MRI of the kidneys is a high-precision procedure used to diagnose the abdominal organs, which allows establishing the correct diagnosis, as well as determining the pathogenesis of the developing pathology. This method is based on the use of a magnetic field, as a result of which this procedure is painless and safe. It is prescribed for suspected various diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system. So how is an MRI of the kidneys performed, what does such a study show? Let's try to figure it out.
What is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging, which is the most informative, provides a high quality three-dimensional image, so that an accurate diagnosis is made. There are a minimum of contraindications for MRI of the kidneys and urinary tract. The procedure is safe, and it is not necessary to specially prepare for it, as, for example, for an ultrasound. Renal MRI is also well tolerated by patients due to the fact that it does not use ionizing radiation.
This procedure is carried out in two ways:
- with contrast - in this case, an intravenous solution containing iodine is administered, which increases the information content of the study;
- no contrast - used when there is an allergy to the solution.
Indications for prescription
MRI of the kidney is prescribed if necessary to establish a diagnosis, as well as to assess the patient's condition before prescribing therapy.
There are the following indications for such a study:
- chronic low back pain radiating to the pelvis, sides, and of uncertain etiology;
- severe swelling of the face and limbs;
- bad urine test result;
- unreasonable chills and fever;
- bleeding in urine;
- weakness, fatigue and malaise on the background of colic in the lower back;
- Painful or disturbed urination.
What can an MRI see?
Many patients are interested in the appointment of an MRI of the kidneys: what does this study show in the diagnostic process? Due to the influence of a magnetic field on the body, it is possible to examine many hollow organs that are located in the lumbar region.
Thus, magnetic resonance imaging allows you to see:
- what is the state of the kidneys: the presence of stones, sand, their excretory ability;
- the structure of an organ: its dimensions, morphological features of tissues, pathological processes indepartments;
- the condition of the blood vessels, as well as the patency of the urinary system;
- inflammatory or degenerative processes in the bladder;
- presence of benign and malignant tumors, as well as metastases;
- bacterial infections of the bladder and other organs.
Advantages and disadvantages of MRI
Such an examination of the abdominal organs has the following advantages: safety, painlessness, maximum information content, the ability to identify a large number of diseases at the initial stages of development. X-ray and other modern research methods do not have such a high accuracy of establishing a diagnosis.
MRI of the kidney does not cause any harm to the patient's he alth and does not cause complications. However, there are certain limitations to this procedure. These include:
- kidney failure;
- allergic reaction to injected contrast;
- presence in the patient's body of metal implants, pacemakers, splinters, staples;
- mental illness, claustrophobia;
- pregnancy, especially the first trimester;
- excessive weight of the patient (more than 120 kg);
- if a nursing mother undergoes the procedure, then after that you can not feed the baby with milk for two days.
In the presence of these conditions, the patient should notify their doctor and the specialists performing the procedure.
Features of the study
Before passingexaminations do not need to be specially prepared. You can take food, liquid, various medicines. The only exception is an MRI of the kidneys with contrast. In this case, do not use strong drugs.
Before the examination, the patient must get rid of all metal objects (rings, watches, earrings, etc.). Then he lies down on a mobile couch, and he is fixed with straps. During this procedure, the patient must be immobile. This results in a high quality image.
The patient is immersed in a tomograph capsule and the body is affected by a magnetic field. He can put on special headphones, because the device is quite loud. The tomograph has a microphone with which the patient communicates with the doctor. The data is displayed on a computer in three dimensions. MRI of the kidney lasts no more than 30 minutes. Pictures and transcripts are usually received on the same day.
Abdominal MRI with contrast
Such a study is prescribed if there is a suspicion of the existence of a tumor. In this case, a special substance is injected intravenously, which, passing through the vessels, begins to stain them, accumulating in organs and tissues. The quality of the images depends on how active the blood flow is in the desired area. The amount of contrast is prescribed, focusing on the weight of the patient. This substance is removed from the body with urine during the day.
Thanks to this study, you can see hollow cysts and dense volumetric formations. In addition, the images assess the fluid in the cyst and diagnose inflammation and bleeding. This procedure is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Many are interested in the question of if an MRI of the kidneys was prescribed, where to do such a study. You can get an examination in diagnostic MRI centers, which are becoming more and more due to the popularity and high accuracy of the procedure.
Conclusion
Thus, if the doctor has ordered an MRI of the kidney, you should not be afraid of such a study, as it is absolutely safe. But there are certain restrictions for its passage, and the doctor must warn the patient about this.
