MRI is an effective and painless diagnostic method that allows you to examine in detail the pathological changes and structure of the soft tissues of the body, bones, ligaments and muscles. The result in most cases is ready within an hour after the study, which makes it possible not to delay the examination and the choice of treatment tactics.
But, unfortunately, not all people can have an MRI. Contraindications and limitations to this study are mainly associated with the presence of metal in the body and some diseases. A body weight of more than 120 kg can also be an obstacle to this procedure, although there are some tomographs that make it possible for patients weighing up to 180 kg to be diagnosed.
Absolute contraindications to all types of MRI
There are conditions that are incompatible with MRI. Contraindications of this group completely exclude the possibility of this diagnostic procedure. Such a study can not be carried out for people with established pacemakers, because the magnetic field leads to disturbances in the operation of this device. Due to damaged microcircuits, the heart rhythm can go astray, and a serious danger will be threatened to human health (even death).
It is impossible to perform MRI for those patients who have artificial elements made of magnetizable materials installed in their body, because they can become very hot and deformed during operation of the device. If a person has tattoos on his body for which paint with similar metals was used, he is also forbidden to carry out this diagnostic procedure.
Relative contraindications for MRI
There are a number of conditions in which patients are not always able to perform MRI. Contraindications of this group are relative, therefore, subject to certain conditions, a person can still undergo this study. These include:
- fear of confined space;
- pregnancy;
- chronic heart failure;
- mental illness;
- the inability to stay in a calm lying position for a long time without moving at the same time.
Ceramic-metal crowns in most cases are made of materials that are not magnetized, so their presence in the body is not a ban on MRI. The same applies to
intrauterine devices and titanium implants of any localization. A contraindication for mental illness can be neglected if the patient undergoes a study under the influence of sedatives and the supervision of a doctor.
MRI with contrast: contraindications to the procedure
To enhance individual sections of the images, MRI with a contrast medium is sometimes performed. Such a study is effective for the differential diagnosis of tumors and the detection of neoplasms of the smallest sizes. In addition to the standard contraindications, MRI with contrast is not performed in such conditions and diseases:
- an allergic reaction to the drug to enhance the image;
- pregnancy and lactation (for research with contrast, this is an absolute contraindication);
- severe chronic impaired renal function;
- recently performed liver transplantation.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Restrictions
During MRI, the human body does not receive radiation exposure (as, for example, with X-ray or CT), but lends itself to the action of a strong magnetic field. In addition, in many patients, a prolonged stay in a cramped space is accompanied by psychological discomfort. Since pregnant women should not stress their bodies, this study is definitely not recommended in the 1st trimester, when all the organs of the fetus are just forming.
The passage of MRI in the 2nd and 3rd trimester is possible only according to strict indications. This decision should be made by the attending physician, weighing the diagnostic benefit and risk. Women in position and nursing mothers should not be given contrast for MRI. Contraindications to this are due to the fact that the drug can adversely affect the intrauterine development of the child or enter the body of the newborn during breastfeeding.
MRI of the spine: contraindications for the study
To diagnose hernias, osteochondrosis, and other degenerative-dystrophic changes, you need to examine the spine. To distinguish these conditions from inflammation of the sciatic nerve and radiculitis, the patient is often prescribed lumbar MRI. Contraindications to this procedure are basically the same as the general limitations for all types of this study. But there are also some specific points that are associated with the localization of the examination area.
You can not have an MRI of the back in such cases:
- the patient received an acute spinal injury, which requires urgent surgical intervention (MRI is carried out about 10-15 minutes, and sometimes such a delay can be life-threatening);
- the patient cannot lie calmly on his back due to a strong pain syndrome that cannot be stopped with painkillers.
MRI of the spine, like any other area, cannot be performed if fragments of unknown material are stuck in the human body.