Magnetic resonance imaging is an effective diagnostic method that allows the detection of tumoral processes of benign or malignant character with the highest possible reliability. Such a study is conducted on various inorganic structures, including kidneys and adrenal glands.
MRI of the kidneys and adrenal glands
Magnetic resonance imaging of the renal and adrenal structures relates to highly informative, safe and painless diagnostic methods. The kidneys perform the most important functions, clearing the blood and removing excess fluid, and the adrenal glands produce hormones necessary for normal organic activity, such as adrenaline, glucocorticoids and mineral corticoids. Therefore, the violation of the activities of these bodies to serious health problems. It is magnetic resonance imaging that makes it possible to reveal the slightest structural deviations in the tissues of these organic structures.
Medical indications
MRI is not assigned spontaneously. The procedure requires the availability of specialized expensive equipment, so it is not assigned to the presence of serious indications and suspicions.
Without contrast
A contrastless magnetic resonance study of the adrenal and kidney is shown in the following clinical situations:
- Painful manifestations in the back, sides and loins of an incomprehensible origin, varying intensity and character;
- Presence of contraindications to urographic examination, in which a contrast agent is required;
- With arterial hypertension of malignant nature in order to assess the degree of renal failure;
- Differentiation of the cancer process and its various types in the adrenal-renal system;
- With pathologies of the endocrine sphere;
- In order to assess the effectiveness of the operation performed.
With the contrast of
When performing MRI with contrasting, preparations with gadolinium salts - soft-textured silver metal are used. Such compounds are distinguished by good solubility and for humans are low-toxic. They accumulate in the studied tissues, than amplify the magnetic signal. Most often as a contrast in the MRI, drugs like Omniscan, Magnevist, Premovist, etc. are used. Indications for contrast MRI are almost the same as for a non-contrast study.
The contrast procedure is often prescribed for suspected tumor processes in the kidney and adrenal structures. In addition, contrast diagnosis is necessary for a clearer visualization of blood vessels, arterial kidney canals. Often the need for MRI diagnostics arises when carrying out anti-tumor treatment of kidneys and adrenal structures. Such a diagnosis allows you to assess the condition of the tumor, its reaction to ongoing therapy, etc. However, when the procedure is prescribed, the patient's intolerance to the contrast drug is taken into account.
contrast Diagnostic capabilities of
MRI allows to reveal the cancer lesions at their earliest stages, which positively affects the patient's treatment and raises his chance not only for survival, but also for the cure of oncology.
Regarding what MRI still shows, it should be noted that this method can determine the presence of inflammation and tumors, kidney stones and the condition of the urinary tract, evaluate vascular blood flow and excretory renal function.
In addition, the study allows:
- Define parameters of renal structures, cerebral and cortical layers;
- To assess the anatomical structure and structure of the kidney tissue;
- Determine the degree of vascular lesion;
- Functionality and functionality of the organ, etc.
Magnetic resonance tomography diagnostics of the adrenal structures allows detecting tumors like aldosterone and corticoestra, glucoaldoster and pheochromocytomas. This diagnostic procedure allows you to initially determine the nature of tumor formation( benign or malignant).
The video is the essence of magnetic resonance imaging:
Contraindications
Like any diagnostic procedure, MRI has its limitations.
Thus, the conduct of magnetic resonance imaging is contraindicated:
- If the patient has installed metal implants like prosthetic devices, pacemakers and other devices;
- With epilepsy, seizures and claustrophobia;
- In pregnancy( in the period of 1 trimester or up to 14 weeks);
- Pi allergies to contrast agents used in the study.
Contraindications of a relative nature include severe cardiovascular conditions, a complicated course of bronchial asthma, the presence of sickle cell anemia, treatment with interleukins or β-blockers.
How to prepare?
Magnetic resonance imaging of the adrenals and kidneys does not require specialized training. Before the study preparation is only that the patient must remove from himself all metal objects such as chains, earrings, rings or bracelets. Also, you need to remove the hearing aid, if any. The procedure is better to wear cotton underwear.
If a contrast-based MRI is to be performed, intravenous administration of a contrast agent is performed before the procedure.
How the procedure is performed
The MRI examination lasts about 15-30 minutes:
- The patient is first put on the table and placed in the camera of the device.
- During the diagnosis, the patient should lie still, breathe smoothly and calm down, otherwise the images will be distorted in the pictures.
- In the process of diagnosis, the researcher will hear specific noise emitted by the device, this is normal, so they need not be afraid. Sometimes patients are given headphones to reduce audible noise.
- If the patient is experiencing any inconvenience or discomfort, then he must certainly inform the specialist conducting the diagnosis. For this, the camera of the device is equipped with a microphone, through which the patient can communicate with the diagnostician.
The results of the study with interpretation are usually received by the patient 2-3 days after diagnosis.
Advantages of
Magnetic resonance diagnostics are quite popular among diagnostic procedures. This is explained by the weight of the advantages of the technique:
- First, the MTP procedure is characterized by a high information value and reliability of the interpreted results;
- Secondly, research on a magnetic resonance device is absolutely safe for patients' health, even if a contrast drug is used during the procedure.
But there are deficiencies in MRI, the most weighty of which is lack of visibility in the presence of calcified calculi in the kidney tissues and the high cost of the study. The rest of the method has only positive aspects. To be afraid of similar diagnostics it is not necessary, after all MRT recognizes cancer processes in the most rudimentary stage when there are all chances of complete cure.