Magnetic Resonance Imaging: what is it and how is this test performed?

We explain the characteristics of this test used to see inside the human body.

Throughout the history of science, the human body and what is inside it have aroused the interest of all health researchers. Fortunately, thanks to advances in science, invasive tests that risk the patient's health are no longer necessary.

In 1971, Dr. Raymond Damadian and his team created the first MRI machine, a totally a totally painless test that allows the observation of the inside of our body by means of highly detailed images. by means of images of great detail.

What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test that emits images of the inside of our body.. By means of this test the clinician can detect any abnormality that is not detectable with the naked eye or with other tests such as X-rays.

The main characteristic that distinguishes this test from X-rays or computed tomography (CT) is that MRI does not use ionizing radiation or X-rays. Instead, this technique employs a series of radio waves that pass through the body. radio waves that pass through the patient's body, which is exposed to a powerful magnetic field..

Another advantage of nuclear magnetic resonance is that it can be used to obtain highly detailed images of any point and any perspective of the body, even in two or three dimensions.

In order to obtain these images the person is introduced into a large machine machine, similar to a UVA apparatus of gigantic size. The person must remain lying down in it for a variable time ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. However, some centers have open machines adapted for people who are afraid of being locked in.

This image obtained by magnetic resonance imaging is called a "slice". A large number of images can be obtained in a single test.These images can be stored digitally or printed on paper.

Finally, there are different types of MRI tests, depending on the area to be examined

• MRI of the head
• MRI of the thorax
• Cervical MRI
• Abdominal MRI
• Pelvic MRI
• MRI of the heart
• Lumbar MRI
• MR Angiography
• MR Venography

When should an MRI be performed?

The performance of an MRI, accompanied by other examinations, tests and evaluations are of great help to healthcare professionals when making any type of diagnosis..

When medical personnel suspect or notice any sign of disease, they usually ask for an MRI scan to be performed, usually in a specific area or place of the body.

Usually, the most common reasons for requesting this test are the following.

1. MRI of the head

To detect tumor formations, aneurysms, strokes, infarcts or brain lesions.. Likewise, they are also used to evaluate ocular or auditory system alterations.

2. MRI of the abdomen or pelvis

It is used to evaluate organs like the kidneys, the liver, the uterus or the ovaries and the prostate. and prostate.

3. Bone MRI

By means of this technique, problems such as fractures, arthritis, hernias, etc. can be identified.

4. MRI of the thorax

Especially useful for examining the cardiac anatomy and assessing possible damage or alterations in the arteries.. In addition, it also reveals tumors in breast and lung cancer.

5. MR Venography

This type of resonance facilitates the observation of thrombi, infarcts, aneurysms or malformations in the blood vessels.

How should the patient be prepared?

There are a series of questions that the patient must take into account before undergoing this test. Likewise, it is the duty of the healthcare personnel to inform the person about what this procedure is like and what obligations or points the person should bear in mind before undergoing an MRI scan.

1. Necessary documentation

The healthcare personnel must provide the patient with an informed consent form which explains in detail what the test consists of and what possible risks it entails. The person must sign this consent form and bring it with him/her on the day of the test.

2. Food

Depending on the organ to be examined, it will be necessary that the person does not eat any type of food, not to consume any liquid during some hours before the test..

3. Company

Magnetic resonance is a totally painless and non-invasive test, so it will not be necessary for the person so it will not be necessary for the person to be accompanied. However, in those cases in which the person experiences fear or anxiety, the company of someone known to him or her can be of great help.

4. Clothing

During the test, the person should wear only the hospital gownIt is necessary to undress before the test. It is also mandatory to remove any type of metallic object such as earrings, bracelets, hair accessories, etc.

Duration of the test and admission

The MRI test usually lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes.. Since no type of anesthesia or intervention is necessary for its performance, it is always performed on an outpatient basis, so it is not necessary for the person to be admitted.

In spite of being a practically innocuous technique, there are a series of contradictions:

• Cases of Allergy to the contrasts used in magnetic resonance imaging.
• Women with intrauterine devices (IUD).
• People who have any metallic component inside their bodies, such as screws, pacemakers, shrapnel, etc.
• Patients with claustrophobia.
• People suffering from obesity..
• Cases of severe renal or hepatic insufficiency.
• Patients undergoing surgery on a blood vessel.
• Unstable or clinically severe patients who may need some kind of resuscitation maneuver.
• Breastfeeding women should not breastfeed the baby 24-48 hours after the test.In those cases in which some type of contrast has been administered.

In all these cases, patients should inform the hospital staff in order to adapt the test to their personal needs, without the need to run any kind of risk.

How is MRI performed?

As mentioned above, the MRI machine has an elongated cubic shape inside which a couch is placed. This stretcher slides into the machine and the patient must lie on it face up and absolutely motionless during the entire test. absolutely immobile during the entire test.

Depending on the type of test, intravenous inoculation of a contrast substance may be necessary to highlight the organs being examined. to highlight the organs being examined. This substance is known as gadolinium and its main advantage is that since it does not contain iodine it is not likely to cause any side effects.

In cases where necessary (anxiety or fear) the patient may be given some type of relaxing medication to prevent movement during the test. The patient's arms, head or chest may also be restrained using straps.

Once the test has begun The person may hear a loud ventilating sound and the test's own rattling sound.. It is possible to offer the person a headset to reduce the discomfort.

Throughout the entire procedure, the imaging technicians will monitor the patient to give instructions, as well as to assist them in the event of any incident.