Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
In Witten our practice RUHRRADIOLOGIE is equipped with the world’s first fully digital high-end MRI: the PHILIPS INGENIA MRI system.
Advantages of the PHILIPS INGENIA MRI System
- outstanding image quality in an extraordinarily short examination time
- enhanced comfort due to enlarged tunnel opening (> 70 cm) and significant noise reduction (“comfort tone“)
- orientation at the latest developments in cardiology, oncology and neurology
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Functional Principle
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Fields of Application
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly useful for investigation of soft tissue and its abnormal changes.
In our practices MRI is mainly used to diagnose changes and disorders of the following organs and tissue:
- spine and all joints
- head, brain and spinal cord
- abdominal and pelvic organs and tissue
- breast (MRI mammography)
- blood vessels (abdominal and pelvic region, extremities (MRI angiography = imaging of blood vessels by MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Process of Examination
We regret that relatively loud knocking sounds which result from the rapid electrical switching operations are unavoidable. In order to make you feel more comfortable you can get earplugs or headphones to listen to pleasant music. Our medical staff can watch and hear you all the time. During the examination you will hold a bell to alert our staff in case of emergency.
In order to get good images, you should lie as still as possible. Moreover, you should remain relaxed, breathe calmly and follow the breathing instructions given by our assistants.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Contrast Agents
The use of an intravenous contrast agent, which is injected through a thin plastic catheter into a vein in the arm, helps to improve the quality of diagnostically conclusive images. Please note that some findings can only be detected after injection of a contrast agent. Occasionally, the radiologist decides to make use of a contrast agent when the examination has already started. The contrast agents we employ in MRI are generally well tolerated.
In case of refusing to undergo this examination or to accept the injection of the contrast agent it can possibly lead to a negative effect on the results or the non-detection of diseases.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Alternatives
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Contraindications
Caution! Please remove all metallic objects that you wear on your body before entering the examination room (e.g. watches, spectacles, hearing aids, belts, rings, coins, clothes with metallic applications, keys, ballpoint pens, hairpins, badges, dentures or jewellery). Furthermore, your magnetic cards of every type have to be removed, because they would be deleted in the examination room.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Risks
Rarely (0,01 % – 0,1 %): It can cause damage to skin, tissue or nerves. Possible, under certain conditions permanent consequences: pain, inflammation, tissue necrosis, scars, disturbed sensation or function or paralyses.
Rarely (0,01 % – 0,1 %): minor allergic reaction, itching, exanthema, nausea or other mild forms of reaction. The symptoms usually disappear shortly after treatment.
Very rarely (< 0,01 %): strong allergic reaction with respiratory stress, circulatory shock, heart failure, apnoea require intensive care and might cause brain damages or organ failure. Allergic reactions can even appear hours after the injection of the contrast agent.
Hardly ever (< 0,001 %): Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a rare and serious disease that involves fibrosis of skin and internal organs. It can cause multi-organ failure or even lead to death.
MRI examinations are available at the following locations of RUHRRADIOLOGIE: Our practices in Dortmund, Witten and Ennepetal.