MRI is an effective and painless diagnostic method that allows you to examine in detail the pathological changes and structure of the soft tissues of the body, bones, ligaments and muscles. The result in most cases is ready within an hour after the examination, which makes it possible not to delay the examination and the choice of treatment tactics.
But, unfortunately, not all people can have an MRI. Contraindications and limitations to this study are mainly associated with the presence of metal in the body and certain diseases. Body weight over 120 kg can also be an obstacle to this procedure, although there are some scanners that allow patients weighing up to 180 kg to be diagnosed.
Absolute contraindications to all types of MRI
There are conditions that are incompatible with MRI. Contraindications of this group completely exclude the possibility of this diagnostic procedure. Such a study cannot be carried out on people with installed pacemakers, because the magnetic field leads to disruptions in the operation of this device. Due to spoiledmicrochips, the heart rhythm can go astray, and human he alth will be in serious danger (up to death).
MRI should not be performed on those patients who have artificial elements made of magnetizable materials installed in their bodies, because they can become very hot and deform during operation of the device. If a person has tattoos on his body for which paint with similar metals was used, he is also prohibited from performing this diagnostic procedure.
Relative contraindications for MRI
There are a number of conditions where patients may not always be eligible for an MRI. The contraindications of this group are relative, therefore, subject to certain conditions, a person can still undergo this study. These include:
- fear of enclosed space;
- pregnancy;
- chronic heart failure;
- mental illness;
- inability to lie still for a long time without moving.
Metal-ceramic crowns in most cases are made of materials that are not magnetized, so their presence in the body is not a ban on MRI. The same applies to intrauterine devices and titanium implants of any localization. The contraindication regarding mental illness can be neglected if the patient is being examined under the influence of sedatives and under the supervision of a physician.
MRI with contrast: contraindications to the procedure
Sometimes an MRI with a contrast agent is used to enhance certain parts of the images. Such a study is effective for the differential diagnosis of tumors and the detection of neoplasms of the smallest sizes. In addition to the standard contraindications, MRI with contrast is not performed in the following conditions and diseases:
- allergic reaction to image enhancement drug;
- pregnancy and lactation (for research with contrast - this is an absolute contraindication);
- severe chronic kidney disorders;
- recent liver transplant.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding restrictions
During an MRI, the human body does not receive radiation exposure (as, for example, with X-rays or CT), but is amenable to the action of a strong magnetic field. In addition, in many patients, a long stay in a cramped space is accompanied by psychological discomfort. Since pregnant women should not expose their body to stress, this study is definitely not recommended for the 1st trimester, when all the organs of the fetus are just being formed.
MRI in the 2nd and 3rd trimester is possible only under strict indications. This decision should be made by the attending physician, weighing the diagnostic benefit and risk. Women in position and nursing mothers should not be injected with contrast for MRI. Contraindications to this are due to the fact that the drug can adversely affect intrauterine developmentbaby or ingested by a newborn while breastfeeding.
MRI of the spine: contraindications for the study
For the diagnosis of hernias, osteochondrosis and other degenerative-dystrophic changes, it is necessary to examine the spine. To distinguish these conditions from sciatica and sciatica, the patient is often ordered to have an MRI of the lumbar region. The contraindications to this procedure are basically the same as the general limitations for all types of this study. But there are also some specific points that are related to the localization of the survey area.
Spine MRI should not be done in these cases:
- the patient suffered an acute spinal injury that requires urgent surgery (MRI takes about 10-15 minutes, and sometimes such a delay can be life-threatening);
- the patient cannot lie quietly on his back due to severe pain that is not relieved by painkillers.
An MRI of the spine, like any other area, cannot be performed if debris from an unknown material is stuck in the human body.
