MRI is not an invasive method of examination, but sometimes it requires the use of contrast agents to enhance the clarity of images. The doctor prescribes this study only in cases where the standard technique is not enough for an objective assessment of the state of the body. The use of modern diagnostic tools is safe and allows you to better consider the smallest details. Sometimes you need to do an MRI with contrast in order to be sure of the diagnosis and start the right treatment in time.
General Procedure Information
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a modern type of diagnosis that allows you to get high-quality images of layered sections of tendons, joints and soft tissues of different organs. Contrast enhancement in the study of the brain may be needed to clarify a dubious diagnosis or detect the smallest tumors. The procedure is painless and very informative. Brain MRI with contrast allows you to quickly and accurately assess the amount of pathological changes in this organ in injuries and many diseases.
Research apparatuses may differ in their power (it is measured in T). When diagnosing brain diseases for high-quality images, it is desirable to carry out the procedure on a tomograph with an indicator of 1-1.5 T. It does not make sense to use a higher resolution, since this power is quite enough, and less sensitive devices can produce not too detailed pictures.
Indications for the study
Unlike conventional MRI, a study using a contrast medium is carried out only according to the doctor’s testimony, usually in medical centers it is not done without a referral with a seal. This is due to the fact that special substances will be introduced into the patient's body that enhance the effect of tissue magnetization. This procedure is carried out only under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, since the body's response to contrast may be different.
Indications for MRI of the brain with a contrast agent:
- suspected pituitary adenoma;
- previously diagnosed tumors of other parts of the brain (to clarify their nature);
- multiple sclerosis;
- severe cases of stroke;
- infectious diseases of the nervous system with severe pathological symptoms;
- detection of metastases of malignant tumors;
- mixed results from a routine study without amplification.
Why is contrast medium used?
In some situations, a clearer display of brain structures is necessary. Typically, MRI with contrast is prescribed for suspected malignant (or benign) brain tumor, as well as the established fact of its presence to determine sizes, boundaries and structures.
A substance based on gadolinium salts is introduced into the patient's body. This is a metal that accumulates in places with increased blood flow (usually this is typical for tumors due to their rapid growth). These areas are clearly visible in the pictures, so it is almost impossible to miss them. Preparations based on this substance are low toxic and rarely cause side effects.
Many serious medical studies can harm a person's health if he is not properly prepared for the procedure. One of them is MRI with contrast. The preparation of the patient and a detailed briefing on his actions before the procedure and during the examination avoids this.
How to prepare for an MRI?
Before MRI with contrast, the patient should refrain from eating food and water for 2 hours before the procedure. This is due to the introduction of drugs into the body (with conventional diagnostics, you can eat and drink). Before research, a person needs to remove all metal products (rings, earrings, clothes with fasteners). For the procedure, the patient is usually provided with spacious disposable clothing that does not contain materials that interfere with scanning. You cannot bring a mobile phone and other electronics, payment cards, keys, etc. into the room where the tomograph is located.
An important point is the psychological preparation for the diagnostic procedure. Given that during the study you need to be 20-30 minutes practically in a confined space, without moving or talking, the right attitude is important. With an MRI of the brain with contrast, the apparatus makes noises and various sounds. Therefore, to protect the ears, a person puts on special headphones.
MRI with contrast: how is the procedure done?
Initially, the patient undergoes a conventional magnetic resonance examination without the use of a contrast medium. This is necessary in order to further compare the results and to have a more complete clinical picture. Then the patient leaves the device, and he is injected intravenously under the supervision of a resuscitator with drugs for contrast enhancement.
Despite the fact that modern similar medicines do not contain iodine and are practically non-toxic, a person needs to carefully listen to the sensations in his body after their introduction. If everything is in order (there is no dizziness, nausea, pain in the abdomen and head, sensation of heat), then the patient undergoes an MRI again. During the intravenous catheter study, fresh doses of the drug are gradually given in parallel with the scanning process.
Does MRI cause pain or discomfort?
MRI does not cause a person pain or other discomfort during the study. The body can sometimes feel a slight warmth or tingling sensation, although most often people physically feel nothing at all. The introduction of contrast in most cases is well tolerated. However, sometimes there are cases of individual hypersensitivity or allergies.
The main discomfort associated with MRI is the psychological stress in some people due to the cramped space. There is enough air in the apparatus, and the design is made so that part of the patient’s body is outside. To calm down, the patient needs to understand that during the study the doctor observes him, the whole process is completely under control. A special pear is inserted into the hand of all patients, connected by a wire to the sound sensor, which can be squeezed with very strong excitement. This will give a signal to the doctor that you need to stop the process and give the patient time to calm down.
Contraindications
Contraindications to MRI with contrast are relative and absolute. The final decision on the possibility of the procedure is always made by the doctor. A study with a contrast medium is completely excluded in such conditions:
- the presence of pacemakers;
- elements from metals that are magnetized into the human body;
- severe renal impairment;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- a recent liver transplant;
- allergy to the components of the contrast medium.
Relative contraindications include claustrophobia and body weight of more than 120 kg (in most devices this is the maximum allowable weight limit). If there are tattoos on the patient’s body, it is necessary to check with the master who performed it if the metals are not part of the dye used in the procedure.
MRI with contrast: patient reviews
People's reviews of MRI are mostly neutral or positive. Most patients do not experience special sensations during the examination. Sometimes it is difficult for people to lie, almost without moving, for about half an hour in an enclosed space. Almost all patients noted high results of brain MRI with contrast, because the medical report completely describes all the necessary structures. For making a diagnosis in neurosurgery, this is a leading method, which is also painless and quick in time.
Judging by patient reviews, allergies or contrast intolerance are very rare. The unpleasant effect of the drug is sometimes manifested only by slight dizziness, which quickly passes. Thanks to MRI with contrast, many sick people managed to learn about tumors in the early stages, which allowed them to be removed on time or to begin conservative treatment.