MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

If you have a cardiac pacemaker in your body you cannot undergo an MRI examination at DZU. A REFERRAL APPROVED by your health insurance company's senior physician is required for every MRI examination.

Patients are requested to bring any existing previous images of the corresponding area (ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI) when you come to DZU for your examination.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure which, in contrast to computed tomography and X-ray examinations, does not involve X-rays. Instead, a magnetic field is used to obtain images. To put it very simply, the large quantity of hydrogen atoms present in the body are oriented towards a strong magnetic field as if they were magnetic pins. Additionally, radio waves are introduced and this disturbs the orientation of the hydrogen atoms. The radio waves are turned off and the hydrogen atoms return to their original position. Now these, in turn, send out radio waves. The signals are received by antennas (coils) and translated into images. MRI enables the radiologic technologist to obtain cross-section images in the desired number of planes. Soft tissue structures can be distinguished particularly well with this examination. Inflamed tissue can be clearly identified in its normal environment, for instance. Therefore, MRI is used for all diseases in which changes in the soft tissue are suspected such as those of the brain, muscles, organs of the abdomen, etc. Both the initial diagnosis and the exact course of the disease can be followed very well.

Due to the strong magnetic field it is necessary to remove all clothes with the exception of underclothes and socks. Please leave all metal objects (such as jewelry, piercings, watch, dental prostheses, and coins), all data carriers (such as cheque cards, credit cards, parking tickets) and hearing aids or similar objects in the changing room. MRI examinations are specifically conceived to confirm or exclude the suspected diagnosis. Depending on the organ being examined, the procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour. It is necessary to administer contrast material for certain evaluations. Than we introduce a venous access (Venflon) before the examination. In this way, contrast material is injected into the body in an entirely painless way during the examination. This eliminates the risk of movement having a negative effect on the procedure.

Even respiratory movements of the abdominal wall disturb the examination of the abdomen. Therefore, we instruct you as to how and when you should breathe through headphones, with which you can also listen to soft music.

Patients lie on a sliding table during the procedure. The table slides through the examination tunnel until the area to be evaluated is in the middle of the ring magnet. In the modern scanners used at DZU this tunnel is wide and therefore less constrictive. A coil that receives signals from the body is placed on the area to be examined. The magnetic tunnel is illuminated from within, ventilated, and open at both ends. A window allows for visual contact with patients, who can contact the radiologic technologist at any time by speaking through an intercom system or pressing a bell. The scanner makes loud tapping sounds during the procedure, so patients are given ear plugs or headphones, as mentioned above.

Patients are requested to refrain from any movement during the examination since this disturbs imaging as well as their evaluation / reporting by the doctor.