There are a number of methods that allow you to explore the function of the internal structures of the body, while obtaining a layered image of the organ under study. Such studies include tomography methods - computer and magnetic resonance.
The essence of the method
Tomography is based on obtaining images of organs and bones after exposure to a certain type of radiation. With computed tomography (CT) it is x-rays, with magnetic resonance (MRI) it is magnetic radiation. In the study, radiation passes through tissues and organs, many images are obtained from different angles, then the intelligent system of the apparatus creates a three-dimensional image.
CT allows you to see the size of organs and bones, to identify the displacement of internal organs and the presence of tumor processes, but it is not able to assess their functional state. This method is prescribed for the study of blood vessels, chest, bone structures, hollow organs.
MRI, compared with CT, allows you to determine the condition of soft tissues, ligaments, tendons. Bycompared to the first method, it is safe, can be used in pregnant women, which is of no small importance.
MRI device
The appearance of the CT and MRI apparatus does not differ and is a moving table on which the patient is located, and a camera that reads information from different positions.
The MRI machine can be open or closed. Closed is a sealed chamber in which the patient is placed. Open devices are more modern, the patient is delivered to the study area, while remaining in an open space, which is convenient for people with a large body weight and those who are afraid of confined spaces. However, at the same time, closed devices are more often used, since they have 2 times more power than open systems.
MRI of the pelvis in women
If any disease of the lumbar region is suspected, a tomographic examination is almost always prescribed. MRI of the pelvis in women allows you to identify problems of the vagina, uterus, ovaries, rectum, bladder, organs of the lymphatic system. The range of diagnostic issues that this technique allows to identify is quite wide.
What does a pelvic MRI show in women? Indications for the appointment of the study are traumatic injuries of the lumbar region with impaired organ function, if a tumor is suspected inthis area, to assess the degree of damage to organs with an existing tumor. In addition, the category of what MRI of the pelvic organs shows in women includes inflammatory diseases of the above organs.
Preparing for the study
Many are interested in the question of what is needed for research. For MRI of the pelvis in women, special preparation is not required, usually, before the study, he alth workers themselves take into account the necessary factors and give the necessary recommendations.
- Firstly, the examination should be carried out on a suitable day of the cycle, when the functional load on the internal genital organs is optimal - this is either the 6-12th day of the cycle, or the second half of it. Examination is prohibited during menstruation.
- For MRI of the small pelvis in women, preparation should include dietary adjustments during the day before the study. Foods that can impair the visualization of organs are excluded from the diet - cabbage, black bread, sour-milk products, drinks with gases, etc.
- The day before you need to take activated charcoal in the required dosage or another drug that reduces the level of gases in the intestines.
- Before the study, you must drink no-shpu or its analogues.
- An enema is indicated, but in practice a laxative can be dispensed with more often.
- Don't urinate a few hours before the MRI.
When research is not done
Despite the fact that MRI of the pelvis in women shows many diseases, there are a number of limitations for which the method does notmay be applicable.
A relative contraindication is pregnancy in the 1st trimester, a serious condition of the patient, the presence of advanced chronic heart failure.
And certainly MRI is contraindicated in the presence of metal implants in the body of the subject (after all, the basis of exposure is magnetic radiation); in diseases of the nervous system, when it is impossible to remain still; body weight over 150 kg, body circumference over 150 cm.
In the presence of renal failure and the need for a study with a contrast agent, the study is also not performed due to the difficulty of removing the substance from the body.
MRI and infertility
One often comes across the question of whether a pelvic MRI can help in any way in women diagnosed with infertility.
To do this, you need to address the causes of this disease. Of course, there are many reasons for infertility, because a combination of many factors is necessary for conception. However, from an anatomical point of view, the violation may lie in the anatomical failure of the internal genital organs, as shown by MRI of the pelvic organs in women. For the most part, we are talking about disorders in the ovaries and uterus. To establish the causes of infertility, a voluminous complex series of studies is being carried out, and many may object that developmental anomalies can also be detected on ultrasound. Yes, this is true, but what MRI of the pelvis shows in women with infertility allows one to find both anatomical errors andfunctional disorders. The high accuracy of tomography results allows you to confirm or refute the results of other research methods.
MRI results in women with infertility
As mentioned above, tomography allows you to determine the presence of inflammatory diseases. One of the most dangerous pathologies is endometritis. The appearance of myomatous nodes and polyps in the uterine cavity, which is shown by MRI of the small pelvis in women, also makes it difficult for the fetus to implant into the uterus. These pathologies are acquired; along with them, congenital pathologies are important, which a woman may not be aware of until she is faced with a diagnosis of "infertility".
Sexually transmitted infections cause partial blockage of the fallopian tubes in a certain number of cases, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to reach the uterus.
MRI to detect these anomalies is often prescribed due to its painlessness and high efficiency.
Carrying out the procedure
Before coming to the study, as a rule, patients have little idea of what awaits them.
The procedure is carried out within 30-60 minutes, depending on the scope of the study. Before the examination, the patient removes all metal objects from himself, then goes to the room with the apparatus.
At the command of the medical worker, the subject is placed on the table of the tomograph, which places him in the exposure zone. When performing an MRI of the pelvis in women (the reviews of many patients say this), almost the onlythe inconvenience of having to be still.
Because the apparatus is quite noisy, the subject is put on headphones. When inhalation, exhalation or other manipulations are necessary, the patient hears commands through the switch.
What shows the MRI of the pelvis in women, he alth workers have the opportunity to immediately see on the computer screen, the images are recorded on a disk, which is given to the patient. Additionally, a paper version of the conclusion is given for subsequent contact with the attending doctor.
In order to have a more detailed understanding of the MRI of the pelvis in women, photos of the results of the examination are presented above.
MRI patient reviews
Listening to the opinions of those people who had to deal with this procedure, we can conclude that MRI is now very popular among patients. Many people ask the doctor to prescribe this method, but not every clinic can afford to purchase this device. Therefore, today the registration for the study is made in the direction of a specialist and several months in advance.
First of all, people are attracted by the wide scope of its application, the high accuracy of the results. In addition, MRI does not cause pain, which is very important for the subjects. According to patients, this largely determines the wide popularity of the method.
