The adrenal glands are called glands that are located above the kidneys. They consist of two layers. One of them is called cortical, and the second is called cerebral. These two layers have different functional tasks. Cortical produces steroids. The brain layer produces hormones such as HC. Endocrine-type adrenal diseases are much less common than similar diseases of other organs. But their peculiarity lies in the fact that they respond worse to treatment, and the patient may also have complications in the body.
Various methods are used to diagnose the pathology of these organs. The most effective method of examination is adrenal MRI. Through it, you can see how these organs work. The sooner any deviation from the norm in the work of the adrenal glands is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment will be. The identification of pathology at an early stage can make it possible to do without any consequences for the body.
In what cases is appointed?
The task of the adrenal glands is to produce hormones. The latter are necessary for the functioning of the whole organism. The adrenal glands are an important link in the work of the whole human body. If a failure occurs in their work, then this is reflected in the whole body. Violation of the normal functioning of the adrenal glands can seriously affect human health and become a threat to his life.
In connection with the above, an important point is the early detection of any malfunctioning of the adrenal glands.
There is statistics that most often gives way to pathological changes in the cortex of these organs. There are a number of changes in the human body, in the event of which you need to immediately contact a medical institution for examination and diagnosis. These include:
- High blood pressure.
- Weight gain in a short period of time.
- The appearance of puffiness on the face.
- The appearance of stretch marks on the skin. This is due to weight gain.
- Diabetes.
- Impaired functioning of the immune system of the human body.
- Osteoporosis.
If a person applies to the medical facility with the above symptoms, the doctor will prescribe him an MRI or CT scan.
MRI of the adrenal glands. What does it show?
Through MRI, you can see the changes that have occurred in the adrenal glands of the patient. They are mainly associated with the appearance of tumors in them. The latter can be benign or malignant.
In order for the patient to undergo MRI of the adrenal glands, it is necessary to have the direction of the attending physician. If it is not, then you can go through the examination yourself. But you will have to pay for it. It should also be remembered that the result of the examination should be deciphered. And this can only be done by a qualified specialist. Therefore, it will be better if the doctor gives a referral to MRI. He will then decipher the result and prescribe the necessary treatment.
What is an MRI with contrast agent?
In order to distinguish a malignant tumor from a benign one, an adrenal MRI with a contrast agent is prescribed to the patient. Surveys with this tool are different in that it is carried out quite quickly. Usually this procedure lasts no more than a quarter of an hour. For a given period of time, the patient is injected with a contrast agent, a magnetic resonance examination is made and the substance is removed.
MRI of the kidneys and adrenal glands is prescribed to the patient after surgery. This examination allows you to evaluate how the intervention was carried out, any complications are present or absent.
Price
How much does an adrenal gland MRI cost? Examination prices are different. But you should know that MRI is not cheap. Therefore, as an option, those patients who do not have enough funds are offered to undergo computed tomography. The minimum cost of an adrenal MRI is four thousand rubles. The average cost is 8,000 rubles.
MRI of the adrenal glands. How are they doing and what preparation is needed?
It is worth saying that you do not need to prepare for any examination in a special way. The only requirement to adhere to is a refusal of food for at least 6 hours before use.
Also, on the eve, you should refrain from drinking alcohol, drinks that contain gases, and foods that include coarse fiber. It is also not recommended to use dairy products.
Contraindications
What contraindications exist for adrenal MRI?
- If a person weighs more than 150 kilograms.
- In the first trimester of pregnancy, this examination is contraindicated.
- If a person suffers from epilepsy, then it is also impossible to do an adrenal MRI.
- An allergic reaction of the body to a contrast medium.
- If the patient's body is prone to fainting.
- During a period when a woman is breastfeeding, adrenal MRI cannot be done.
- It is also worthwhile to warn the attending physician if there are any metal objects in the body, for example, implants. In addition, magnetic and electronic devices are a contraindication to the procedure.
Computed tomography of the adrenal gland
Diseases of the adrenal glands can be affected by people of different affluence, as well as other ailments. As mentioned above, MRI is a rather expensive procedure. Therefore, there is an alternative procedure, it is called computed tomography.
According to the results of the examination through this procedure, you can also detect the presence of benign and malignant tumors in the adrenal glands. In order to conduct a CT scan, the patient needs to prepare. In addition to preparation, he should be tested.
The cost of computed tomography is much lower. This is due to the fact that cheaper equipment is used for the examination. Also, related materials are not so expensive.
There is another significant difference between MRI and CT. During the latter, the patient's body is exposed to x-ray radiation. MRI only emits a magnetic field. Thus, MRI does not cause any harm to the body of the subject. From the foregoing, it becomes clear that computed tomography is a budget option for conducting a survey of this type. But its repeated carrying out is not recommended. If another examination is required, the doctor prescribes an MRI
Adrenal glands. Symptoms of the disease in women
The body of a woman is prone to a change in the hormonal background. The main function of the adrenal glands is the production of hormones. The main violations in the work of organs are associated with insufficient production of these substances.
How to understand that you should check the adrenal glands? Symptoms of the disease in women can be different. Since their nature depends on the ailment that is present in the body. For example, symptoms may include the following:
- fragility of bones;
- lack of libido;
- malfunctions of the menstrual cycle;
- tendency to high blood pressure;
- obesity;
- drowsiness;
- increased weakness;
- panic attacks;
- increased irritability;
- headache;
- frequent muscle cramps.
- decreased appetite;
- bluish lips;
- unnatural thinness appears;
- tachycardia;
- severe tiredness;
- tremor of limbs;
- increased gas formation;
- depressive states.
In these and some other cases, the doctor may prescribe an adrenal MRI.