MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
During an MRI examination, highly detailed and excellent tissue-resolution images are obtained using a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency waves. These images can be captured in any plane of the examined body part. Certain structures and pathological conditions can be more effectively distinguished compared to other imaging techniques. This capability makes MRI examinations widely applicable in various disorders such as cancerous diseases, inflammatory processes, circulatory disorders, injuries, and neurological conditions. MRI can also be used to examine nearly every body region, including the brain and spine, joints, bones, muscles, abdominal and pelvic organs, breasts, thoracic organs, and the cardiovascular system.
The PET/MRI machine in our institute operates at a magnetic field strength of 3 Tesla, making it twice as powerful as commonly used equipment for human diagnostics. This increased power allows us to obtain higher spatial resolution images with finer structures, better contrast, and a higher signal-to-noise ratio, all without extending the examination time. It also enables faster imaging in examinations where temporal resolution is important, such as contrast-enhanced angiography, cardiac and brain perfusion studies, functional brain imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging of the brain. This maintains image quality (signal-to-noise ratio) and resolution.
We would like to inform you that there is a constant magnetic field in the MRI machine and examination room, making it necessary to conduct examinations under specific conditions. Please carefully review our MRI information before the examination.
The MRI machine generates a very strong magnetic field, which is why the examination should be considered carefully, as it can be contraindicated for individuals with certain metal, electrical, magnetic, or mechanical implants, devices, or objects. Such metal implants include items like pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, brain or other aneurysm clips, artificial eyes, implanted hearing aids, bullets, shrapnel, metal fragments, artificial heart valves, implanted joint prosthetics, artificial limbs, orthopedic metal materials (screws, plates, nails, wires).
The MRI examination takes place in a magnetic field and does not involve radiation exposure. MRI does not have any known harmful biological effects on the human body. It is a specialized type of examination that provides valuable information about the examined organs, significantly aiding your treating physician in diagnosing your condition and planning your treatment.
MRI examinations are suitable for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, such as injuries (sprains, dislocations, tears, fractures), inflammations, neurological disorders (stroke, brain hemorrhage, dizziness, headaches, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, etc.), spinal disorders (spinal cord diseases, herniated discs, inflammation, tumors, etc.), metabolic disorders, vascular diseases, developmental abnormalities, tumors, and metastases.
Referral:
A specialist referral is required to participate in the MRI examination. If your physician deems the examination necessary, they will arrange the appointment at our institute and inform you accordingly.
For privately funded MRI examinations, our institute offers fee-based options if they are medically justified. In such cases, please contact our customer service at the central phone number to receive information about the procedure, cost, and possible payment methods for the MRI examination.
General:
Pregnancy:
Please inform us if you are pregnant or if pregnancy is a possibility, as this could be a contraindication! Nursing mothers cannot breastfeed within 48 hours after intravenous contrast material.
Contrast Agent or Drug Sensitivity:
Kidney or Thyroid Disease:
Inform us if you have a known kidney or thyroid condition or if you are undergoing treatment for them.
Upon arrival, check in at the reception for data verification, registration, and filling out and signing the 'MRI Consent Form.' Adhere to your appointment time, as failure to do so may result in the inability to conduct the examination.
Bring the following documents with you:
For the exam, the radiographer will call you by name and go through the details of the 'MRI Consent Form'. Trust their guidance as they will be your point of contact during the examination.
During the examination, it is crucial not to move from the position set by the radiographer. Follow instructions accurately via the speaker system.
The duration of the test varies depending on the type of test (15-60 minutes). You will lie in the MRI machine, which is resembling a tunnel-like machine. Loud noises are normal. A camera at the end of the head monitors the entire examination.
If there is a problem with the pump in your hand, you can notify us and interrupt the test if necessary.
In order to diagnose your disease more accurately, it may be necessary to inject intravenous contrast material, which cannot be detected during the (native) examination without contrast material, and certain changes can be evaluated more precisely. The administration of the contrast material depends on the examined region and the suspected disease.
The contrast material poses little danger, but it can cause allergic symptoms. Such e.g. bitter or metallic taste, temporary skin itching. A more serious reaction is very rare. We are prepared to prevent them!
If you experience symptoms described above, notify us immediately for assistance.
Thank you for your cooperation, which aids our work in your recovery.