Preparation for pelvic MRI examination. MRI of the pelvis with contrast

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method of examining a person, which is the most accurate and safe today. With the interaction of an electromagnetic field and different frequency radio waves, it is possible to examine layer by layer the position and condition of internal organs and systems, bones, blood vessels, tissue structure, and detect the occurrence of adhesions, cysts, tumors and other pathologies. An MRI of the pelvic organs examines the reproductive and urinary systems, the lower spine, intestines and the blood vessels located next to them.

Indications for MR imaging of the pelvic organs

The question of using MRI of the pelvic organs is decided by the doctor, but it is not forbidden to undergo the procedure on your own, without a referral. The examination is indicated if the pelvic organs have:

  • damage;
  • neoplasms;
  • developmental defects;
  • inflammation in the reproductive and urinary systems;
  • diseases of the bones of the lumbar, sacral and coccygeal parts of the spinal column;
  • pathological changes in the pelvic vessels (phlebitis, thrombophlebitis).

When is research contraindicated?

Contraindications to MRI of the pelvic organs:

  • fainting, mental and convulsive disorders, claustrophobia, childhood, in which it is impossible to ensure the patient’s immobility, which will not allow high-quality images to be taken;
  • weight over 120 kg, when the patient does not fit in the closed chamber of the tomograph;
  • the presence of ferromagnetic implants in the subject so as not to render them unusable;
  • an allergic reaction to the contrast agent gadolinium, which contains iodine;
  • kidney disease - to avoid complications in the genitourinary system when removing a contrast agent from the body;
  • pregnancy in the first trimester, in order to prevent pathologies of fetal development - in later stages the procedure is considered safe;
  • the patient has a contraceptive in the form of a copper coil - in order to avoid changes in its position, which will lead to an unwanted pregnancy;
  • critical days of the menstrual cycle in women.

Types of magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic organs

MRI of the pelvis is performed with and without contrast. The difference between the methods lies in the increased degree of visualization of images after a special substance is administered to the patient during the procedure. It is often used in cases where the non-contrast method did not provide comprehensive information, and it is necessary to confirm or refute the diagnosis.

With contrast

MRI of the pelvis with contrast is prescribed for a more accurate diagnosis. The contrast agent can “illuminate” the study area. Gadolinium penetrates the affected cells, including bones, making them clearly visible, their contours sharply defined. Contrast tomography of the pelvic area is used during recovery after surgical removal of intervertebral hernias, the presence of an unspecified infection in the body, and the detection of tumors to determine the size, structure, area of ​​tumor spread and metastases.

No contrast

Non-contrast MR imaging is used when the highest degree of visualization is not required, in the absence of symptoms indicating the presence of malignant neoplasms, to identify adhesions that cause displacement, deformation, and limited mobility of organs. A pelvic examination (in gynecology and other medical fields) is often performed in conjunction with an MRI of the abdomen to fully determine the extent of the lesion.


The difference between MRI, MSCT, ultrasound and other studies of the pelvic organs

Indications for the use of X-ray examination, ultrasound, MRI and MSCT of the pelvic organs are almost the same. X-rays provide two-dimensional images of the pelvic area. The disadvantage of the method is that images of neighboring organs may overlap each other, which makes decoding difficult. It is impossible to see inflammation and hernias on radiographs.

Ultrasound is performed using ultrasound; an image of the area being examined is transmitted to the computer screen. The method provides minimal risk of radiation exposure and virtually no side effects. The procedure is often prescribed to examine the patient's reproductive and genitourinary systems. On ultrasound, primary signs of adhesions are clearly visible.

Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of the pelvis is an examination that is carried out using a ring contour of X-rays and shows, unlike a conventional X-ray, a three-dimensional image. More often, MSCT of the pelvic bones is prescribed for injuries, especially complex ones. It is not recommended to use MSCT for pathologies of the pelvic organs in children under 14 years of age and in women at all stages of pregnancy. MSCT can detect diseases not only of the pelvic bones, but also of soft tissues.

MRI provides accurate and complete information about inflammation, hernias, cysts, and tumors. The procedure can be used repeatedly to monitor the progress of treatment, because it is almost completely harmless to the patient.

The doctor decides which examination method is better - X-ray, ultrasound, MRI or MSCT in each specific case.

Features of preparation for MRI

In order for the MRI procedure of the pelvic organs to be successful, it is necessary to carry out advance preparation. A reminder before the MR tomography OMT will help the patient prepare, which provides:

  • The last meal should be no later than 5 hours before the test, water – 4 hours.
  • Two days before the procedure, follow a diet that excludes the consumption of fatty meats, legumes, raw vegetables, fermented milk and other foods that cause increased gas formation. Taking Espumisan will help you prepare for the examination. The night before, you can take activated carbon in a dosage of 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight.
  • Shortly before the start of the procedure, empty the bladder (if it is not the one being examined) and intestines. If you have difficulty defecating, it is recommended to drink a laxative and do an enema.
  • Half an hour before the test, take an antispasmodic tablet (for example, No-shpa).
  • The procedure should be carried out in loose cotton clothing without metal trim. Watches and jewelry must be removed.
  • A gynecological examination should be carried out from the 6th to the 10th day of the menstrual cycle.

Stages of MR tomography of the pelvic organs

Before the procedure, the patient must get rid of metal objects - gadgets, watches, jewelry that may interfere with the operation of the tomograph. Next, the doctor interviews the patient about his state of health in order to identify the reasons for prescribing the examination, the presence of contraindications, examines the medical history and test results. To do an MRI of the pelvis with a contrast agent, a test is first performed to ensure there is no allergic reaction, and the condition of the kidneys is determined.

At the next stage, the patient is explained how the procedure is performed and how to behave. If a person suffers from claustrophobia, they offer headphones with relaxing music. For such patients, there are open tomographs. The procedure is painless, and in case of unforeseen circumstances, two-way communication is available.

Next, the patient goes to the tomograph, where he is placed on a sliding table, fixed to ensure immobility, and given a device to signal an emergency interruption of the procedure. The table is then moved into the tunnel and exploration begins.

The magnetic ring slowly rotates around the table, taking layer-by-layer images of the area being examined. The patient hears a monotonous hum and crackling sound, and sometimes feels a slight surge of warmth. The procedure without contrast lasts 30 minutes. The contrast agent is injected into the patient intravenously after taking pictures that do not require contrast. To do this, the table is pulled out of the tunnel, after which it is pushed back again, and the study continues. An MRI with contrast lasts 50 minutes. At the end of the scan, the images are analyzed, which takes from several hours to several days, after which the result is given to the patient.

Evaluating the results: what does the image show?

What does a pelvic MRI show? The study allows you to obtain images of successive sections of the insides with an interval of up to 5 millimeters, create a three-dimensional image, examine the position and structure of tissues, and identify pathologies at the earliest stage of their occurrence, long before the onset of symptoms.

Based on the information received, an accurate diagnosis can be made.

Features of the study of the pelvic organs in men

MRI of the pelvic organs in men will additionally show the presence of prostate diseases (prostatitis, adenoma), inflammation of the seminal vesicles (vesiculitis), testicles (orchitis) and penis. The main prerequisites for referral to magnetic resonance imaging are:

  • sexual dysfunction;
  • suspicion of neoplasms;
  • injuries to the lower abdomen, lower back or genitals;
  • pain when urinating;
  • the need to clarify the diagnosis after other types of examination.

Cost of the procedure

How much does the research cost? Depending on the area where the institution is located, the level of equipment and the qualifications of doctors, the cost of pelvic MRI ranges from 3 to 10 thousand rubles. At the moment, such examinations are becoming more and more in demand every day, so prices are noticeably decreasing. The cost of the procedure is justified, as it allows you to obtain accurate information.

When registering a patient for an MRI examination at the reception desk or by telephone, you must find out if he has any contraindications for the examination, ask him to bring with him documents indicating the metal, if any, is present in the body, but this does not apply to absolute contraindications.

Children: from school age, subject to psychological stability: it is necessary to lie still for 15 minutes or longer.
If necessary, parents can accompany the child to the study.

Closed MRI, 1.5 Tesla Phillips. Maximum patient weight 150 kg

Absolute contraindications are:

  • the patient has a “pacemaker” of the heart and pacemakers
  • 1st and last trimester of pregnancy
  • condition after clipping of blood vessels, primarily cerebral vessels - if the clips are magnetic or if the patient does not know what material the clips are made of.
  • magnetic (metalized) and electronic middle ear implants (not hearing aids)
  • massive medical metal structures for fractures of the musculoskeletal system (for example, the Ilizarov apparatus)
  • insulin pumps
  • “fresh” or multiple foreign bodies of soft tissues, organs: bullets, fragments
  • general “severe” condition of the patient:
  • comatose or unconscious state;
  • severe intoxication (including alcohol)
  • febrile conditions (with fever, chills)
  • mental inadequacy of the patient
  • severe cardiovascular or pulmonary insufficiency
  • claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces)

Relative contraindications:

  • patients with coronary stents – can be taken for study after 2 months
  • patients with prosthetic heart valves – can be taken for examination after 6 months
  • patients after surgery on the heart (or chest organs) with sternal wire sutures - can be taken for examination after 6 months

MRI of the abdominal organs (liver; pancreas; spleen; gallbladder):

  • It is advisable to conduct the study in the first half of the day (the last meal and water – a light breakfast – is possible 3 hours before the study)

MRI of the abdomen (kidneys, adrenal glands, lymph nodes):

  • the day before the test, exclude gas-forming foods from the diet (vegetables and fruits, peas, beans, black bread, canned food, dairy products, carbonated drinks, alcohol, etc.) You can eat: white bread, boiled meat and fish, dairy-free cereals, pasta , soups without vegetables;
  • 2 hours before the examination, take 2 No-shpy tablets;
  • the study is carried out in the first half of the day (the last meal and water - a light breakfast - is possible 3 hours before the study)

Be sure to bring your previous examinations with you! Arrive 15 minutes before the examination.

MRI of the rectum

  • the day before the test, exclude gas-forming foods from the diet (vegetables and fruits, peas, beans, black bread, canned food, dairy products, carbonated drinks, alcohol, etc.) You can eat: white bread, boiled meat and fish, dairy-free cereals, pasta , soups without vegetables;
  • (natural bowel movement or cleansing enema or glycerin suppository)
  • 2 hours before the examination, take 2 No-shpy tablets;
  • It is advisable to conduct the study in the first half of the day (the last meal and water - a light breakfast - is possible 2 hours before the study).

Be sure to bring your previous examinations with you! Arrive 15 minutes before the examination.

MRI Cholangiography

  • the day before the test, exclude gas-forming foods from the diet (vegetables and fruits, peas, beans, black bread, canned food, dairy products, carbonated drinks, alcohol, etc.) You can eat: white bread, boiled meat and fish, dairy-free cereals, pasta , soups without vegetables;
  • 2 hours before the examination, take 2 No-shpy tablets;
  • The study is carried out in the first half of the day STRICTLY on an empty stomach.

Be sure to bring your previous examinations with you! Arrive 15 minutes before the examination.

MRI of the pelvic organs in women (bladder; lymph nodes):

  • done on days 7-12 of the cycle (if the cycle is preserved) when the bleeding ends;
  • the day before the test, exclude gas-forming foods from the diet (vegetables and fruits, peas, beans, black bread, canned food, dairy products, carbonated drinks, alcohol, etc.) You can eat: white bread, boiled meat and fish, dairy-free cereals, pasta , soups without vegetables;
  • the evening before the examination, it is advisable to have a bowel movement
  • come to the test with an empty bladder

Be sure to bring your previous examinations with you! Arrive 15 minutes before the examination.

MRI of the pelvic organs in men (prostate; bladder; lymph nodes):

  • the day before the test, exclude gas-forming foods from the diet (vegetables and fruits, peas, beans, black bread, canned food, dairy products, carbonated drinks, alcohol, etc.) You can eat: white bread, boiled meat and fish, dairy-free cereals, pasta , soups without vegetables;
  • the evening before the examination, it is advisable to have a bowel movement
  • come to the examination with an empty bladder.

Be sure to bring your previous examinations with you; PSA result if available! Arrive 15 minutes before the examination.

MRI of the head (MRI of the brain; MRI of the pituitary gland; MRI of the eye orbits; MRI of the arteries and veins of the brain (MR angiography); MRI of the paranasal sinuses; MRI of the salivary glands; MRI of the larynx)

MRI of the head does not require special preparation. When examining with contrast, you must consult with your doctor before starting the examination.

MRI of the pelvic organs is a common non-invasive way to visualize organs and tissues of interest to the physician. For this, a powerful magnetic field and radio waves of a certain frequency are used, making it possible to see the organs between the pelvic bones. This technology is especially effective for examining dynamic processes occurring in the body.

The substance used during the process improves the quality of the information obtained, and preparation for it only involves the introduction of this substance. It is this technique that diagnoses various pathologies, as well as structural metamorphoses, at the earliest stages.

Quite often, doctors simply have no choice but to examine the patient using MRI, because other methods do not provide as much data necessary for treatment. In addition, other examinations (such as laparoscopy and others) are not only quite painful, but also much more difficult to perform.

Involves examination of the following areas:

  • Bladder.
  • The uterus itself, as well as the ovaries and, of course, the fallopian tubes.
  • Vagina.
  • The entire area behind the uterus.
  • Rectum.

Quite often these areas are affected by cancer. Therefore, the examination must be carried out immediately as soon as there is even the slightest suspicion of the presence of a tumor. Since MRI can show its development at an early stage, this significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

When should you see a doctor and go for a diagnosis? There are a number of symptoms that should never be ignored.

  • Dull, drawing or sharp pain in the abdomen as a whole or only in the pelvic area.
  • Noticeable weight loss for no apparent reason.
  • The appearance of blood in the urine or stool.
  • Heavy bleeding during menstruation.

If you have at least a couple of symptoms at the same time, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor. After all, it is a timely examination that allows for effective treatment and recovery. Despite the widespread and popularity of MRI and MRI with contrast, there are a number of contraindications that prevent this procedure from being performed. These include:

  • The patient has claustrophobia (the patient simply physically cannot lie still in the apparatus, so panic attacks will not allow the doctor to get a clear picture).
  • If the patient has ferromagnetic implants.
  • Contraindications include the presence of a pacemaker or insulin pump.
  • MRI cannot be used if the patient has hemostatic clips implanted (on the vessels of the brain).

As with any other test, MRI has a number of features that you need to consider before agreeing to the procedure.

  • The magnetic field does not affect a fully formed baby, but can affect a fetus under three months old. So you need to know for sure that the woman is not pregnant at the time of the examination.
  • the substance can negatively affect patients with renal failure and cause complications affecting the genitourinary area. This problem is especially relevant for diabetics, as well as patients with any kidney problems.
  • Before conducting the study, it would be good to conduct an allergy test to be sure that there is no allergic reaction to drugs containing iodine.
  • If the patient has a copper IUD inserted as a precautionary measure, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist. The magnetic field of the device can move it from its place, as a result, such protection will become completely ineffective.

How do you prepare for the examination?

Before performing an MRI of the pelvic organs, the doctor must warn the patient about the need to follow several rules that are important for successfully obtaining results. Preparation for the study includes the following points:

  1. It is best to come to an MRI of the pelvis hungry, so either refrain from eating at all or have something very light for breakfast. Such preparation is very important for the effectiveness and success of the procedure.
  2. A couple of days before the procedure, you need to remove from your usual menu all foods that can increase gas formation. These are all legumes, cabbage, vegetables and fruits rich in fiber.
  3. If there is a lot of fluid in the bladder, the pictures will be blurry. And the patient will be extremely uncomfortable. So before the MRI, you need to visit the toilet. The only exception is the study of the bladder.
  4. If a patient suffers from constipation, and he is undergoing not just an MRI of the pelvic organs, but of the rectum, he will have to take measures to empty his bowels on the day on which the procedure is scheduled. It is best to discuss this problem with a doctor: he will tell you which drugs are best to take from a number of laxatives, or prescribe an enema. It makes no difference what kind of examination will take place: with or without contrast.
  5. If the patient is scheduled for examination of the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries, it will be carried out from the sixth to the ninth day of the menstrual cycle.

Preparation also includes taking an antispasmodic prescribed by a doctor an hour before the procedure. You should not take any medications at your own risk.

The study must be preceded by other procedures. So, it is best to go for an MRI with ultrasound images in hand: it will be easier for the doctor to formulate an overall picture and prescribe the best treatment. It is even better if the specialist knows the entire clinical history of the disease.

The procedure lasts on average up to forty minutes. The patient only needs to lie still so that the images come out as clear and detailed as possible. If an MRI is performed with contrast, a contrast agent will be injected into the patient's blood before the examination begins.

When is MRI with contrast used?

MRI image of the pelvic organs with contrast

As for, this is a separate procedure. What is it? This is the same examination, but it requires the introduction of a special contrast agent. It is administered intravenously to make the images clearer and more reliable. Such drugs are quite expensive, so the total cost of an MRI with contrast is significantly more than a conventional study. However, it is not always necessary to use it, but in order to clearly outline the border of the tumor before surgery, it is better to identify the structure of the tumor and find the smallest metastases.

Contrast agents are absolutely harmless to health and do not have any negative effects even when the examination is carried out several times. Their dosage depends on the patient’s body weight. Allergic reactions, of course, can happen, but this happens very rarely.

When is a pelvic MRI performed?

This examination is mandatory for the patient when the following points occur:

  • The slightest suspicion of tumor development or metastases in the examined area.
  • Any anomalies in the development of the pelvic organ.
  • Suspicions of problems such as cyst ruptures, ovarian apoplexy.
  • Any injuries related to the pelvic organs.
  • Continuous pain in the sacrum or pelvic area, without obvious causes.
  • Any inflammation in this area (for example, adnexitis or endometritis)
  • Possibility of developing endometriosis.
  • Diseases of the rectum.
  • If there is a possibility of cysts appearing in the ovaries.
  • Bleeding from the vagina for unknown reasons.
  • Causeless infertility.

What can a pelvic MRI reveal?

This examination may detect the following problems:

  • Presence of a tumor.
  • Cyst formation.
  • Development of inflammatory processes.
  • The appearance of adhesions in the fallopian tubes.
  • Pathologies of the intestines or bladder.
  • The appearance of kidney stones.
  • Pathologies not only of organs, but also of blood vessels.

The red arrow indicates cancer on an MRI image.

The arrows on the MRI image indicate endometriotic ovarian cysts

Using MRI, the doctor can see changes in tissues in the patient’s body at an early stage and identify a tumor smaller than a centimeter in size.

Survey results

After the procedure, the patient needs to wait about two hours: this is the average time it takes a doctor to draw up a full conclusion. Having received all the documents, the patient can go to the attending physician or receive a treatment plan from the specialist who performed the MRI.

Endometrioid lesions of the ureters on MRI examination

Conclusion

MRI is deservedly considered one of the most effective and informative examination methods, allowing to identify the disease and tumor development as early as possible and thereby increase a person’s chances of returning to health and a normal life. If the patient is prescribed not just an MRI of the pelvis, but a procedure with contrast, then you need to be prepared for a more significant cost. However, the effectiveness of such research pays for the costs.

Preparation for pelvic MRI in men involves fasting for 2-4 hours before the procedure and drinking 1 liter of water while using a contrast agent. But let's talk about everything in order. Magnetic imaging is a non-invasive soft tissue imaging technique based on the magnetic properties of hydrogen nuclei, which are present in different forms and concentrations throughout the body. The first scientific research in the field of magnetic resonance began more than 40 years ago. Magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly being used to diagnose prostate cancer in men and is useful for identifying early lesions and assessing their progression as part of an individualized treatment plan. Preparing for the examination is quite simple.

This method allows the detection of lesions in soft tissues, and is especially useful in prostate cancer. The procedure is used to identify tumor lesions below or equal to T2 in the TNM classification in the prostate and above or equal to T3 to visualize tumor infiltration of the urinary tract.

MRI of the pelvis in men with prostate cancer is useful in detecting abnormally enlarged lymph nodes, as well as their morphology, depending on the degree of contrast enhancement. An abnormal pattern of lymph nodes may indicate progression of tumor changes and is important information for the attending physician and patient when choosing further treatment. What does a pelvic MRI show besides this? The study evaluates skeletal structures to exclude tumor lesions.

Preparation for MRI of the pelvis in men is done with an empty bladder, do not drink liquid 2 hours before the examination

How to prepare for diagnosis?

Preparation before pelvic tomography consists of the following:

  • a man should go 2-4 hours without food, avoid drinking coffee and strong tea;
  • you need to inform the doctor about factors and diseases that may interfere with the examination (for example, tattoos, dental fillings, metal implants);
  • when examining the pelvic organs, preparation for the study includes emptying the bladder;
  • when using contrast, preparation requires drinking 1 liter of liquid immediately before the examination (before doing this, consult your doctor);
  • in some cases, a contrast agent is injected into the rectal area;
  • When preparing for the examination, remove jewelry, metal objects, and watches from your pockets and clothing; this must be done outside the magnetic resonance room.

The doctor will tell you in as much detail as possible how to prepare for an MRI of the male pelvis. It is recommended to avoid makeup (creams, aftershave, foundation) and not to use gel or hairspray (cosmetic products contain metal particles that can interfere with the results). If implants are present, the patient must provide medical documentation describing the type of implant and the material from which it is made.

When submitting an application for examination, a man must prepare for an MRI and bring with him to the laboratory:

  • direction for research;
  • current serum creatinine test (7 days for those with signs of renal failure, 21 days for healthy subjects);
  • previous diagnostic results (description + pictures), discharge from the hospital (medical record);
  • identification.

A doctor’s responsibilities for preparing for a pelvic MRI in men include the following steps:

  1. Place the patient on a movable table in a supine position, he slides into the MRI machine;
  2. Inform about the need to lie still and, if possible, not move;
  3. Psychological preparation - inform the man about the noise associated with the operation of the camera;
  4. Observe the patient during the procedure; prolonged MRI may cause discomfort;
  5. Make a series of images with contrast;
    record information about the time of receipt of results.

How is the procedure done?

An MRI of the pelvic organs in men lasts at least 40 minutes, up to a maximum of 3 hours, and is absolutely painless. During the examination, the patient receives intravenous contrast, which is different from that used in CT scans. This contrast is not based on iodine compounds, but only gadolinium. Gadolinium contrast agents have fewer contraindications and are better tolerated. Before the examination, the man is given a questionnaire listing risk factors.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis will show images of internal organs in all planes. How are pictures taken? The patient is placed in a strong electromagnetic field generated by the scanner. Electromagnetic radiation is captured by a special antenna. The received signal is processed by a computer.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis examines anatomical structures and possible pathologies down to a few millimeters, in particular the nervous system (spinal canal) and soft tissues (subcutaneous tissue, muscles and joints). If the preparation for the procedure is carried out correctly, with MRI, even without the use of contrast media, you can get a picture of the blood vessels and evaluate any pathologies (aneurysms, angiomas).

During the pelvic examination procedure, a man has a constant opportunity to contact the doctor via an audio channel. If there are the slightest complaints regarding health or illness, they must be reported immediately.

Intravenous contrast may be required during preparation for pelvic MRI in men.

Contraindications for carrying out

Absolute contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging in men:

  • pacemaker;
  • neurostimulant (for example, for Parkinson's disease);
  • defibrillator-cardioverter or pacemaker;
  • cochlear implant.

Relative contraindications include:

  • artificial heart valve;
  • orthopedic implants (bolts, stabilizers, prostheses);
  • vascular clamps after laparoscopic surgery;
  • vascular stents, bypasses;
  • pregnancy;
  • claustrophobia;
  • discomfort due to high room temperature (about 25 °C).

Contrast agents for examination of the genitourinary system are administered at the request of the radiologist supervising the examination. A man has the right not to agree to their introduction, but in such cases the diagnostic value of the test is significantly reduced. For contrast-enhanced MRI, serum creatinine levels must be measured. Whenever a decision is made to administer a contrast agent, a radiologist reviews the procedure based on diagnostic indications, the patient's medical history, and laboratory test results (preparations include creatinine testing).

Standard rules for preparing for pelvic MRI suggest that non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis is performed without preparation. Your doctor will explain your individual diet, eating habits, bowel cleansing, and bladder filling. Before administering gadolinium salts, it is necessary to exclude an allergic reaction by performing a provocative test.

The child needs to refuse food and food before going under anesthesia. Compliance with the menu begins a day before medicinal sleep. You need to limit food and drink no later than 6 hours before the procedure.

Preparing for an MRI of the pelvis - basic rules

Patients are interested in what they can eat before a pelvic MRI. The answer is determined by diagnostic tasks and examination goals. The attending physician will be able to determine what you can eat before the cancer screening test.

The specialist will prescribe a diet and identify concomitant diseases. The correct preparatory stage helps to cleanse blood vessels and study the blood supply to internal organs. After a native scan, the radiology doctor may prescribe contrast (intravenous injection of gadolinium) to improve the visibility of blood vessels. Even a small neoplasm has its own microcirculation network, which is monitored after the arrival of the paramagnetic agent.

Basic rules for preparing for an MRI of the pelvis:

  1. Visibility of the pelvic organs improves after eliminating intestinal gases by taking espumisan, fortrans, activated carbon, enema;
  2. A qualified specialist can decide what you can drink and eat. It is usually suggested that 5 hours before the MRI scan, complete restriction of fluids and nutrients;
  3. Expand the bladder by first taking antispasmodic drugs (no-spa, buscopan);
  4. If examination of the rectum is required, a cleansing enema is performed;
  5. It is better for a woman to have a scan done on days 7-9 of her monthly cycle;
  6. You cannot wear clothes with buttons or metal bones;
  7. Remove metal objects before visiting the MRI room.

There is a difference between magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis. The rules for preparing for procedures differ.

Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast suggests eliminating food for 4 hours. Your doctor will tell you what you can eat and drink before your MRI scan.

Diet before magnetic resonance imaging with contrast

An examination of a woman’s reproductive sphere is carried out when the bladder is filled with fluid. You need to drink about 1 liter of water an hour before the MRI procedure. If necessary, a cleansing enema is done no later than 4 hours. Cleansing the circulatory system is an important part of preparation. The distribution of gadolinium inside the arteries determines the structure of the wall and verifies the areas of deposition of atherosclerotic plaques.

Principles of diet before abdominal MRI

What not to eat before an MRI scan of the abdomen:

  • Gas-forming drinks - milk, tannin, coffee;
  • Products that provoke fermentation - black and white bread;
  • Legumes – peas, beans;
  • Fresh fruits are high in fiber.

You can eat food that is easily digestible and steamed. Raw fruits and vegetables provoke increased gas formation. It is better to treat with steam.

Diet before pelvic tomography - what you can eat:

  • Dried bread;
  • Stewed, boiled vegetables;
  • Fish, lean meat;
  • Kissels, compotes.

Taking enterosorbent medications will help improve digestion and reduce gas formation. Medicines prevent unwanted gastrointestinal motility.

Is it possible to take medications prescribed by a doctor before an MRI? The relevance of the answer requires a preliminary assessment of health status. Antispasmodics are allowed, enterosorbents are taken according to indications.

Is it possible to drink alcohol while preparing for a pelvic MRI? The answer is negative. Refusal of alcoholic beverages 2 days before the study is an important rule of the preparatory stage. Ethyl alcohol changes the course of metabolic reactions, makes a person excited, which distorts the results of tomography.

What should children do before an MRI examination under anesthesia?

Magnetic resonance imaging requires maintaining a still position. The hyperactivity of a small child cannot be suppressed by persuasion. Introduction to deep sleep and drug sedation allows the quality of the procedure to be carried out. You need to properly prepare in advance for an MRI of the pelvic organs under anesthesia:

  1. There are no later than 6 hours before magnetic resonance imaging;
  2. Drinking is allowed 30 minutes after waking up;
  3. Eat food only 2 hours after the scan is completed;
  4. Feed a bottle-fed baby no later than 6 hours. Proper preparation will prevent vomit from entering the respiratory system in a horizontal position.

Follow the advice of experts!

What not to eat before magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis

Native scanning of the pelvic organs eliminates complex procedures. You just need to limit gas-forming foods - peas, beans, beans, carbonated drinks. Doctors individually determine what each individual patient should not eat.

List of products contraindicated for MRI of the pelvic organs:

  1. Carbonated drinks;
  2. Poultry and eggs;
  3. Raisins, watermelons, pears, bananas;
  4. Legumes;
  5. Dairy products;
  6. Rutabagas, turnips, mushrooms, carrots;
  7. Cereals and flour products;
  8. Vegetable oil.

The list of gas-forming products must be studied in advance in order to prepare properly. MRI of the pelvic organs with contrast in women and men is characterized by the same algorithm. The smallest details of preparation for MRI of the pelvis and abdominal cavity with contrast are not carried out without a preliminary examination of the person’s health status.

How to prepare for an MRI with contrast

Native MRI of the pelvic organs preparation, which takes a few minutes, is done according to indications:

  1. Diagnosis of inflammation;
  2. Detection of polyps, endometrial hyperplasia of the uterus;
  3. Cysts;
  4. Kidney stones;
  5. Bruises of the lower back;
  6. Causes of uncomfortable urination;
  7. Sexual dysfunction.

You should prepare for a pelvic MRI with contrast if you have the following pathologies:

  • Exclusion of tumors, metastases;
  • Verification of urinary tract diseases;
  • Detection of etiological factors of female and male infertility;
  • Identifying the causes of sexual disorders;
  • Confirmation of an unspecified diagnosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium verifies dangerous conditions. Early verification of diseases is an important examination task. The preparatory stage is carried out carefully. Doctors analyze the results of other diagnostic methods, study outpatient records and medical history.

Consult your doctor about the possibility of removing pacemakers and metal implants. Sedatives are prescribed by specialists. For small children, the procedure is performed under anesthesia.

Tomography is good at verifying soft tissue formations of the pelvic organs. MRI is highly informative, specific, and reliable!

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