Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a commonly used examination method in clinical practice. Most people have heard of MRI, and when patients undergo related disease examinations, clinical physicians usually recommend MRI. However, we are not very familiar with the content of MRI and what diseases MRI can detect. Here is an introduction to the knowledge related to magnetic resonance imaging.
What is magnetic resonance examination?
Magnetic resonance examination refers to the use of corresponding magnetic resonance signals generated by magnetic resonance phenomena, combined with images formed by magnetic resonance signals, for the diagnosis of diseases. It is a common diagnostic tool in imaging and plays an important role in clinical disease diagnosis. During the specific examination process for patients, the human body is placed in a specific magnetic field, which causes a certain change in the spin direction of electrons around the proton, promoting proton imaging. By using magnetic resonance imaging, the specific location of the patient's disease can be accurately determined.
Does magnetic resonance imaging have radiation?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not involve radiation, as it mainly utilizes high-frequency magnetic fields, which are usually formed by the excitation of electric currents. This is different from the principle of ionizing radiation commonly used in X-ray and CT examinations. So, magnetic resonance imaging does not produce radiation and does not pose any harm to the human body.
What diseases can be examined by magnetic resonance imaging?
1. Head diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect central nervous system diseases such as tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, and brain malformations in the head.
2. Chest diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect damage to heart valves and other issues, and can also clearly display mediastinal tumors.
3. Liver diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging can differentiate liver diseases such as liver cancer, metastatic cancer, and cavernous vessels.
What are the safety precautions for magnetic resonance imaging examination?
1. Patients with high fever, severe hunchback, overweight, and severe illness, as well as those who are confused, have mental abnormalities, are prone to epilepsy or cardiac arrest, have severe trauma, are young children, and do not cooperate, should be scanned carefully. If magnetic resonance imaging examination is necessary, it should be performed under the supervision of a clinical doctor or family member. Patients using life support systems such as monitors and ventilators should not undergo magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with severe claustrophobia should not undergo magnetic resonance imaging. Early pregnant women should not undergo magnetic resonance imaging examination in principle.
2. The examining physician should be informed of their history of trauma and surgery. Patients with ferromagnetic aneurysm clips, hemostatic clips, and other related foreign objects left in the body after surgery or for other reasons should be prohibited from undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with pacemakers, cochlear implants, and other related biological stimulators and electronic devices such as insulin pumps installed in the body or on the surface should be prohibited from undergoing magnetic resonance imaging.
3. Patients who refuse to cooperate and pediatric patients should go to the department applying for examination in advance to prescribe relevant sedatives or contact anesthesia. The examinee can only proceed with the examination after undergoing sedation treatment. Before conducting further examinations, contact the relevant personnel in the magnetic resonance examination room to determine the appropriate medication time.
Before entering the scanning room, patients and their families should leave their watches, electronic cameras, mobile phones, headwear, dentures, hairpins, necklaces, earrings, and other related metal items outdoors. Before conducting the inspection, metal items on bras, belts, and clothing with metal hooks should be removed. Female patients with contraceptive rings, if necessary, can go to the obstetrics and gynecology department to remove them before undergoing examination. Examination beds, wheelchairs, stretchers, etc. with magnetic accessories should not enter the magnetic resonance examination room.
5. If there are metal containing implants such as artificial corneas, various blood vessels and endovascular stents, artificial valves, artificial joints, vascular clips, orthopedic fixators, etc. in the body, the clinical physician should be informed in advance. If medical implants can provide relevant materials for magnetic resonance imaging safety certification, you can contact the clinical supervisor and conduct the examination only after confirming the safety of the examination.
6. Makeup should be avoided before inspection. According to the analysis of cosmetics related ingredients, some cosmetics may add a certain amount of metal substances to improve brightness. Although a small amount of metal will not significantly affect the inspection results, it should be prevented in advance to reduce the incidence of unexpected situations.
7. Patients with contrast agent allergies should inform the clinical physician in a timely manner before undergoing examinations. Magnetic resonance imaging requires the addition of contrast agent for image comparison. Patients with a history of allergies should inform the clinical physician in a timely manner. The physician can change the examination method or replace the contrast agent based on the patient's corresponding allergy symptoms.
In summary, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a commonly used diagnostic method in clinical practice. Only when patients have a comprehensive understanding of MRI and are aware that MRI does not emit radiation, can the safety of the examination be ensured. This will enable patients to actively cooperate with the examination, ensure the accuracy of the results, detect symptoms early, and receive timely treatment, thereby achieving better disease diagnosis and treatment outcomes.