Modern science does not stand still. New methods are being created for more accurate diagnosis of various diseases. One of the most promising and informative methods of examination is MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. Reviews of this procedure are found more and more often. So what is this method, and why is it so good?
What is an MRI?
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a relatively young method, but extremely informative. It is based on the use of nuclear magnetic resonance - measuring the response of the charge of the nuclei of hydrogen atoms when exposed to a constant magnetic pulse.
When performing an MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space, a magnetic field is created. Getting into it, the spin of the nucleus (magnetic charge) is oriented in a certain way in the field, as a result of which some measurement of its charge occurs.
Since the human body is 70 percent water, it is possible to fix the charge of hydrogen atoms located in all tissues andorgans.
Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain reliable information about the state of a particular area of the body without resorting to surgical intervention or to determine the indications for such an operation. MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space can also determine the presence of tumors or foreign formations.
With the help of a computer, it is possible to simulate a visual projection of human organs and determine possible deviations or changes in their structure.
Subtypes of magnetic resonance imaging
MRI can be used for many purposes. It is because of this that some types of procedures were created to assess the condition of cells, vessels and organs. There are the following types of tomography:
- MR-diffusion - allows you to evaluate the flow of intracellular fluid inside tissues. This method is based on the diagnosis of ischemic strokes of parenchymal organs at the early stages of the development of the process.
- MR perfusion. Assesses blood flow in various parts of the human body. Especially often used to diagnose diseases of the liver and abdominal organs.
- MR spectroscopy. Determines the activity of biochemical processes taking place in cells.
- MRA - magnetic resonance angiography - a type of MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space with contrast, used to accurately visualize the vessels in this area. Used in the diagnosis of internal bleeding.
Method of carrying outresearch
This study is infrequent due to the huge queues and the high cost of the procedure. However, you should be aware of how it is carried out. How should an MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space be performed? Preparation for it includes the following steps:
- Moral preparation of the patient. It is an extremely important point. First of all, the doctor must obtain consent to conduct the study. The doctor must tell the patient what the peculiarity of the abdominal MRI is, what is included in the procedure, as well as talk about the possible results and determine the indications and contraindications for the study.
- The study itself is carried out in a specially prepared room. The patient is placed on a platform that places the patient in the apparatus. The diagnostician, operating the device, localizes it to the area that needs to be examined.
The procedure is quite lengthy, as the doctor needs to obtain information about all the structures located in the study area. As a result, so-called cuts are formed perpendicular to the axis of the body. By analyzing them, it is possible to obtain complete information about the state of the body.
Interpretation of results
As mentioned, as a result of the study, sections are formed that pass through the plane of the body during MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. What are slices? This is conventionally called a perpendicular section of the human body withauthorities located in his zone.
Slices allow you to identify different structures in the study area.
The sensitivity of the device allows you to detect even the smallest formations (at least up to 2-3 millimeters), which is quite promising in the diagnosis of oncology, organ cysts and minor injuries.
Slice analysis provides information about a growing tumor, determines the direction of its growth, as well as the presence of metastases.
All slices are grouped on pictures (about 9 on one). Each such picture carries information about a specific area of the body. A database of images is being created, thanks to which you can track the course of the disease in dynamics.
With the correct definition of all structures, it is possible to make a correct diagnosis and determine the further course of action.
What diseases are diagnosed by MRI?
Almost any pathology can be detected during magnetic resonance imaging. It is widely used in such fields of medicine as oncology, traumatology, neurology.
Main diseases that can be detected by MRI:
- Herniated spinal cord.
- Osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis.
- Congenital narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Cavity formations in the spine, as well as surrounding organs and tissues.
- Diseases of the kidneys, liver, pancreas.
- Tumors and tumor-like diseases.
Exceptin addition, MRI allows you to determine the state of the body after surgery; identify the functional features of organs and tissues, compare the results with the norm and determine the diagnosis.
MRI is often performed in patients with complaints of the nervous system (dizziness, blurred vision, flickering, sensory disturbances).
Indications for testing
In what cases is the appointment of magnetic resonance imaging necessary? It is carried out according to the following indications:
- Suspicion of a tumor process. It is MRI that makes it possible to detect atypical formations up to 2-3 millimeters in size, even if the clinic has not yet manifested itself.
- Visualization of hematomas. The penetrating power of the magnetic field makes it possible to detect liquid formations (especially cysts) in many organs. This is also applicable for visualization of hematomas formed as a result of trauma or severe bruises, accompanied by hemorrhage into soft tissues or under the periosteum.
- In traumatology, MRI may be prescribed to detect small bone fragments formed as a result of a fracture, but not visualized, or foreign bodies that have entered the wound, but are not visible to the naked eye.
- Diagnostic tomography is possible to determine the functional capacity of organs and tissues.
Contraindications to the procedure
In what cases it is impossible to do an MRI of the abdominal cavity? There are many contraindications for this study.but the main ones are:
- The presence of a pacemaker. If it is placed in the magnetic field generated by the machine, the stimulator settings may malfunction, which may lead to adverse effects.
- Presence in the body of foreign bodies of a metallic nature (implants, piercings, stuck metal particles after accidents or armed conflicts, etc.).
- Pregnancy. During the procedure, the intracellular fluid is heated. For us, this temperature is practically not felt, but for a growing fetus, such a change can lead to the development of a miscarriage or improper tissue laying.
- Artificial heart valves. Placing patients in a magnetic field may cause prolapse or detachment of the established structure.
- Tattoos based on metallic paints.
The opinion of doctors and patients regarding this procedure
Despite the fact that MRI has appeared relatively recently, it has already managed to gain the respect of doctors in many speci alties.
Particularly appreciated by MRI surgeons of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. Their reviews and opinions largely agree, since a preliminary MRI gives a complete picture of the abdominal cavity. Based on these data, it becomes possible to plan the operation, taking into account all kinds of inconsistencies and the risk that is mandatory for each surgical intervention.
Patients also praise this study. Thanks to him, many were able to get answers to their questions.he alth questions. No similar procedure is as informative as MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. The reviews of most people are positive, despite the complexity of the procedure, its cost and queues lining up for a month or even two.
Need for research
Most often, the question of whether the patient needs such a procedure is decided by the doctor. It is he who, comparing the available data on the state of he alth, makes a verdict: does he need this procedure to clarify the diagnosis or can it be neglected.
Usually a doctor offers this procedure to a patient, but most often the possibility of its implementation depends on the queue (especially if it is a district center, and there is only one device) and cost (on average, this study costs about $ 100), but not all patients can afford MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. Reviews about the procedure often also affect the negative side - “the study had to wait quite a long time”, “there were not enough funds”. It is because of this that one should carefully consider whether the procedure is really necessary for the patient or whether it can be neglected.
In some cases, when a person's life is in question, an MRI is performed urgently, without obtaining the consent of the victim or his relatives.
