MRI: contraindications to the procedure

MRI is an effective and painless method of diagnosis, which allows you to examine in detail the pathological changes and structure of the soft tissues of the body, bones, ligaments and muscles. The result is in most cases ready within an hour after the examination, which makes it possible not to delay with the examination and choice of treatment tactics.

But, unfortunately, not all people can carry out MRI. Contraindications and limitations to this study are mainly related to the presence of metal in the body and certain diseases. A body weight of more than 120 kg may also be an obstacle to this procedure, although there are some tomographs that allow patients with a weight of up to 180 kg to be diagnosed.

Absolute contraindications to all types of MRI

There are conditions that are incompatible with MRI. Contraindications of this group completely exclude the possibility of carrying out this diagnostic procedure. Such a study can not be carried out to people with established pacemakers, because the magnetic field leads to disturbances in the operation of this device. Because of the broken chips, the heart rhythm can go down, and a serious danger (up to a lethal outcome) will threaten a person's health.

Do not perform an MRI for those patients who have artificial elements made of magnetizable materials in their bodies, because they can become very hot and deform during operation. If a person on the body has tattoos for which paint with similar metals was used - he is also forbidden to perform this diagnostic procedure.

Relative contraindications to MRI

There are a number of conditions in which patients can not always perform MRI. Contraindications of this group are relative, therefore, if certain conditions are met, a person can still undergo this study. These include:

• Fear of enclosed space;
• pregnancy;
• Chronic heart failure;
• Mental illness;
• The inability to remain in a calm lying position for a long time without moving at the same time.

Metal ceramic crowns in most cases are made of such materials that do not magnetize, so their presence in the body is not a prohibition for MRI. The same applies to intrauterine spirals and titanium implants of any localization. Contraindications for mental illnesses can be neglected if the patient is undergoing sedation and controlled by a doctor.

MRI with contrast: contraindications to the procedure

To enhance the individual areas of the images, an MRI with a contrast agent is sometimes performed. Such a study is effective for differential diagnosis of tumors and detection of neoplasms of the smallest size. In addition to standard contraindications, MRI with contrast is not performed in such conditions and diseases:

• Allergic reaction to the drug to enhance the image;
• Pregnancy and lactation (for study with contrast - this is an absolute contraindication);
• Severe chronic disorders in the kidneys;
• Recently carried out liver transplantation.

Restrictions on pregnancy and breastfeeding

During MRI, the human body does not receive radiation (as, for example, X-ray or CT), but it is susceptible to the action of a strong magnetic field. In addition, in many patients, prolonged stay in close space is accompanied by psychological discomfort. Since pregnant women should not be exposed to stress, this study is not recommended to be conducted in the first trimester, when all organs of the fetus are only being formed.

Passage of MRI in the 2nd and 3rd trimester is possible only on strict indications. This decision should be made by the attending physician, having weighed the diagnostic benefit and risk. Women in the situation and nursing mothers can not enter a contrast for MRI. Contraindications to this are due to the fact that the drug may adversely affect the intrauterine development of the child or enter the body of a newborn during breastfeeding.

MRI of the spine: contraindications for the study

To diagnose hernias, osteochondrosis and other degenerative-dystrophic changes, you need to examine the spine. To distinguish these conditions from sciatica and radiculitis inflammation, the patient is often prescribed a MRI of the lumbar region. Contraindications to this procedure are basically the same as the general limitations for all types of this study. But there are also some specific points that are associated with the localization of the survey area.

It is impossible to carry out MRI of the back in such cases:

• The patient received a sharp spinal trauma, which requires urgent surgical intervention (MRI is carried out for about 10-15 minutes, and sometimes such delay can be life-threatening);
• The patient can not lie quietly on his back because of a strong pain syndrome, which is not stopped by anesthetics.

MRI of the spine, like any other area, can not be done if fragments of unknown material are stuck in the human body.