MRI with contrast: reviews, preparation. How do MRI of the brain with contrast?

MRI is not an invasive method of examination, but sometimes it requires the use of contrast agents to enhance the clarity of the images. This doctor appoints this research only in those cases when the standard technique is not enough for an objective assessment of the state of the organism. The use of modern diagnostic tools is safe and allows for better consideration of the smallest details. Sometimes you need to make an MRI with contrast to be sure of the diagnosis and start the correct treatment on time.

General information about the procedure

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a modern type of diagnostics that allows you to get high-quality images of layered sections of tendons, joints and soft tissues of different organs. Contrast enhancement in the study of the brain may be needed to clarify a dubious diagnosis or detection of tumors of the smallest size. The procedure is painless and very informative. MRI of the brain with contrast allows you to quickly and accurately assess the amount of pathological changes in this organ in trauma and many diseases.

Apparatus for research may differ in its power (it is measured in T). When diagnosing brain diseases for high-quality images, it is desirable to perform a procedure on a tomograph with an indicator of 1-1.5 T. A higher resolution does not make sense, since this power is sufficient, and less sensitive devices can give out not too detailed images.

Indications for research

Unlike conventional MRI, a study using contrast medium is performed only according to the doctor's indications, usually in medical centers it is not done without a direction with a seal. This is due to the fact that the patient will be injected with special substances that enhance the effect of magnetizing tissues. This procedure is carried out only under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, since the reaction of the body to the contrast may be different.

Indications for MRI of the brain with contrast agent:

• Suspicion of pituitary adenoma;
• Previously diagnosed tumors of other parts of the brain (to clarify their nature);
• multiple sclerosis;
• Severe cases of stroke;
• Infectious diseases of the nervous system with severe pathological symptoms;
• Detection of metastases of malignant tumors;
• Ambiguous results of ordinary research without the use of amplification.

Why is a contrast agent used?

In some situations, a clearer mapping of the structures of the brain is needed. Usually MRI with contrast is prescribed for suspected malignant (or benign) brain tumor, and also with the established fact of its presence to determine the size, boundaries and structures.

The patient is given a substance based on gadolinium salts. This is a metal that accumulates in places with increased blood flow (usually this is characteristic of tumors due to their rapid growth). These areas are clearly visible in the pictures, so it is almost impossible to miss them. Preparations based on this substance are low in toxicity and rarely cause side effects.

Many serious medical examinations can harm a person if he is not properly prepared for the procedure. One of them is MRI with contrast. Preparation of the patient and detailed instruction about his actions before the procedure and during the survey avoids this.

How to prepare for MRI?

Before MRT with contrast, the patient should refrain from eating food and water for 2 hours before the procedure. This is due to the introduction of the medication (with normal diagnosis, you can eat and drink). Before research, a person needs to remove all metal products (rings, earrings, clothes with clasps). For the procedure, the patient is usually provided with a large disposable clothing that does not contain materials that interfere with the scan. In the room where the tomograph is located, you can not enter a mobile phone and other electronics, payment cards, keys, etc.

An important point is the psychological preparation for the diagnostic procedure. Considering that during research it is necessary to be in the closed space for 20-30 minutes, without moving or talking, the correct attitude is important. With MRI of the brain with contrast, the device produces noises and different sounds. Therefore, to protect the ears, people wear special headphones.

MRI with contrast: how do the procedure?

Initially, the patient undergoes a routine magnetic resonance examination without the use of a contrast agent. This is necessary in order to further compare the results and to have a more complete clinical picture. Then the patient leaves the device, and intravenously, under the supervision of the resuscitator, injections are given for contrast enhancement.

Despite the fact that modern such medications do not contain iodine and are practically non-toxic, a person should carefully listen to the sensations in his body after they are injected. If everything is in order (no dizziness, nausea, pain in the abdomen and head, sensation of heat), then the patient again undergoes an MRI. In the course of the study, the intravenous catheter gradually injects fresh doses of the drug in parallel with the scanning process.

Does MRI cause pain or discomfort?

MRI does not cause a person pain or other uncomfortable phenomena during the study. The body can sometimes feel a slight heat or tingling, although most people do not feel anything physically at all. The introduction of contrast in most cases is well tolerated. True, sometimes there are cases of individual hypersensitivity or allergies.

The main discomfort associated with MRI is the psychological strain in some people because of the close space. The apparatus has enough air, and the design is made so that part of the patient's body is outside. To calm down, the patient needs to understand that during the research the doctor is watching him, the entire process is completely under control. In hand, all patients are poured a special pear, connected by a wire with a sound sensor, which can be squeezed with very strong excitement. This will give a signal to the doctor that you need to stop the process and give the patient time to calm down.

Contraindications

Contraindications to MRI with contrast are relative and absolute. The final decision on the possibility of the procedure is always taken by the doctor. The study with contrast agent is completely excluded under such conditions:

• Presence of pacemakers;
• Elements of metals implanted in the human body, which are magnetized;
• Severe renal dysfunction;
• Pregnancy and lactation;
• A recently performed liver transplant;
• Allergy to contrast agent components.

Relative contraindications include claustrophobia and body weight over 120 kg (in most devices this is the maximum limit of the permissible weight). If there are tattoos on the patient's body, it is necessary to clarify with the master who performed it, whether the metals are included in the dye that was used in the procedure.

MRI with contrast: patient feedback

Reviews of people about MRI are mostly neutral or positive. The majority of patients do not experience special sensations during the examination. Sometimes it is difficult for people to lie, almost without moving, about half an hour in an enclosed space. Practically all patients noted high effectiveness of MRI of the brain with contrast, because the medical report completely describes all the necessary structures. For the diagnosis in neurosurgery is the leading method, which is also painless and fast in time.

Judging by the opinions of patients, the allergy or intolerance of contrast is very rare. The unpleasant effect of the medication is sometimes manifested only by light dizziness, which quickly passes. Thanks to MRI with contrast, many sick people managed to learn about tumors in the early stages, which enabled them to remove them in time or start conservative treatment.