The condition of the liver significantly affects the overall well-being of a person. This body has a huge number of functions. The liver works as a filter and synthesizer of blood protein, it accumulates and breaks down glucose, is involved in the production of bile, and neutralizes toxic substances. At every moment in time, an unimaginable amount of chemical reactions take place in this organ. This means that if you experience pain, fatigue, or if the skin color changes, you should urgently consult a doctor, pass the prescribed tests and undergo an MRI of the liver.
Modern diagnostic method
Many patients tend to be wary of obscure terms, and just in case, refuse the procedure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a modern way to diagnose internal organs. During the process, the doctor receives a layered image of the necessary part or the whole organism. As a result, he can visually assess the state of the organ, consider its features and pathologies. For example, invisible with other methods of examining the neoplasm, it can be considered with an MRI of the liver, which shows the maximum effectiveness of the method, allowing timely assistance to the patient.
When is it advisable to prescribe an MRI of the liver?
Liver tomography helps to make or confirm a diagnosis, and in some cases serves to refute an erroneous diagnosis. This procedure recognizes many diseases at an early stage when ultrasound and x-rays are powerless.
When you see a doctor, you will receive an appointment for an MRI of the liver if you suspect:
- cirrhosis of the liver ;
- organ abscess
- the appearance of neoplasms;
- tissue degeneration;
- dystrophy;
- various injuries;
- the formation of stones in the gallbladder or ducts;
- hepatitis.
For example, having discovered a tumor, the doctor will be able not only to determine its size, but also to obtain an accurate description, as well as detect metastases. A layered image allows you to examine the vessels during an MRI of the liver, which shows their patency, the presence or absence of congenital anomalies.
The patient is referred for MRI if it is necessary to establish the suitability and suitability of the liver for transplantation or to evaluate the effect of the chosen treatment method.
How to prepare for the procedure?
In the case of a planned diagnosis, preparation takes 2-3 days. To obtain accurate, undistorted, results, a carbohydrate-free diet is prescribed. 24 hours before the diagnosis should not eat fiber, dairy products and soda. This also applies to mineral waters and sweet drinks. Before an MRI of the liver, there should be a break in food intake for at least five hours.
An urgent procedure, for example, if an organ injury is suspected, is performed without prior preparation.
How is the procedure going?
All metal jewelry is removed from the patient, without exception. Clothing should be free, comfortable and without iron fittings. Removable metal dentures and hearing aids are always removed.
The patient is placed on a special retractable table, which slides into the tunnel of the diagnostic apparatus. MRI of the liver takes about 30 minutes. In some cases, the procedure takes much longer, and all this time it is necessary to remain motionless. However, you should not worry, the device is equipped with internal lighting and an air supply system. The patient is completely safe.
MRI with contrast
To increase the accuracy of diagnosis, liver MRI with contrast may be recommended. A special contrast agent is injected into a vein. It spreads through an extensive network of blood vessels and capillaries, allowing you to more clearly detail the tissue. MRI with contrast can be used to detect clogging or narrowing of veins, detecting processes of tissue change, determining injuries and neoplasms (tumors).
Which diagnostics are safer - MRI or CT?
Sometimes the doctor does not prescribe an MRI scan, but a CT scan of the liver. What is the difference? MRI is based on determining the electromagnetic response of atomic nuclei when there is strong tension in a magnetic field. And computed tomography (abbreviation CT) - on measuring the difference in x-ray radiation passing through tissues of different densities. Both of these methods scan organs in layers and display high-resolution images. These methods are not invasive and painless. The X-ray dose for liver CT scan is minimal compared to a simple X-ray. With a one-time scan, both methods are safe. However, frequent and prolonged CT scans increase the radiation dose, which can cause an unwanted reaction of the body.
The choice of diagnostic method can only be done by a doctor, based on the individual needs of the patient. Sometimes, to clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to prescribe several different examination methods.
Contraindications
Both methods have a number of relative and absolute contraindications. Contraindications for MRI include:
- excess body weight exceeding permissible norms for the device;
- the presence of metal pins, implants, fragments;
- heart rate stimulator and artificial heart valve;
- claustrophobia;
- renal failure;
- allergic reaction to contrast.
CT of the liver can be performed in the presence of metal particles in the body. Contraindications are:
- pregnancy;
- diabetes;
- renal failure;
- thyroid lesions;
- myeloma.
Diagnosis is not carried out with excess body weight and allergic reactions to contrast.
When diagnosing, the doctor must consider that some patients are not able to pay for expensive procedures. In this case, instead of an MRI of the liver, the price of which starts at 5,500 rubles, it is advisable to appoint a CT scan (the cost of the procedure in different clinics ranges from 4,000 to 8,500 rubles).