The adrenal glands are called glands that are located above the kidneys. They consist of two layers. One of them is called cortical, and the second - cerebral. These two layers have different functional tasks. Cortical manufactures steroids. The medulla produces hormones such as NS. Diseases of the adrenal glands of the endocrine type occur much less frequently than similar diseases of other organs. But their peculiarity lies in the fact that they are less amenable to treatment, and the patient may also experience complications in the body.
Different methods are used to diagnose the pathology of these organs. The most effective method of examination is an MRI of the adrenal glands. Through it, you can see how these organs work. The sooner any abnormality in the work of the adrenal glands is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment will be. Detection of pathology at an early stage can make it possible to do without any consequences for the body.
In what cases is it prescribed?
The task of the adrenal glands is to produce hormones. The latter are necessary for the functioning of the whole organism. The adrenal glands are an important link in the work of the entire human body. If there is a failure in their work, then this is reflected in the entire body. Violation of the normal functioning of the adrenal glands can seriously affect a person's he alth and become a threat to his life.
In connection with the above, early detection of any malfunctions in the adrenal glands is important.
There are statistics that most often give in to pathological changes in the cortex of these organs. There are a number of changes in the human body, in the event of which it is necessary to immediately contact a medical institution for examination and diagnosis. These include:
- High blood pressure.
- Weight gain in a short amount of time.
- Appearance of puffiness on the face.
- Appearance of stretch marks on the skin. This is due to the increase in body weight.
- Diabetes.
- Violation of the immune system of the human body.
- Osteoporosis.
If a person goes to a medical institution with the above symptoms, the doctor will prescribe tests and an MRI or CT scan.
MRI of the adrenal glands. What does it show?
Through MRI, you can see the changes that have occurred in the patient's adrenal glands. They are mainly associated with the appearance of tumors in them. The latter can be benign or malignant.
In order for a patient to undergo an MRI of the adrenal glands, it is necessary to havereferring physician. If not, then you can go through the examination yourself. But you will have to pay for this. It should also be remembered that the result of the examination must be deciphered. And this can only be done by a qualified specialist. Therefore, it would be better if a doctor gives a referral for an MRI. He will then decipher the result and prescribe the necessary treatment.
What is an MRI with contrast agent?
In order to distinguish a malignant tumor from a benign one, the patient is prescribed an MRI of the adrenal glands with a contrast agent. Surveys with this tool differ in that it is carried out quite quickly. Usually this procedure lasts no more than a quarter of an hour. During this period of time, the patient is injected with a contrast agent, an MRI examination is performed, and the substance is removed.
MRI of the kidneys and adrenal glands is prescribed for a patient after surgery. This examination allows you to assess how the intervention was carried out, whether there are any complications or not.
Price
How much does an adrenal MRI cost? Survey prices vary. But you should know that MRI is not cheap. Therefore, as an option, those patients who do not have enough funds are offered to undergo computed tomography. The minimum cost of an MRI of the adrenal glands is four thousand rubles. The average cost is 8000 rubles.
MRI of the adrenal glands. How is it done and what preparation is needed?
It should be said thatThere is no need to prepare in any special way for the examination. The only requirement to follow is not eating for at least 6 hours before the event.
Also on the eve you should refrain from drinking alcohol, drinks that contain gases, and foods that include coarse fiber. Dairy products are also not recommended.
Contraindications
What are the contraindications for adrenal MRI?
- If a person weighs more than 150 kilograms.
- In the first trimester of pregnancy, this examination is contraindicated.
- If a person has epilepsy, then an MRI of the adrenal glands should also not be done.
- Allergic reaction of the body to the contrast medium.
- If the patient's body is prone to fainting.
- During the period when a woman is breastfeeding, MRI of the adrenal glands should not be done.
- It is also worth notifying your doctor if there are any metal objects in the body, such as implants. In addition, magnetic and electronic devices are a contraindication to the procedure.
Computed tomography of the adrenal glands
Diseases of the adrenal glands can affect people of different incomes, as well as other ailments. As mentioned above, an MRI is a rather expensive procedure. Therefore, there is an alternative procedure, it is called computed tomography.
Based on the results of the survey, this procedure can also identifythe presence of benign and malignant tumors in the adrenal glands. In order to conduct a CT examination, the patient needs to prepare. In addition to preparation, he should be tested.
The cost of computed tomography is much lower. This is due to the fact that cheaper equipment is used for the survey. Also, related materials are not so expensive.
There is another significant difference between MRI and CT. During the latter, the patient's body is exposed to x-rays. MRI emits only a magnetic field. Thus, MRI does not cause any harm to the body of the subject. From the foregoing, it becomes clear that computed tomography is a budget option for conducting an examination of this type. But it is not recommended to repeat it. If another examination is required, the doctor prescribes an MRI
Adrenals. Symptoms of the disease in women
A woman's body is prone to hormonal changes. The main function of the adrenal glands is the production of hormones. The main violations in the work of organs are associated with insufficient production of these substances.
How to understand that you should check the adrenal glands? Symptoms of the disease in women can be different. Since their nature depends on the disease that is present in the body. For example, signs might be:
- bone fragility;
- lack of libido;
- menstrual irregularities;
- prone to high blood pressure;
- obesity;
- drowsy;
- increased weakness;
- panic attacks;
- increased irritability;
- headaches;
- frequent muscle cramps.
- appetite decreases;
- bluish lips;
- appears unnatural thinness;
- tachycardia;
- very tired;
- limb tremor;
- increased gas formation;
- depressive states.
In these and some other cases, the doctor may order an MRI of the adrenal glands.
