What is MRI and what is MRI? The MRI scan is performed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The advantage of the scan is that it is completely painless and provides an accurate, reliable diagnosis of most parts of the body with a high level of safety.
It is important to note that only metal and electrical devices and objects can enter the examination room, and metal implants in the body can be disturbing (medical metal implants), even disqualifying in some cases.
A special type of MR scan is the MRA scan, which is targeted at blood vessels, taking advantage of the movement of blood through our vascular system.
Contrast-enhanced scans are used for clarification and clarification in some organs, but there are some lesions that cannot be evaluated without them. For tumours, tumour lesions and space occupations, we can only give an opinion with contrast medium. Hormonal lesions of the pituitary gland (sella, hypophysis) can only be diagnosed by contrast medium. The abdominal and pelvic organs will also be of limited value without contrast. Often the referral does not mention the need to give contrast, so we can help to clarify these in addition to the above.
For contrast studies, oral diabetes medication should be omitted for two days before and two days after the study.
Importantly, a renal function laboratory test should be obtained and the results of this should be brought to the examination.
Although rare, the contrast agent given at the time of the test may cause a hypersensitivity reaction or allergy, which is usually mild.
Our MRI machine is a GE Signa Voyager type 1.5 Tesla, 70 cm in diameter, equipped with air injection and light source. It is suitable for the examination of the skull, neck, spine, abdomen, pelvis, joints, limbs, liver and heart.
MRI scans are performed in the lying position and take approximately 30 minutes to scan a given region, but there are also longer scans of 60 and up to 90 minutes, during which complete immobility is required. During the MR scans, different so-called coils are placed around the region of interest, so you will need to position yourself according to the instructions of the operators performing the scan.
The MR scans are accompanied by loud noise and clicking, which is mitigated by the use of ear protection or earplugs, so you should not have to worry about hearing loss. Heating may accompany the region of the scan due to magnetism.
Contrast agents are administered by providing a vein, a venous cannula is placed in the area of the arm or hand through which contrast agent is injected at the time of the test. After contrast agent tests, you must remain in the institute for 30 minutes of observation from the time of injection.
For our MRI scans, a referral and a written medical recommendation are only required for patients under 18 years of age. Our MR scans can therefore be done on request, but it is recommended that you contact our specialists with any complaints or visit a doctor with the completed scan.
Private MR scans can be used to diagnose diseases of the neck, breast, abdomen and pelvic organs, in addition to the spine, skull and joints. Information can be obtained about certain injuries, metabolic disorders, brain and spinal diseases, and the condition of blood vessels.
Private MRI is also recommended for patients with headaches, dizziness, spinal or joint problems. The breast scan can also assess the integrity of the implant, while the heart scan can determine the condition and viability of the heart muscle and detect congenital or congenital heart defects.
Important! We do not perform examinations in cases of pregnancy or suspected pregnancy and over 150 kg.
For some patients, the scan may cause a feeling of claustrophobia due to the situation. We perform the MR scan in Budapest and it is possible to be accompanied by a relative. Furthermore, the examination can be interrupted and suspended immediately after a signal is given by a pump in the hand.
The examination can be made more comfortable because it is even possible to play music, if it does not interfere with the instructions during the examination of the region. We have our own special playback devices and applications for music, so you are not allowed to use your own, please do not bring your own media.
Any metal objects worn on the body, hearing aids, watches, chains, metal clasps, body jewellery, dentures must be removed and pockets emptied, as objects that carry an electric current or contain magnetic parts may be destroyed in a strong magnetic field. Removable braces must also be removed during MR examination of the skull and facial skull.
The native tests do not require any special preparation, but it is worth making sure you drink enough fluids throughout the day.
For contrast media tests, oral diabetes medication should be avoided for the two days before and after the test. It is important that a renal function laboratory test is obtained and the results should be brought to the examination.
No metal objects or electrical equipment may be brought into the examination room. It is recommended that you wear clothing without metal (zips, buttons, rivets, sequins, clasps) or it is practical to bring such clothing with you to the MR examination. If not, we can provide a gown and slippers for changing.
MR scans under 18 years of age can only be carried out with a written referral from a doctor.
Above 130 kg, we can only perform limited MRI scans in certain regions, and above 150 kg we do not perform MRI scans.
For MR scans, the suitability of implanted metals (e.g. orthotics, dental implants, spinal fixation devices) for MR scanning must be checked. Examination of the area with metallic implants may be severely limited, but is not a contraindication for other regions.
Contrast material studies cannot be performed in the absence of renal function laboratory tests or in the presence of reduced renal function below eGFR 45.
In the case of feelings of confinement, claustrophobia, panic, it is advisable to bring a relative or to consider the possibility of risk in advance.
We do not perform MR scans under anaesthesia.
Contrast agents cannot be used in case of pregnancy. In the 3rd trimester, a native (non-contrast) MR scan is possible if medically indicated and confirmed in writing by the obstetrician.
Below is a list of the devices implanted in your body during surgery or procedures that do not allow the scan. They may be both disturbing to the area in question, but they also pose a high safety risk to you and the device.
MR scans are done in a tubular device, which can cause a feeling of confinement in some people. You cannot get trapped in the machine, it is not squeezed or locked onto you, but slid over/into the table you are lying on. It is worth discussing the possibility of using sedatives with your doctor, however, if you are not already taking one, we do not recommend you try without medical approval. Your relative can accompany you and come into the examination room with you if you do not have a metal implant for MR contraindications, if this is reassuring. You will be given an alarm pump at the start of the examination so that you can signal our colleague to suspend the examination and end it immediately.
Please note that movement and displacement can make the images unreliable for interpretation, so our colleague can inform you in real time about the continuation of an interrupted examination.
We do not perform anaesthesia.
MRA, or MR angiography, is a type of MR sequencing.
MRA scans can provide information about blood vessels without the use of contrast agents. It allows blood moving through the blood vessels to be imaged.
At our institute, we offer cranial MRA scans for headaches, dizziness and migraine complaints.
If a doctor has also recommended the administration of contrast medium due to other abnormalities, it can be done together.
