Modern science does not stand still. New methods are being created for more accurate diagnosis of various diseases. One of the most promising and informative methods of examination is an MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. Reviews about this procedure are found more and more. So what is this method, and why is it so good?
What is an MRI?
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a relatively young method, but extremely informative. It is based on the use of nuclear magnetic resonance - measuring the response of the charge of the nuclei of hydrogen atoms when exposed to a constant magnetic pulse.
An MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space creates a magnetic field. Once in it, the spin of the nucleus (magnetic charge) is oriented in a certain way in the field, as a result of which some measurement of its charge takes place.
Since the human body is 70 percent water, it is possible to fix the charge of hydrogen atoms located in all tissues and organs.
Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain reliable information about the state of a particular area of the body without resorting to surgery or determine the indications for such an operation. MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space also allows you to establish the presence of tumors or foreign formations.
Using a computer, it is possible to simulate the visual projection of human organs and determine possible deviations or changes in their structure.
Subspecies of magnetic resonance imaging
MRI can be used for many purposes. It is because of this that some varieties of the procedure were created that made it possible to assess the state of cells, vessels, and organs. The following types of tomography are distinguished:
- MR diffusion - allows you to evaluate the current of intracellular fluid inside the tissues. This method is used to diagnose ischemic strokes of parenchymal organs in the early stages of the development of the process.
- MR perfusion. Assesses blood flow in various parts of the human body. It is especially often used to diagnose diseases of the liver and abdominal organs.
- MR spectroscopy. Determines the activity of biochemical processes in cells.
- MRA - magnetic resonance angiography - a type of MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space with contrast, used to accurately visualize vessels in this area. Used in the diagnosis of internal bleeding.
Research Methodology
This study is conducted infrequently due to the huge queues and high cost of the procedure. However, you should be aware of how it is carried out. How should MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space be performed? Preparation for it includes the following steps:
- Moral preparation of the patient. It is an extremely important point. First of all, the doctor must obtain consent to conduct the study. The doctor must tell the patient what the feature of the abdominal MRI is, what is included in the procedure, as well as talk about the possible results and determine the indications and contraindications for the study.
- The study itself is carried out in a specially prepared room. The patient is laid on a platform that places the patient in the apparatus. The diagnostician, controlling the device, localizes it in the area that needs to be investigated.
The procedure is quite lengthy, since the doctor needs to get information about all the structures located in the study area. As a result, the so-called sections are formed perpendicular to the axis of the body. By analyzing them, it is possible to obtain complete information about the state of the body.
Interpretation of Results
As was said, as a result of the study, sections are formed that pass through the plane of the body during an MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. What are slices? This is conventionally called the perpendicular section of the human body with organs located in its zone.
Slices allow you to define various structures in the study area.
The sensitivity of the device allows you to identify even the smallest formations (at least up to 2-3 millimeters), which is quite promising in the diagnosis of oncology, organ cysts and minor injuries.
Analysis of sections allows you to obtain information about a growing tumor, determine the direction of its growth, as well as the presence of metastases.
All slices are grouped in pictures (about 9 on one). Each such image carries information about a specific area of the body. A database of images is created, thanks to which you can track the course of the disease in dynamics.
With the correct definition of all structures, it is possible to make the correct diagnosis and determine the further course of action.
What diseases are diagnosed with MRI?
Almost any pathology can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging. It is widely used in such fields of medicine as oncology, traumatology, neurology.
The main diseases that can be detected with MRI are:
- Hernia of the spinal cord.
- Osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis.
- Congenital narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Cavity in the spine, as well as surrounding organs and tissues.
- Diseases of the kidneys, liver, pancreas.
- Tumors and tumor-like diseases.
In addition, MRI allows you to determine the condition of the body after surgery; identify the functional features of organs and tissues, compare the results with the norm and determine the diagnosis.
MRI is often performed in the presence of complaints of patients from the nervous system (dizziness, blurred eyes, flickering flies, sensory disturbances).
Indications for the study
In what cases is the appointment of magnetic resonance imaging? It is carried out according to the following indications:
- Suspicion of a tumor process. It is MRI that allows you to identify atypical formations up to 2-3 millimeters in size, even if the clinic has not yet appeared.
- Visualization of hematomas. The penetrating ability of a magnetic field allows you to identify fluid formations (especially cysts) in many organs. This is also applicable for the visualization of hematomas formed as a result of trauma or severe bruises, accompanied by hemorrhage in the soft tissues or under the periosteum.
- In traumatology, MRI can be used to determine small bone fragments formed as a result of a fracture, but not visualized, or foreign bodies that have fallen into the wound but are not visible to the naked eye.
- It is possible to carry out diagnostic tomography to determine the functional ability of organs and tissues.
Contraindications to the procedure
In what cases can not do an MRI of the abdominal cavity? There are quite a few contraindications to this study, but the main ones are:
- The presence of a pacemaker. When placed in a magnetic field formed by the device, the stimulator settings may fail, which may lead to adverse consequences.
- The presence in the body of foreign bodies of metallic nature (implants, piercings, stuck metal particles after suffering accidents or armed conflicts, etc.).
- Pregnancy. During the procedure, the intracellular fluid is heated. For us, this temperature is practically not felt, however, for a growing fetus, such a change can lead to the development of a miscarriage or improper laying of tissues.
- Artificial heart valves. Placing patients in a magnetic field can lead to the development of prolapse or separation of the established structure.
- Tattoos based on metallic paints.
The opinion of doctors and patients regarding this procedure
Despite the fact that MRI appeared relatively recently, she has already managed to gain the respect of doctors of many specialties.
Surgeons of the abdominal and retroperitoneal MRI are especially appreciated. Reviews and their opinions largely agree, since a preliminary MRI gives a complete picture of the abdominal cavity. Based on these data, it becomes possible to plan the operation taking into account all kinds of inconsistencies and the risk required for each surgical intervention.
Patients also praise this study. Thanks to him, many were able to get answers to their questions about health. No similar procedure has such informativeness as MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. Reviews of most people are positive, despite the complexity of the procedure, its cost and queues, lining up for a month, or even two.
Research need
The most common question is whether the patient needs such a procedure, the doctor decides. It is he who, comparing the available data on the state of health, makes a verdict: does he need this procedure to clarify the diagnosis or can it be neglected.
Usually, the doctor offers the patient this procedure, but most often the possibility of carrying it out rests in line (especially if it is a district center, and the device is only one) and cost (on average, this study costs about $ 100), but not all patients can afford MRI abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. Reviews of the procedure often affect the negative side - “the research had to wait a long time”, “there were not enough funds”. It is because of this that one should carefully sort out whether the procedure is so necessary for the patient or can be neglected.
In some cases, when a person’s life is in question, MRI is performed urgently, without the consent of the victim or his relatives.