Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): preparation

WARNING!

Any foreign objects in the patient's body that contain metal (for example, metal clips on vessels, retainers, piercings, metal and magnetic implants, etc.) can change position and cause damage to surrounding tissues under the influence of the magnetic field. Therefore, the presence of such bodies should definitely be reported to the radiologist. The doctor must make a decision regarding the MRI examination.

In the presence of implanted electronic devices (such as hearing aids, pacemakers, etc.), the study cannot be conducted. The magnetic field can damage the device or disrupt its operation.

Before the examination, you must remove your watch, jewelry, metal objects, removable dentures, remove all metal objects (keys, coins, etc.), electronic devices, magnetic carriers from your pockets. Removed jewelry and items should be placed in the closet provided to you. It is recommended to change into the disposable clothes provided to you.

An MRI examination is carried out exclusively on medical grounds in the presence of a referral indicating the area of study, diagnosis/clinical problem and the purpose of the study. For the correct interpretation of the obtained images, the data of previous CT or MRI studies should be provided to the radiologist before the start of the study.

Special preparation for an MRI examination is usually not required.

• When examining the brain or facial skull (MRI of the head), it is recommended to refrain from applying makeup or remove it before the examination itself.
• When examining the pituitary gland for the purpose of detecting an adenoma, in the vast majority of cases, a contrast agent is used.
• When examining the organs of the abdominal cavity, pelvic organs and the whole body - refrain from eating for 4 hours. before the examination. Keep in mind that the examination will last up to 30-45 minutes, in rare cases up to 60 minutes.
• When examining the pelvic organs, the bladder should be moderately full.
• Examination of the mammary glands is carried out as prescribed by a doctor, regardless of the day of the menstrual cycle. When examining the mammary glands, a contrast agent is used in almost all cases. If an MRI of the mammary glands is prescribed to assess the state of the implants in the mammary glands, there is no need to inject a contrast agent. If an MRI of the mammary glands is prescribed for the purpose of detecting a tumor process, then the administration of a contrast agent is MANDATORY, regardless of the presence or absence of implants in the mammary glands.
• During MR enterography (on the MRI machine Siemens Magnetom Vida 3 Tesla), you should not eat solid food on the eve of the study (liquid food for dinner the day before the study), drink more (water, tea) and refrain from eating on the day of the study; purchase a preparation for cleaning the intestine (Diagnol or Moviprep), which will be prepared directly in the diagnostic department 1 hour before the examination. The patient (patients) should come 1 hour before the start of the examination itself for preparation - drinking the drug solution during this hour.
• The study of children under 6 years of age is mostly carried out using sedation/anesthesia. Accordingly, it is necessary to discuss this with the anesthesiologist in advance. In addition, the child should be dressed in natural cotton clothing without metal buttons/buttons. Conducting an MRI with contrast for children under 1 year must be strictly justified, the presence of a referral is a mandatory condition.
• The examination of any area during an existing pregnancy in a woman requires a preliminary consultation with a gynecologist and a clinical justification for conducting an MRI examination.
• When performing MR cholangiopancreatography, you should refrain from eating 4 hours before the examination.