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Renal dysfunction
  • intolerance reactions

If, as far as possible, all metal-containing and magnetizable objects have been deposited in the run-up to magnetic resonance tomography, no dangers (such as burns) are to be expected from this side.

MRI & pregnancy

So far, no damaging effect of magnetic resonance imaging on an unborn child could be demonstrated. However, since it can not be ruled out that the radio pulses endanger the embryo in the first three months of pregnancy, the examination should only be carried out in justified cases. An MRI during pregnancy at a later stage is not dangerous according to current knowledge.

What should I pay attention to after magnetic resonance imaging?

If you have been given tranquillizer for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, you should not drive for at least 24 hours. If magnetic resonance imaging is an outpatient procedure, it's best to arrange for someone to pick you up first.

The recorded MRI images are available immediately after the examination. However, the doctor must first assess these and make a finding. You will usually receive the MRI report by post within a few days, or you may need to pick it up yourself at the radiology office. You will also receive a CD on which the sectional images are stored. Bring Findings and CD's MRI to the next appointment with your attending physician.

Mri

FAQ - 💬

❓ What can an MRI detect?

👉 MRI can be used to detect brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, developmental anomalies, multiple sclerosis, stroke, dementia, infection, and the causes of headache.

❓ What is the difference between MRI and CT scan?

👉 CT scans take a fast series of X-ray pictures, which are put together to create images of the area that was scanned. An MRI uses strong magnetic fields to take pictures of the inside of the body. CT scans are usually the first choice for imaging. MRIs are useful for certain diseases that a CT scan cannot detect.

❓ What should you not do before an MRI?

👉 What to Avoid Before an MRI

  • Don't Get Any New Piercings. When you go in for your MRI, you'll need to remove any body piercings or earrings. ...
  • Don't Disregard Doctor's Instructions. ...
  • Don't Disrupt Your Schedule.

❓ Why would a doctor order an MRI?

👉 Generally, an MRI can help your doctor identify what is causing your health issue so that he or she can diagnose you accurately and prescribe a treatment plan. Depending on your symptoms, an MRI will scan a specific portion of your body to diagnose: Tumors. Heart damage.

❓ How much is the MRI cost?

👉 The average cost of an MRI can range anywhere from $400 to $12,000, depending on the place of service, health insurance, location, extra medications, the provider, and body part scanned. Health insurance typically covers authorized MRIs.

❓ How long does an MRI take?

👉 A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a painless procedure that lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and the number of images being taken.

❓ How long does it take for MRI results to be serious?

👉 It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for the results of an MRI scan to come through, unless they're needed urgently.

❓ Can you open your eyes during MRI?

👉 They could interfere with the magnetic fields or the radio waves used in the scan, causing inaccurate images or even damage to the patient. So, for now, doctors generally recommend that patients close their eyes during an MRI scan.

❓ Do you have to take your clothes off for an MRI?

👉 It's important that patients remove all clothing prior to their MRI exam. We ask patients to remove: All outer clothing, including shoes. Bras or any undergarment that could have metal in it.

❓ Will I get my MRI results immediately?

👉 This means it's unlikely you'll get the results of your scan immediately. The Radiologist will send a report to the doctor who arranged the scan. They'll discuss the results with you. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for the results of an MRI scan to come through, unless they're needed urgently.

❓ Which is better CT scan or MRI?

👉 Magnetic resonance imaging produces clearer images compared to a CT scan. In instances when doctors need a view of soft tissues, an MRI is a better option than x-rays or CTs. MRIs can create better pictures of organs and soft tissues, such as torn ligaments and herniated discs, compared to CT images.

❓ What is an MRI?

👉 What is MRI? Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technology that produces three dimensional detailed anatomical images. It is often used for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.

❓ What is magnetic resonance imaging?

👉 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technology that produces three dimensional detailed anatomical images. It is often used for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.

❓ What does an MRI scan of the brain show?

👉 MRI scan. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It is useful for diagnosing tumours, joint or spinal injuries or diseases, soft tissue injuries or diseases of internal organs such as the brain or heart.

❓ What are the benefits of an MRI?

👉 MRI gives detailed views of your organs, tissues, and skeleton, which can be used to help diagnose and monitor a wide variety of medical conditions. An MRI scan allows your healthcare team to see the internal structures of your body without making an incision via detailed, high-resolution images.


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