What is chest MRT?

When an MRI of the chest is performed - what does the diagnosis show? The method is a reliable way of displaying graphically the modification of various tissues: inflammation, damage to the structure of organs, neoplasms. MRI of the chest is most often used for suspected serious ailments, because the procedure is quite expensive for preventive examination of the body.

Design features of equipment for MRI

Diagnostic equipment, which is used in the course of research, has the form of a cylindrical outboard installation, the walls of which are surrounded by a powerful magnet. During the procedure, the patient is in a horizontal position. It lies on a special table that moves inside the device. Part of the system, which interprets the results of the study, is located in a room adjacent to the scanning device.

Some devices contain a short tunnel in which the magnetic field does not completely surround the patient. In particular, the use of equipment with free space on the sides opens the possibility for the diagnosis of the body condition of obese people, as well as individuals who suffer from claustrophobia. The most innovative systems make it possible to produce a truly qualitative MRI of the neck and thorax. The sharpness of the graphic image received on the monitor, at operation of devices with the old magnet, and also in the presence of open walls of a design suffers somewhat.

What is the diagnosis directed at?

What is the MRI of the chest? What does the research show? As a result of the diagnosis, specialists are able to draw conclusions about the following:

1. The presence of abnormal neoplasms, in particular, cancer cells in the structure of internal tissues. For these purposes, this diagnosis is resorted to if there is no possibility of obtaining adequate research results with the help of other, less expensive methods of visualization.
2. Development of pathological tumors that have a tendency to defeat neighboring organs.
3. The state of the heart muscle and adjacent structures.
4. Dynamics of blood flow in the heart chambers and vessels.
5. The processes that occur in the lymph nodes and the circulatory network of the chest.
6. Morphological changes in bone tissue (sternum, rib, vertebrae) and soft structures (muscles, fatty subcutaneous tissue).
7. The degree of lesions of the pleura and mediastinum, the signs of which could be detected earlier using the CT or radiography method.

Requirements for the study

MRI of the chest involves the use of a special hospital gown. At the same time, when performing the diagnosis, the patient can be placed in the apparatus in everyday clothes. But only on condition that things do not have metal accessories. As for the refusal to eat before the diagnosis, then on this account there are no clear indications and requirements. However, to avoid discomfort, patients still should refrain from eating. First of all, this applies to cases where a diagnosis is planned with the introduction of contrast media into the tissue. Gadolinium-based solutions are usually used as the latter. And although such formulations rarely cause negative effects on the body, avoiding their use is recommended if the patient suffers from chronic kidney failure.

In cases where MRI of the chest is carried to the kids, preparation for the study involves the introduction of sedatives into the body. They have a calming effect on the nervous system. This approach in the organization of the procedure allows the child to remain immobile during the course of diagnosis. In this case, sedation is entrusted exclusively to experienced anesthetist doctors.

Among other things, MRI of chest organs is performed only if the following objects are removed from the patient's body:

• Metal jewelry and jewelry.
• Credit cards that can be damaged by the electromagnetic radiation of the device.
• Hearing aids.
• Metal dentures.
• A body piercing that can lead to image distortion.

Warnings

Performing MRI of the chest can be under the personal responsibility of the patient if there is a body:

1. Metal clips, which are introduced into the brain tissue with aneurysms.
2. Substitutes of blood vessels.
3. Artificial heart valves.
4. Infusion pumps.
5. Endoprosthesis joints.
6. Pacemakers, defibrillators, other electronic devices.
7. Stimulants work of nerve endings.
8. Metal pins, plates, screws, surgical staples.
9. The bullet, debris, other objects from metal, the displacement of which under the influence of the magnetic field can lead to complications.

Behavior of the patient during the procedure

When performing the diagnostics, certain restrictions are imposed on human actions. MRI of the thorax makes it possible to obtain clear pictures of high quality only if the patient's body is in an absolutely fixed position, up to a delay in breathing. Severe anxiety, fear and other manifestations of anxiety can adversely affect the receipt of accurate diagnostic results.

Do MRI of the chest become pregnant?

If a woman needs to be diagnosed during the diagnosis phase of the fetus, it is necessary to provide the specialist with comprehensive information about the course of the pregnancy. In fact, the results of numerous studies indicate that there is no harmful effect of the electromagnetic field on the health of yet unformed babies. However, in order to avoid trouble, the procedure still does not recommend women in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Where to go for the diagnosis?

Where is the MRI of the chest? Magnetic resonance imaging is performed by special laboratories in public medical institutions. If you want, you can contact the private clinic for help, which has this kind of equipment. Experienced staff will give you an MRI of the chest. Where can I analyze the results? The radiologist decrypts the images. After interpreting the information received, the specialist makes a conclusion that is sent to the patient's attending physician.

Advantages of the diagnostic method

Which is better: CT or MRI of the chest? Unlike the first method of investigation, magnetic resonance imaging does not imply a negative effect on the body of ionizing radiation. In addition, compared to CT, the images obtained are more precise, which allows specialists to consider the structure of tissues in detail, resorting to conventional visualization. These features make the procedure an indispensable tool for identifying cardiovascular pathologies in the early stages of development.

MRI of the chest - mediastinum, examination of valvular heart apparatus, vascular network, bone tissue - allows to reveal the first prerequisites for the formation of malignant tumors. And the diagnostic procedure allows the researcher to observe anomalies due to bones, which is problematic in case of using other common methods of visualization. Another advantage of magnetic resonance imaging is the application of the most secure contrast material of gadolinium. Compared with iodine-containing fluids that are injected into the body during CT or X-ray examination, the above substance only in exceptional cases leads to allergic reactions.

Possible patient discomfort

As practice shows, the presence of magnetic resonance imaging in the device is painless for most patients. The main discomfort is the need to maintain complete tranquility in a sufficiently closed space. In the course of diagnosis, an increase in body temperature can be observed in the study zone. If the manifestation is too troubling for the patient, the latter should be informed of the presence of discomfort to the doctor who is performing the procedure. Shooting images with MRI is accompanied by sharp enough unexpected clicks. In order to keep the patient still, he can be offered earplugs or special headphones, which suppress the buzz and loud sounds.

If a contrast medium is injected into the body, the patient may feel a rush of blood to the face, a slight coolness throughout the body, an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth. However, such feelings disappear naturally for several minutes. If sedatives are not used to calm the patient, the person does not need recovery after the procedure. Otherwise, there may be a feeling of local pain, a slight nausea. Such manifestations should be reported to the observer, who will immediately provide first aid and eliminate discomfort.

Features of the diagnosis

Magnetic resonance imaging can be performed both during hospitalization and outpatient. The nurse conveniently places the patient on a special table. The body is fixed with belts, rollers are placed under the head and limbs, which allows the parts of the body to remain immobile. Electrodes are installed on the site to be surveyed, which receive and send out radio waves. If a contrast medium is used, a catheter is inserted into the vein of the patient, to which a vial containing physiological saline is added. The liquid used prevents clogging of the tubes through which the contrast medium passes. The patient is then placed inside the electromagnetic device. The medical staff leaves the office and moves to the next room, from which the functions of the device for taking pictures are actually controlled.

Risks during the procedure

MRI of the chest, which shows detailed images of tissues and organs, does not pose a threat to human health and life, but only if the experts are properly prepared for diagnosis and do not neglect the safety requirements. With the introduction of contrast material, there is a slight risk of developing allergic reactions. However, such manifestations are easily stopped due to the use of appropriate medications. For people suffering from nephrogenic fibrosis, there is a threat of congestion of contrast agent in tissues when removing the latter from the body. To avoid such negative consequences allows a thorough preliminary diagnosis of kidney function.

Finally

So, when the MRI of the chest is performed - what does the study show? The procedure aimed at obtaining images of deep tissue is widely used in preparation for serious operations. They resort to similar rodua diagnostics and during the rehabilitation period to monitor the effectiveness of the drugs used. In general, the need to perform magnetic resonance imaging is caused by the need to obtain the most accurate, reliable diagnostic results. One of the main advantages of the method is its safety and the almost complete absence of side effects.