Renal MRI is a highly accurate procedure with which the abdominal organs are diagnosed, which makes it possible to establish the correct diagnosis, as well as determining the pathogenesis of the developing pathology. This method is based on the use of a magnetic field, as a result of which this procedure is painless and safe. It is prescribed for suspected various diseases of the kidneys and the genitourinary system. So how is an MRI of the kidneys performed, such a study shows? Let's try to figure it out.
What is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging, which is the most informative, provides a high-quality three-dimensional image, due to which an accurate diagnosis is made. For the implementation of MRI of the kidneys and urinary tract there is a minimum of contraindications. The procedure is safe, and it is not necessary to specially prepare for it, as, for example, for ultrasound. Also, kidney MRI is well tolerated by patients due to the fact that its use does not use ionizing radiation.
This procedure is carried out in two ways:
- with contrast - in this case, an iodine solution is injected intravenously, which increases the information content of the study;
- without contrast - used when there is an allergy to the solution.
Indications for appointment
MRI of the kidney is prescribed if it is necessary to establish a diagnosis, as well as to assess the patient's condition before prescribing therapy.
The following indications exist for such a study:
- chronic pain in the lumbar, extending to the pelvis, sides and having an uncertain etiology;
- severe swelling of the face and limbs;
- poor urine test result;
- causeless chills and fever;
- blood discharge in the urine;
- weakness, fatigue and malaise against a background of colic in the lower back;
- pain in urination or a violation of this process.
What allows you to see MRI?
Many patients are interested in the appointment of an MRI of the kidneys: what does this study show in the diagnostic process? Due to the effect of a magnetic field on the body, many hollow organs that are located in the lumbar region can be examined.
Thus, magnetic resonance imaging allows you to see:
- in what condition are the kidneys: the presence of stones, sand, their excretory ability;
- organ structure: its size, morphological features of tissues, pathological processes in the departments;
- condition of blood vessels, as well as patency of the urinary system;
- inflammatory or degenerative processes in the bladder;
- the presence of benign and malignant tumors, as well as metastases;
- bacterial infections of the bladder and other organs.
Advantages and disadvantages of MRI
Such an examination of the abdominal organs has the following advantages: safety, painlessness, maximum informativeness, the ability to identify a large number of diseases at the initial stages of development. X-ray and other modern research methods do not have such a high accuracy of establishing a diagnosis.
MRI of the kidney does not cause any harm to the patient’s health and does not cause complications. However, there are certain restrictions for undergoing such a procedure. These include:
- renal failure;
- an allergic reaction to injected contrast;
- the presence in the patient’s body of metal implants, pacemakers, fragments, staples;
- mental illness, claustrophobia;
- pregnancy, especially the first trimester;
- excessive weight of the patient (more than 120 kg);
- if the procedure is a nursing mother, then after that you can not feed the baby milk for two days.
In the presence of such conditions, the patient should notify his attending physician and specialists conducting the procedure.
Features of the study
Before undergoing the examination, you do not need to somehow specially prepare. You can take food, liquid, various medications. The only exception is an MRI scan of the kidneys with contrast. In this case, you can not use potent drugs.
Before the study, the patient must get rid of all metal objects (rings, watches, earrings, etc.). Then he lays on a mobile couch and is fixed with straps. During this procedure, the patient must be stationary. Thanks to this, a high quality image is obtained.
The patient is immersed in the capsule of the tomograph and exposed to the body by a magnetic field. He can put on special headphones, because the device is quite noisy. The tomograph has a microphone with which the patient communicates with the doctor. Data is displayed on a computer in a three-dimensional image. An MRI of the kidney lasts no more than 30 minutes. Pictures and their interpretation are usually received on the same day.
Abdominal MRI with contrast
Such a study is prescribed if there is a suspicion of the existence of a tumor. In this case, a special substance is administered intravenously, which, passing through the vessels, begins to stain them, accumulating in organs and tissues. The quality of the images depends on how active the bloodstream is in the desired area. The amount of contrast is prescribed, focusing on the weight of the patient. This substance is removed from the body with urine during the day.
Thanks to this study, you can see hollow cysts and dense volume formations. In addition, the fluid in the cyst is evaluated from the images and diagnosed with inflammation and bleeding. This procedure is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Many are interested in the question of if MRI of the kidneys was prescribed, where to do such a study. Examination can be done in diagnostic MRI centers, which are becoming more and more due to the popularity and high accuracy of the procedure.
Conclusion
Thus, if the doctor has prescribed an MRI of the kidney, you should not be afraid of such a study, since it is absolutely safe. But there are certain restrictions for its passage, and the doctor must warn the patient about this.