When a chest MRI is performed - what does the diagnosis show? The method is a reliable way to graphically display the modification of various tissues: inflammation, damage to the structure of organs, neoplasms. Chest MRI is most often used when serious illnesses are suspected, since the procedure is quite expensive for a preventive examination of the body.
Design features of MRI equipment
Diagnostic equipment, which is used in the course of research, has the form of an overall cylindrical installation, the walls of which are surrounded by a powerful magnet. During the procedure, the patient is in a horizontal position. It lies on a special table that moves inside the device. Part of the system that interprets the results of the study is located in the room adjacent to the scanning device.
Some devices contain a short tunnel in whichthe magnetic field does not completely surround the patient. In particular, the use of equipment with free space on the sides opens up the possibility of diagnosing the state of the body of obese people, as well as people who suffer from claustrophobia. The most innovative systems make it possible to produce a truly high-quality MRI of the neck and chest. The clarity of the graphic image received on the monitor suffers somewhat when operating devices with an old magnet, as well as in the presence of open walls of the structure.
What is the purpose of diagnostics?
Why is a chest MRI performed? What does the study show? As a result of the diagnostics, specialists are able to draw conclusions about the following:
- The presence of abnormal neoplasms, in particular, cancer cells in the structure of tissues of internal organs. For these purposes, such a diagnosis is resorted to if it is not possible to obtain adequate research results using other, less expensive imaging methods.
- The development of pathological tumors that tend to affect neighboring organs.
- The condition of the heart muscle and adjacent structures.
- Dynamics of blood flow in the heart chambers and vessels.
- Processes that occur in the lymph nodes and the circulatory network of the chest.
- Morphological changes in bone tissue (sternum, ribs, vertebrae) and soft structures (muscles, subcutaneous fat).
- Degrees of damage to the pleura and mediastinum,the signs of which were previously identified using the CT or radiography method.
Study Requirements
Chest MRI involves the use of a special hospital gown. At the same time, when performing diagnostics, it is allowed to place the patient in the apparatus in everyday clothes. But only on condition that there are no metal fittings on things. With regard to refusing to eat until the diagnosis is made, there are no clear instructions and requirements in this regard. However, in order to avoid discomfort, patients should still refrain from eating. First of all, this applies to cases when it is planned to carry out diagnostics with the introduction of contrast agents into the tissues. As the latter, solutions based on gadolinium are usually used. And although such compounds rarely cause a negative effect on the body, it is recommended to avoid their use if the patient suffers from chronic renal failure.
In cases where a chest MRI is performed on babies, preparation for the study involves the introduction of sedatives into the body. They have a calming effect on the nervous system. This approach to the organization of the procedure allows you to force the child to remain still during the diagnosis. At the same time, sedation is trusted exclusively by experienced anesthesiologists.
Among other things, chest MRI is performed only if the following items are removed from the patient's body:
- Metal jewelry and jewelry.
- Creditcards that may be damaged by the machine's electromagnetic radiation.
- Hearing aids.
- Metal dentures.
- Bodily piercing that can distort the image.
Cautions
Chest MRI can be performed at the sole responsibility of the patient if present in the body:
- Metal clips that are inserted into the brain tissue in case of aneurysms.
- Blood vessel substitutes.
- Artificial heart valves.
- Infusion pumps.
- Arthroplasty joints.
- Pacemakers, defibrillators, other electronic devices.
- Nerve endings stimulants.
- Metal pins, plates, screws, surgical staples.
- Bullets, shrapnel, other metal objects, the displacement of which under the influence of a magnetic field can lead to complications.
Patient behavior during the procedure
When performing diagnostics, some restrictions are imposed on human actions. Chest MRI makes it possible to obtain clear, high-quality images only if the patient's body is in an absolutely motionless position, up to holding the breath. Strong anxiety, fear and other manifestations of anxiety can adversely affect the obtaining of accurate diagnostic results.
Do chest MRI make pregnant?
If a woman needs a diagnosis at the stage of gestation, it is necessary to provide a specialist with a comprehensiveinformation about the course of pregnancy. In fact, the results of numerous studies indicate the absence of a harmful effect of the electromagnetic field on the he alth of still unformed babies. However, in order to avoid trouble, the procedure is still not recommended for women in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Where to go for diagnostics?
Where to get a chest MRI? Magnetic resonance imaging is carried out by special laboratories in state medical institutions. If you wish, you can turn to a private clinic for help, which has this kind of equipment. Experienced staff will give you a chest MRI. Where can you analyze the results? A radiologist is engaged in deciphering graphic images. After interpreting the information received, the specialist makes a conclusion, which is sent to the patient's doctor.
Advantages of the diagnostic method
Which is better: CT or MRI of the chest? Unlike the first research method, magnetic resonance imaging does not imply negative effects of ionizing radiation on the body. In addition, compared to CT, the resulting images are clearer, which allows specialists to view tissue structures in detail using conventional imaging. These features make the procedure an indispensable tool for detecting cardiovascular pathologies in the early stages of development.
Chest MRI - mediastinum, valvularheart apparatus, vascular network, bone tissue - allows you to identify the first prerequisites for the formation of malignant tumors. Moreover, the diagnostic procedure allows the researcher to observe anomalies due to bones, which is problematic in the case of using other common imaging methods. Another advantage of magnetic resonance imaging is the use of the safest contrast material, gadolinium. Compared to liquids containing iodine, which are injected into the body during CT scans or X-rays, the above substance only in exceptional cases leads to allergic reactions.
Possible discomfort for the patient
As practice shows, being in the MRI machine is painless for most patients. The main discomfort is the need to maintain complete calm in a fairly closed space. When diagnosing, there may be an increase in body temperature in the area under study. If the manifestation is too disturbing for the patient, the latter should report the presence of discomfort to the doctor who performs the procedure. Shooting images during MRI is accompanied by rather sharp unexpected clicks. To keep the patient still, they may be offered earplugs or special headphones that suppress hum and loud sounds.
In the case of injection of a contrast agent into the body, the patient may feel a rush of blood to the face, a slight coolness throughout the body, an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth. However, suchsensations disappear naturally within a few minutes. If sedatives were not used to calm the patient, the person does not need to recover from the procedure. Otherwise, you may experience a feeling of local pain, slight nausea. Such manifestations must be reported to the observer, who will immediately provide first aid and eliminate discomfort.
Peculiarities of performing diagnostics
Magnetic resonance imaging can be performed both during hospitalization and on an outpatient basis. The nurse positions the patient comfortably on a special table. The body is fixed with straps, rollers are placed under the head and limbs, which allow parts of the body to remain motionless. Electrodes are placed on the area to be examined, which receive and send out radio waves. In the case of using a contrast agent, a catheter is inserted into the patient's vein, where a vial containing saline is attached. The fluid used prevents clogging of the tubes through which the contrast medium passes. Next, the patient is placed inside the electromagnetic device. The medical staff leaves the office and moves to the next room, from which the functions of the imaging machine are actually controlled.
Risks of the procedure
MRI of the chest, which shows detailed images of tissues and organs, does not pose a threat to human he alth and life, but only if the specialists are competently prepared for the diagnosis and do notneglect safety requirements. With the introduction of contrast material, there is a slight risk of developing allergic reactions. However, such manifestations are easily stopped thanks to the use of appropriate medications. For people suffering from nephrogenic fibrosis, there is a threat of solidification of the contrast agent in the tissues when the latter is removed from the body. Careful preliminary diagnostics of kidney function allows avoiding such negative consequences.
In closing
So, when a chest MRI is performed - what does the study show? A procedure aimed at obtaining images of deep tissues is widely used in preparation for major operations. They resort to a similar kind of diagnosis and during the rehabilitation period to monitor the effectiveness of the drugs used. In general, the need to perform magnetic resonance imaging is due to the need to obtain the most accurate, reliable diagnostic results. At the same time, one of the main advantages of the method is its safety and the almost complete absence of side effects.
