MRI

Our MRI scanner

Our centre operates a high-field Philips Achieva MRI scanner with 5th-generation software. This advanced 1.5 Tesla system performs the full range of MR examinations at the highest level while keeping patients as comfortable as possible.

A wide range of dedicated protocols is available, each designed to reveal the characteristic signs of most diseases.

When referring a patient for MRI, the doctor should state the exact anatomical region to be examined and the clinical question to be answered.

Contrast-enhanced MRI

Contrast enhancement makes diagnosis more reliable. The contrast agent is injected intravenously, with the dose calculated from the patient’s body weight. It passes from the blood into diseased tissue and accumulates there, improving visualisation of the pathology. MRI contrast agents are based on the rare-earth metal gadolinium; we use a high-quality domestically produced agent.

The MRI doctor decides whether contrast is needed and informs the patient that an additional examination is required.

Important

Before the scan you will be asked to read the list of contraindications and to leave all metal objects in the changing room: removable dentures, hairpins, jewellery, keys, watches, glasses, piercings, coins, etc.

Contraindications

The scanner creates a very strong magnetic field, which places certain restrictions on its use. MRI is contraindicated for patients:

• with implanted electronic devices (pacemakers, insulin pumps, neurostimulators, inner-ear implants, etc.);
• after cerebral vascular surgery, unless there is a document confirming that the clips are MR-compatible;
• with metal implants made of non-MR-compatible materials (iron alloys);
• with metallic foreign bodies, especially in the head and neck;
• with a history of eye injury by a metal object (including metal shavings);
• with uncontrolled movements (seizures, drug or alcohol intoxication, agitation).

Implants made of MR-compatible materials (such as titanium) are not a contraindication, but large constructs make the examination of that area less informative (for example, a lumbar spine scan with a large titanium construct).

Relative contraindications:

• first trimester of pregnancy (there is no evidence of harm from the magnetic field or radio-frequency signals to the foetus);
• fear of enclosed spaces — an accompanying person may stay in the scanner room during the examination.

If you have any small foreign bodies not listed above (intrauterine device, dental crowns, piercings, metal threads, tattoos, etc.), you must tell the staff. If in doubt, discuss it with your doctor and the MRI staff. Providing this information is your duty and your responsibility.

What to expect

You will lie on a special table that moves into the magnet. Before the scan the staff will give you hearing protection (headphones or earplugs) and a call button. During the scan you will hear knocking and humming — this is the normal sound of the scanner.

Each region takes about 15–30 minutes, and you need to keep still throughout to get clear images. Afterwards the doctor reviews the images and issues a report. The report is ready within 1.5 hours.