MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space: reviews. MRI of the abdominal cavity: What is included?

Modern science does not stand still. New methods are being created for more accurate diagnosis of various diseases. One of the most promising and informative methods of examination is MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. Reviews about this procedure are encountered more and more often. So what is this method, and why is it so good?

What is an MRI?

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a relatively young technique, but extremely informative. It is based on the use of nuclear magnetic resonance - the measurement of the response of the charge of the nuclei of hydrogen atoms upon exposure to them by a constant magnetic pulse.

When carrying out an MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space, a magnetic field is created . Getting into it, the core spin (magnetic charge) is oriented in a certain way in the field, as a result of which some measurement of its charge takes place.

Since the human body is 70 percent water, it is possible to fix the charge of hydrogen atoms located in all tissues and organs.

Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain reliable information about the state of a particular area of the body without resorting to prompt intervention or to determine the indications for such an operation. MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space also allows to establish the presence of tumors or foreign formations.

Using a computer, it is possible to model the visual projection of human organs and determine possible deviations or changes in their structure.

Magnetic resonance imaging subspecies

MRI can be used for many purposes. It is because of this that some types of procedures were created that allow to evaluate the condition of cells, vessels and organs. There are the following types of tomography:

• MR diffusion - allows to estimate the current of intracellular fluid inside tissues. This method is based on the diagnosis of ischemic strokes of parenchymatous organs in the early stages of the development of the process.
• MR perfusion. Assesses blood flow in various parts of the human body. It is especially often used to diagnose diseases of the liver and abdominal organs.
• MR-spectroscopy. It determines the activity of biochemical processes in cells.
• MRA - magnetic resonance angiography - a kind of MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space with contrast, used to accurately visualize the vessels of this area. Used in the diagnosis of internal bleeding.

Methodology of the research

This study is conducted infrequently due to the huge queues and high cost of the procedure. However, you should know how it is conducted. How should the MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space be performed? Preparation for it includes the following stages:

• Moral preparation of the patient. It is an extremely important moment. First and foremost, the doctor must obtain consent for the study. The doctor should tell the patient what the peculiarity of the MRI of the abdominal cavity is, what is included in the procedure, and also talk about the possible results and determine the indications and contraindications to the study.
• The research is conducted directly in a specially prepared office. The patient is placed on a platform that places the patient in the apparatus. Diagnosis, controlling the apparatus, localizes it to the area that needs to be investigated.

The procedure is rather lengthy, since the doctor needs to obtain information about all the structures located in the study area. As a result, so-called cuts are formed perpendicular to the axis of the body. Analyzing them, it is possible to obtain complete information about the state of the organism.

Interpretation of results

As it was said, as a result of the study, slices are formed, passing through the plane of the body during the MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. What are these sections? So conditionally called the perpendicular section of the body of a person with organs located in his zone.

Sections allow you to determine the different structures in the study area.

Sensitivity of the device allows to reveal even the smallest formations (at least to 2-3 millimeters), which is quite promising in the diagnosis of oncology, cysts of organs and minor injuries.

The analysis of the sections allows obtaining information about a growing tumor, determining the direction of its growth, and also the presence of metastases.

All slices are grouped together in photographs (about 9 on one). Each such picture carries information about a specific area of the body. A database of images is created, thanks to which it is possible to track the course of the disease in dynamics.

With the correct definition of all structures it is possible to put the correct diagnosis and determine the further course of action.

What diseases are diagnosed with MRI?

Virtually any pathology can be identified when conducting magnetic resonance imaging. It is widely used in such areas of medicine as oncology, traumatology, neurology.

The main diseases that can be detected with MRI:

• Herniated spinal cord.
• Osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis.
• Congenital narrowing of the spinal canal.
• Cavities in the spine, as well as surrounding organs and tissues.
• Diseases of the kidneys, liver, pancreas.
• Tumors and tumor-like diseases.

In addition, MRI allows you to determine the state of the body after the transferred operations; To reveal functional features of organs and tissues, compare the results with the norm and determine the diagnosis.

Often an MRI is performed in the presence of patient complaints from the nervous system (dizziness, blurred vision, flashing of flies, impaired sensation).

Indication for the study

In what cases is it necessary to assign a magnetic resonance imaging? It is carried out according to the following indications:

• Suspicion of the tumor process. It is MRI that allows us to identify atypical formations with a size of up to 2-3 millimeters, even if the clinic has not yet manifested itself.
• Visualization of hematomas. The penetrating ability of the magnetic field makes it possible to identify fluid formations (especially cysts) in many organs. It is also applicable for visualization of hematomas, formed as a result of trauma or heavy bruises, accompanied by a hemorrhage into soft tissues or under the periosteum.
• In traumatology, MRI can be assigned to identify small bone fragments formed as a result of a fracture, but not visualized, or foreign bodies trapped in the wound, but not visible to the naked eye.
• It is possible to perform diagnostic tomography to determine the functional capacity of organs and tissues.

Contraindications to the procedure

In what cases can not you make an MRI of the abdominal cavity? Contraindications to this study is quite a lot, but the main ones are:

• Presence of a pacemaker. When placed in a magnetic field formed by the apparatus, the stimulator settings may fail, which can lead to unfavorable consequences.
• The presence in the body of foreign bodies of metallic nature (implants, piercings, jammed metal particles after the transport of accidents or armed conflicts, etc.).
• Pregnancy. During the procedure, the intracellular fluid is heated. For us, this temperature is almost not felt, but for a growing fetus such a change can lead to the development of miscarriage or improper tissue packing.
• Artificial heart valves. The placement of patients in a magnetic field can lead to the development of prolapse or the detachment of the established structure.
• Tattoos based on metal-containing paints.

Opinion of doctors and patients regarding this procedure

Despite the fact that the MRI appeared relatively recently, she already managed to get the respect of doctors of many specialties.

The surgeons of the MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space are especially appreciated. Reviews and opinions of them largely converge, as a preliminary MRI gives a complete picture of the abdominal cavity. On the basis of these data, it becomes possible to schedule the operation taking into account all possible inconsistencies and mandatory risk for each surgical intervention.

Patients also praise this study. Thanks to him, many were able to get answers to their health questions. No similar procedure is as informative as MRI of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. The responses of most people are positive, despite the complexity of the procedure, its cost and queues lining up over the month, or even two.

Necessity of research

Most often the question of whether such a procedure is necessary for the patient is decided by the doctor. It is he who, comparing the available data on the state of health, makes a verdict: is it necessary for him to clarify the diagnosis of this procedure or can it be neglected.

Usually, the doctor offers the patient this procedure, but most often the possibility of holding it rests on the queue (especially if it's a district center, and the device is only one) and the cost (on average, this study costs about $ 100), but not all patients can afford MRI Abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. Reviews about the procedure often affect the negative side as well - "the research had to wait a long time," "there was not enough money." It is because of this that one should carefully understand whether the procedure is necessary to the patient or it can be neglected.

In some cases, when the life of a person is in question, MRI is performed urgently, without obtaining the consent of the victim or his relatives.