Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces 3D information and images of the part of the body to be examined. The images are the result of the interaction of water in the body and the large magnet in the device. It can be used for the entire body and makes all the tissues in the body visible. An MRI is a common examination that is increasingly used to diagnose disorders of bones, organs and the brain.

Magnetic field

MRI uses a very strong magnetic field. The examination is totally harmless and painless. You are placed in a sort of tunnel, lying down. This is a long, hollow tube (1.5 m long and 70 cm wide). In order to produce proper images, an ‘antenna’ (a coil) is placed around the region to be assessed, which receives information in the form of images. N.B.: If you wear an electro-magnetically controlled device (for example a pacemaker or a defibrillator), you should always bring the ID card of the device with you. You should also inform the MRI operator if you have a foreign object in your body.

Read more under the photo.

Duration

The examination lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the organs to be examined.

Contrast agent

Just as with a CT scan, sometimes a contrast agent (gadolinium) is injected. This contrast agent is expelled via the urine in the hours following the examination. To eliminate the contrast agent quickly, you should drink sufficient water after the examination.

A limited number of patients may experience slight allergic reactions after the administration of the dye, resulting in a skin rash. However, these reactions disappear spontaneously. The dye has been administered over 20,000 times at UZ Brussel. With modern dyes, incidents are extremely rare. If a red rash like this does appear, you should contact your GP.

Procedure

As the procedure involves magnetism and a magnetic field, the device makes a lot of noise (banging). This may be startling or annoying, but it does no harm. You are given headphones to muffle the noise and to enable communication during the examination. A mirror system has been fitted in one device that allows you to watch calming films during the examination. You can choose the film yourself from a selection on offer.

Support

Some patients feel rather confined during the examination. If that is a real problem, an anaesthetic can be administered. An anaesthetic involves risks, of course, so you cannot return home immediately after the examination. We therefore prefer to support each patient, tell them what is happening and reassure them and to carry out all examinations without anaesthetic. If necessary, the doctors can give you a sedative. Just as in other instances, the examination is, in any case, carried out under the direct supervision of nurses and doctors.

Digital images are available

The photos are available shortly after the examination. They are sent to the treating doctor digitally, together with a report. Immediately after the examination, you are given a code which you can use to view the images yourself via the internet.