Indications for MRI

Even small children can undergo MRI. The main thing is that the indications for the use of magnetic waves are confirmed by an experienced doctor. Often, hardware research is recommended for people who fall into the risk group for various oncological diseases, genetic abnormalities and congenital anomalies in the development of internal organs. The examination allows you to study the state of tissues, arteries, veins, elements of the musculoskeletal system layer by layer.

MRI: the principle of operation of the diagnostic unit

There are various myths on the Internet that MRI is fraught with dangerous complications, cell mutations, burns. In fact, no negative changes in the body occur after the procedure. Proof of this are the results of thousands of studies carried out by scientific institutes in various countries (including the specialized commission of the Ministry of Health of Russia).

Magnetic resonance imaging does not use harmful X-rays or radiation. The principle of operation of the device is based on the properties of tissue atomic nuclei to be excited in an electromagnetic field (voltage is up to 3 Tesla). If the procedure is performed correctly, the specialist receives three-dimensional, informative images of the desired location of the body (processing of sections with a thickness of 1 millimeter).

The following types of MRI are used in modern medicine:

• diffusion (studying the correctness of fluid movement inside cells);
• angiography (obtaining data on the condition of blood vessels, their integrity, elasticity);
• perfusion (the best way to control blood flow in case of suspected stroke, ischemia);
• spectroscopy (negative results of biochemical analyses of body fluids are an indication for such an effect).

With the help of such studies, it is possible to quite accurately determine the source of the disease and prescribe the correct, adequate treatment. Tomography allows you to get three-dimensional images of the problem location without harming the body. One of the advantages of the method is non-invasiveness, which means the ability to scan without lengthy, preliminary preparation.

Application area of MRI

It is important to remember that self-diagnosis is strictly prohibited. Any studies should be recommended by an experienced specialist. Before prescribing hardware exposure, the doctor collects anamnesis, visually examines the patient. It is advisable to take blood and urine tests, to exclude any possible restrictions on scanning.

Indications for MRI are quite varied. The use of magnetic waves compares favorably with other similar procedures (ultrasound, radiography, angiography, computed tomography) by the absence of strict prohibitions and a low risk of complications. In most cases, a detailed study of individual locations of the patient's body is used.

Parts of the body to be examined:

• spinal cord (diagnosis of inflammatory processes, intervertebral hernias, benign, malignant neoplasms, cysts, consequences of mechanical damage and other injuries);
• mammary glands (in gynecology, MRI is indicated if there is a suspicion of a pathological condition of a tumor nature, dangerous diseases that occur during lactation, bearing a child);
• joints (using a magnetic field, it is possible to confirm such diseases and pathological conditions as arthritis, osteomyelitis, ligament rupture, meniscus damage);
• abdominal cavity (tomography is recommended for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and, in particular, the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, intestines, duodenum intestines);
• genitourinary system (scanning reveals malformations of the uterus, inflammatory processes of the female reproductive organs, the degree of development of prostatitis, diseases of the bladder, testicles in representatives of the stronger sex).

MRI of the brain

Separately, it is necessary to mention the possibilities of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of the "main controller" of the body. Indications for MRI of the brain:

• aneurysms,
• hematomas,
• cystic formations,
• tumors,
• edema.

The study is indispensable if encephalitis, meningitis, abscess are suspected. If the procedure is performed correctly, it is possible to promptly diagnose pathological conditions that arise in the middle, inner ear, paranasal sinuses, and skull bones.

When is MRI contraindicated?

Any diagnostic manipulation must be carried out with extreme caution. Magnetic resonance imaging rarely causes negative changes in the body, but some complications are still possible. In most cases, problems arise due to improper or insufficient preparation for scanning.

First of all, it is necessary to exclude any contraindications to magnetic wave diagnostics. Absolute prohibitions apply to people with excess weight problems (the device will not be able to scan a person weighing more than 125 kilograms, with a waist over 70 centimeters in diameter). It is forbidden to be in a tense field if you have a pacemaker, ferromagnetic implants in the inner ear, or any metal objects in the body.

Indications for MRI should take into account the risks for pregnant women (first trimester), patients with epilepsy, and patients with mental disorders (claustrophobia). It is important to remember that in order to obtain a detailed image of the area being examined, it is necessary to remain motionless for 15-30 minutes. Children do not always succeed in this. Diagnostics for small patients is performed under light anesthesia.