MRI is not an invasive examination, but sometimes it requires the use of contrast agents to enhance the clarity of the images. The doctor prescribes this study only in cases where the standard technique is not enough for an objective assessment of the state of the body. The use of modern diagnostic tools is safe and allows you to better see the smallest details. Sometimes you need to do an MRI with contrast to be sure of the diagnosis and start the right treatment in time.
General information about the procedure
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a modern type of diagnostics that allows you to get high-quality images of layered sections of tendons, joints and soft tissues of various organs. Contrast enhancement in the brain may be needed to clarify a doubtful diagnosis or to detect tumors of the smallest size. The procedure is painless and very informative. MRI of the brain with contrast allows you to quickly and accurately assess the volume of pathological changes in this organ during injuries and many diseases.
Devices for research may differ in their power (it is measured in T). When diagnosing brain diseases for high-quality images, it is desirable to carry out the procedure on a tomograph with an indicator of 1-1.5 T. It makes no sense to use a higher resolution, since this power is quite enough, and less sensitive devices may not produce very detailed pictures.
Indications for research
Unlike a conventional MRI, a study using a contrast agent is carried out only according to the indications of a doctor, usually in medical centers it is not done without a referral with a seal. This is due to the fact that special substances will be introduced into the patient's body that enhance the effect of tissue magnetization. This procedure is performed only under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, since the reaction of the body to contrast may be different.
Indications for brain MRI with contrast agent:
- suspected pituitary adenoma;
- previously diagnosed tumors of other parts of the brain (to clarify their nature);
- multiple sclerosis;
- severe cases of stroke;
- infectious diseases of the nervous system with severe pathological symptoms;
- detection of metastases of malignant tumors;
- ambiguous results from a conventional study without amplification.
Why is a contrast agent used?
In some situations, you need a clearer display of the structures of the brainbrain. Typically, an MRI with contrast is ordered when a malignant (or benign) brain tumor is suspected and known to be present to determine size, boundaries, and structures.
A substance based on gadolinium s alts is injected into the patient's body. This is a metal that accumulates in places with increased blood flow (usually characteristic of tumors due to their rapid growth). These areas are clearly visible in the pictures, so it is almost impossible to miss them. Preparations based on this substance have low toxicity and rarely cause side effects.
Many serious medical examinations can harm a person's he alth if he is not properly prepared for the procedure. One of them is MRI with contrast. Preparation of the patient and detailed briefing on his actions before the procedure and during the examination helps to avoid this.
How to prepare for an MRI?
Before an MRI with contrast, the patient should refrain from eating and drinking for 2 hours before the procedure. This is due to the introduction of a drug into the body (with the usual diagnosis, you can eat and drink). Before the study, a person needs to remove all metal products (rings, earrings, clothes with clasps). For the procedure, the patient is usually provided with loose, disposable clothing that does not contain materials that interfere with the scan. It is forbidden to bring a mobile phone and other electronics, payment cards, keys, etc. into the room where the tomograph is located.
An important point -psychological preparation for the diagnostic procedure. Given that during the study you need to be in an almost enclosed space for 20-30 minutes, without moving or talking, the right attitude is important. During an MRI of the brain with contrast, the machine makes noises and different sounds. Therefore, to protect the ears, a person wears special headphones.
MRI with contrast: how is the procedure done?
First, the patient undergoes a conventional magnetic resonance examination without the use of a contrast agent. This is necessary in order to further compare the results obtained and ultimately have a more complete clinical picture. Then the patient leaves the apparatus, and drugs for contrast enhancement are administered intravenously under the supervision of a resuscitator.
Despite the fact that modern such drugs do not contain iodine and are practically non-toxic, a person needs to carefully listen to the sensations in his body after their administration. If everything is in order (no dizziness, nausea, pain in the abdomen and head, feeling hot), then the patient again undergoes an MRI. During the study, fresh doses of drug are gradually delivered through the intravenous catheter in parallel with the scanning process.
Do MRIs cause pain or discomfort?
MRI does not cause pain or other discomfort to a person during the examination. A slight warmth or tingling can sometimes be felt in the body, although most often people do not physically feel anything at all. The introduction of contrast in most cases is well tolerated. Truth,sometimes there are cases of individual hypersensitivity or allergy.
The main discomfort associated with an MRI is the psychological stress for some people due to the cramped space. There is enough air in the device, and the design is made so that part of the patient's body is outside. To calm down, the patient needs to understand that during the study, the doctor is watching him, the whole process is completely under control. A special pear is put into the hand of all patients, connected by a wire to a sound sensor, which can be squeezed with very strong excitement. This will signal to the doctor to stop the process and give the patient time to calm down.
Contraindications
Contraindications for MRI with contrast are relative and absolute. The final decision on the possibility of the procedure is always made by the doctor. A study with a contrast agent is completely excluded under such conditions:
- presence of pacemakers;
- metal elements implanted into the human body that are magnetized;
- severe renal dysfunction;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- recent liver transplant;
- allergic to contrast agent components.
Relative contraindications include claustrophobia and body weight over 120 kg (in most devices this is the maximum weight limit). If there are tattoos on the patient's body, it is necessary to check with the master,who performed it, whether the metals are part of the dye that was used in the procedure.
MRI with contrast: patient reviews
People's feedback on MRI is mostly neutral or positive. Most patients do not experience special sensations during the examination. Sometimes it is difficult for people to lie down, almost not moving, for about half an hour in an enclosed space. Almost all patients noted the high effectiveness of MRI of the brain with contrast, because the medical report fully describes all the necessary structures. For diagnosis in neurosurgery, this is the leading method, which is also painless and fast in time.
According to the feedback from patients, allergy or intolerance to contrast is very rare. The unpleasant effect of the drug is sometimes manifested only by slight dizziness, which quickly passes. Thanks to MRI with contrast, many sick people were able to find out about tumors at an early stage, which made it possible to remove them in time or start conservative treatment.
