When a chest MRI is done - what does the diagnosis show? The method is a reliable way to display in a graphic plan modifications of various tissues: inflammation, damage to the structure of organs, neoplasms. Chest MRI is most often used in cases of suspicion of serious illness, since the procedure is quite expensive for a routine examination of the body.
Design features of equipment for MRI
The diagnostic equipment used in the research has the form of a dimensional cylindrical installation, the walls of which are surrounded by a powerful magnet. During the procedure, the patient is in a horizontal position. He lies on a special table that moves inside the device. The part of the system that interprets the results of the study is located in a room adjacent to the scanning device.
Some devices contain a short tunnel in which the magnetic field does not completely surround the patient. In particular, the use of equipment with free space on the sides opens up the possibility for diagnosing the condition of the body of obese people, as well as people who suffer from claustrophobia. The most innovative systems make it possible to produce truly high-quality MRI of the neck and chest. The clarity of the graphic image obtained on the monitor is somewhat affected when using devices with an old magnet, as well as when there are open walls of the structure.
What is the diagnosis aimed at?
Why is a chest MRI done? What does the study show? As a result of the diagnosis, specialists are able to draw conclusions about the following:
- The presence of abnormal neoplasms, in particular, cancer cells in the structure of tissues of internal organs. For these purposes, such diagnostics are resorted to if there is no possibility to obtain adequate research results using other, less expensive imaging methods.
- The development of pathological tumors that are prone to damage to neighboring organs.
- The condition of the heart muscle and adjacent structures.
- The dynamics of blood flow in the heart chambers and blood vessels.
- The processes that occur in the lymph nodes and circulatory network of the chest.
- Morphological changes in bone tissue (sternum, ribs, vertebrae) and soft structures (muscles, subcutaneous fat).
- The degree of defeat of the pleura and mediastinum, the signs of which were identified earlier using the CT method or radiography.
Study requirements
MRI of the chest involves the use of a special hospital gown. At the same time, when performing diagnostics, it is allowed to place the patient in the device in everyday clothes. But only on condition that there is no metal fittings on things. As for the refusal of food intake before the diagnosis, then there are no clear instructions and requirements. However, in order to avoid discomfort, patients should still refrain from eating. First of all, this concerns cases when it is planned to conduct diagnostics with the introduction of contrast agents into the tissues. As the latter, gadolinium-based solutions are usually used. And although such compounds rarely cause a negative effect on the body, it is recommended to avoid their use if the patient suffers from chronic renal failure.
In cases where an MRI of the chest is performed in infants, preparation for the study involves the introduction of sedatives into the body. They have a calming effect on the nervous system. This approach to the organization of the procedure allows you to make the child remain motionless during the diagnosis. At the same time, sedation is trusted exclusively to experienced anesthetists.
Among other things, MRI of the chest organs is performed only if the following items are removed from the patient’s body:
- Metal jewelry and jewelry.
- Credit cards that may be damaged when exposed to electromagnetic radiation from the device.
- Hearing aids.
- Metal dentures.
- Body piercing, which can lead to image distortion.
Warnings
Performing an MRI of the chest can under the personal responsibility of the patient in the presence of:
- Metal clips that are embedded in brain tissue during aneurysms.
- Deputy blood vessels.
- Artificial heart valves.
- Infusion pump.
- Endoprosthesis joints.
- Pacemakers, defibrillators, other electronic devices.
- Stimulants of the work of nerve endings.
- Metal pins, plates, screws, surgical staples.
- A bullet, fragments, other objects made of metal, the displacement of which under the influence of a magnetic field can lead to complications.
Patient behavior during the procedure
When performing diagnostics, some restrictions are imposed on human actions. MRI of the chest makes it possible to obtain clear high-quality images only if the patient’s body is in a completely stationary position, up to a delay in breathing. Strong excitement, the presence of fear and other manifestations of anxiety can adversely affect the receipt of accurate diagnostic results.
Are chest MRIs pregnant?
If a woman needs a diagnosis at the stage of gestation, it is necessary to provide the specialist with comprehensive information about the course of pregnancy. In fact, the results of numerous studies indicate the absence of a harmful effect of the electromagnetic field on the health of still unformed babies. However, in order to avoid trouble, the procedure is still not recommended for women in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Where to go for diagnostics?
Where to get a chest MRI? Magnetic resonance imaging is carried out by special laboratories in state medical institutions. If you wish, you can contact a private clinic that has this kind of equipment for help. Experienced staff will do a chest MRI. Where can I analyze the results? The radiologist decrypts the graphic images. After interpreting the information received, the specialist makes a conclusion, which is sent to the attending physician of the patient.
Benefits of the diagnostic method
Which is better: CT or MRI of the chest? Unlike the first research method, magnetic resonance imaging does not imply a negative effect on the body of ionizing radiation. In addition, compared with CT, the images obtained are clearer, which allows specialists to examine the structure of tissues in detail, resorting to conventional imaging. These features make the procedure an indispensable tool for identifying cardiovascular pathologies in the early stages of development.
MRI of the chest - mediastinum, examination of the valvular heart apparatus, vascular network, bone tissue - allows you to identify the first prerequisites for the formation of malignant tumors. Moreover, the diagnostic procedure allows the researcher to observe abnormalities due to bones, which is problematic if other common imaging methods are used. Another advantage of magnetic resonance imaging is the use of the safest contrasting gadolinium material. Compared with iodine-containing fluids that are introduced into the body during CT or X-ray, the above substance only in exceptional cases leads to allergic reactions.
Possible discomfort for the patient
As practice shows, being in the apparatus of magnetic resonance imaging is painless for most patients. The main discomfort is the need to maintain complete calm in a fairly enclosed space. During diagnosis, an increase in body temperature in the studied area can be observed. If the manifestation worries the patient too much, the latter should report the discomfort to the doctor who is carrying out the procedure. Shooting images with MRI is accompanied by rather sharp unexpected clicks. In order for the patient to remain motionless, he may be offered earplugs or special headphones, which suppress buzz and loud sounds.
If a contrast agent is introduced into the body, the patient may feel a rush of blood to the face, slight coolness throughout the body, and an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth. However, such sensations disappear naturally in a few minutes. If sedatives were not used to calm the patient, the person does not need recovery after the procedure. Otherwise, a feeling of local pain, slight nausea may occur. Such manifestations should be reported to the observer, who will immediately provide first aid and eliminate discomfort.
Features of diagnostics
Magnetic resonance imaging can be performed both during hospitalization and on an outpatient basis. The nurse conveniently places the patient on a special table. The body is fixed with straps, rollers are placed under the head and limbs, which allows the parts of the body to remain motionless. Electrodes are installed on the site to be examined, which receive and send radio waves. In the case of using a contrast medium, a catheter is inserted into the patient's vein, where a bottle containing saline is attached. The fluid used prevents clogging of the tubes through which the contrast medium passes. Next, the patient is placed inside an electromagnetic device. The medical staff leaves the office and goes into the next room, from which the functions of the device for creating images are actually controlled.
Risks during the procedure
MRI of the chest, which shows detailed images of tissues and organs, does not pose a threat to human health and life, but only if the specialists are properly prepared for the diagnosis and do not neglect the safety requirements. With the introduction of contrast material, there is a slight risk of allergic reactions. However, such manifestations are easily stopped thanks to the use of appropriate medications. For people suffering from nephrogenic fibrosis, there is a risk of solidification of the contrast agent in the tissues when the latter is excreted from the body. A thorough preliminary diagnosis of kidney function allows you to avoid such negative consequences.
Finally
So, when do chest MRIs - what does the study show? The procedure aimed at obtaining images of deep tissues is widely used in preparation for serious operations. They resort to a similar kind of diagnosis during the rehabilitation period to monitor the effectiveness of the drugs used. In general, the need for magnetic resonance imaging is due to the need to obtain the most accurate, reliable diagnostic results. Moreover, one of the main advantages of the method is its safety and the almost complete absence of side effects.