Magnetic resonance
"You can get high quality images and see the changes in your body without using x-rays. There are no harmful effects on your body".
DR. ISABEL VIVAS PÉREZ SPECIALIST. RADIOLOGY SERVICE
What is magnetic resonance (MRI)?
The magnetic resonance (MRI) is a diagnostic test that uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to obtain images of different areas of the body.
You can get high quality images and see the changes in your body without using ionizing radiation (x-rays). There are no harmful effects on your body.
The use of magnetic resonance is an irreplaceable technique in the characterization of lesions of all kinds, such as congenital anomalies, tumors, neurodegenerative pathologies, epileptic, infectious and metabolic processes.
When is an MRI indicated?
The magnetic field of the equipment directs the hydrogen atoms in a certain direction which, when stimulated by radio frequency waves (the noise heard during scanning), emits a signal captured by an antenna which is transformed, by a computer, into images.
Most frequent indications for magnetic resonance imaging:
- Diagnostic study of the central nervous system.
- Diagnostic study of the abdomen.
- Diagnostic study of the breast.
- Diagnostic study of musculoskeletal injuries.
Do you have any of these diseases?
You may need an MRI
Types of MRI
MRI of the Breast
MRI is a relatively new technique in the diagnostic use of breast lesions.
Its main objective is to help determine the staging of breast cancer. In malignant lesions, it allows obtaining a situation of both breasts (to detect also satellite lesions), and with that information, the surgeon decides which technique to use.
Although mammography is currently the only accepted technique for breast cancer screening in the female population (complemented on certain occasions by ultrasound), magnetic resonance imaging performed with paramagnetic contrast has emerged strongly as a very useful technique in certain cases of breast pathology.
In addition, it is the most sensitive imaging technique for detecting infiltrating cancers, close to 100%.
The new MRI acquired by the Clinic makes it possible to perform breast biopsies. Given the high sensitivity of the new equipment to detect this type of cancer, with the disadvantage of the appearance of false positives, it is necessary to perform a biopsy to know precisely the nature of the lesion.
If the lesion is only perceptible with the resonance, the biopsy should be performed using this technique. Biopsies are performed quickly and safely. It is performed under local anesthesia and does not require hospital admission. In addition, complications are minimized and the incorporation of patients into their daily lives is immediate.
MRI of the brain
The use of magnetic resonance is an irreplaceable technique in the characterization of brain injuries of all kinds, such as congenital anomalies, tumors, neurodegenerative pathologies, epileptic, infectious and metabolic processes.
The incorporation of magnetic resonance as a diagnostic technique of the brain has been a great boost for the development of neuroradiological activity.
Besides using MRI routinely as a test to study brain morphology, it has also been proven to be effective for metabolic and functional assessment of the brain. The metabolic assessment of the brain explains how certain neurodegenerative processes or other specific diseases of the brain develop.
It is also used to guide the surgeon in a biopsy or to verify that the tumor has been completely removed.
High field intraoperative MRI
3 teslas
We have incorporated an intraoperative magnetic resonance of 3 teslas adaptable to any body biotype, the first of these characteristics to be installed in Spain.
This equipment manages to adjust the image study to the physical qualities of the patient.
How is an MRI performed?
Performing the MRI
In some cases, always by decision of the specialist, it is necessary to perform during the exam the injection of intravenous contrast (not iodine, whose adverse reactions are exceptional) or rectal.
In pediatric patients or in adults with poor collaboration, the study will be performed under sedation practiced by our anesthesiologists, in which case the preparation for the test may vary.
The images obtained will later be studied by the radiologist, who will send a report to your responsible physician.
Risks and precautions
- Although MRI is not contraindicated in pregnant women, it is advisable to inform the Radiology Service nurse if you are pregnant or might be pregnant.
- In some cases, always by decision of the specialist, it is necessary to perform an injection of intravenous paramagnetic contrast during the exam, whose adverse reactions are exceptional.
- f you suffer from allergies or have had adverse reactions to contrast before, you must inform us beforehand.
- In case of pelvic studies, it may be necessary to administer a rectal enema.
Contraindications for MRI
Patients who are carriers of any of these devices must notify the physician or Radiology Service personnel in advance:
- Pacemakers, heart valves, cochlear implants, bone-bridge or other hearing implants.
- History of surgery with metal clips or being treated with acupuncture.
- Other metal prosthesis or implants.
Where do we do it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
The Radiology Service
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
We have the most advanced technology to perform diagnostic radiological tests: PET-CT (the first equipment of these characteristics installed in Spain), 1.5 and 3 tesla magnetic resonances, latest generation digital mammography, etc.
We have an innovative system for archiving and communicating medical images, which facilitates their storage and handling for better diagnostic capacity.
Organized in specialized areas
- Neck and chest area
- Abdominal area
- Musculoskeletal area
- Neuroradiology Area
- Breast Area
- Interventional radiology Area
Why at the Clinica?
- We are the private center with the largest technological equipment in Spain.
- Specialists with extensive experience, trained in centers of national and international reference.
- We collaborate in a multidisciplinary way with the rest of the Clinic's departments.
