Group 10 --- Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Group 10 --- Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Group 10 --- Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Group 10 --- Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Group 10 --- Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Group 10 --- Magnetic Resonance Imaging

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. BACKGROUND
MRI has a wide range of applications in medical diagnosis and over
25,000 scanners are estimated to be in use worldwide.MRI has an impact on
diagnosis and treatment in many specialties although the effect on improved
health outcomes is uncertain. Since MRI does not use any ionizing radiation, its
use is generally favored in preference to CT when either modality could yield the
same information.

Group 10 --- Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI is in general a safe technique but the number of incidents causing

patient harm has risen. Contraindications to MRI include most cochlear implants
and cardiac pacemakers, shrapnel and metallic foreign bodies in the orbits. The
safety of MRI during the first trimester of pregnancy is uncertain, but it may be
preferable to alternative options.The sustained increase in demand for MRI within
the healthcare industry has led to concerns about cost effectiveness and over
diagnosis.
B. GOALS
1. To know what is the definition of MRI
2. To know what is the purpose of using MRI
3. To know what is the description of MRI
4. To know how is the MRI works
5. To know how is the precautions for MRI
6. To know how is the preparation for MRI
7. To know what is the benefit of MRI scan
8. To know what is the disadvantages of MRI scan
9. To know how is the aftercare treatment of MRI
10. To know what is the risk of MRI
11. To know how is the parental concern of MRI
12. To know how is the pregnancy risk about using MRI
CHAPTER II
CONTAINS

Group 10 --- Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A. DEFINITION
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging
procedure that uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a
computer to generate images of the anatomy.
Magnetic

resonance

imaging

(MRI),

ornuclear

magnetic

resonance imaging (NMRI), or magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) )

is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to investigate the
anatomy and physiology of the body in both health and disease. MRI
scanners use magnetic fields and radio waves to form images of the
body. The technique is widely used in hospitals for medical diagnosis,
staging of disease and for follow-up without exposure to ionizing
radiation.

B. FUNCTION
MRI is used to visualize the body to assist doctors in their
efforts to diagnose certain diseases or conditions and to evaluate
injuries. For pediatric imaging, MRI is used for a variety of
purposes, including the following:

diagnosing

including the brain and spine

detecting musculoskeletal disorders and injuries
identifying complications of infectious diseases, such as
those

diseases

associated

of

with

the

central

Lyme

nervous

disease

or

system,

acquired

immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

imaging the cardiovascular system
detecting congenital heart defects in neonates
determining the stage of certain types of cancer
valuating bone marrow disease
assessing blood vessels in the brain for stroke and other

abnormalities
assisting in the planning of surgery and cancer treatment
evaluating the urinary tract

Group 10 --- Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI provides images with excellent contrast that allow

clinicians to clearly see details of soft tissue, bone, joints, and
ligaments. MRI angiography is an imaging technique used to
evaluate the blood vessels, for example, to detect aneurysms or
cardiovascular problems. Because MRI does not use ionizing
radiation to produce images, like x ray and CT, it is often the
examination of choice for pediatric imaging and for imaging the
male and female reproductive systems, pelvis and hips, and
urinary tract and bladder.
MRI can also be used to evaluate brain function for
assessing language, senses, neurologic disorders, and pain . This
technique, called functional MRI, involves rapid imaging to
display changes in the brain's blood flow in response to tasks or
visual and auditory stimuli. Functional MRI is being researched to
image

neurologic

disorders,

such

as

attention

deficit

hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), delayed cognitive development,

and epilepsy.
MRI spectroscopy is another emerging imaging technique
for evaluating pediatric brain disorders. In MRI spectroscopy,
chemicals in the brain are measured and brain tissue is imaged.
This technique is being investigated to evaluate traumatic brain
injury, speech delay, creatine deficiency syndromes, and mood
disorders in young children.
Interventional and intraoperative MRI is another developing
field

that

involves

performing

interventional

procedures,

primarily brain surgeries, using a specially designed MRI unit in

an operating room.
C. DESCRIPTION

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MRI is performed using a specialized scanner, a patient

table, systems that generate radio waves and magnetic fields,
and a computer workstation. The scanner, which is usually
shaped like a large rectangle with a hole in the center, contains
the systems that generate the magnetic field. A motorized and
computer-controlled patient table moves into the scanner's
center hole during the scan. A technologist operates the MRI
scanner from an adjacent control room that contains a computer
system and an intercom system for communicating with the
patient during the scan.
In most MRI scanners, the patient opening is like a long
tube, and some patients may become claustrophobic. To be more
patient-friendly, different types of MRI scanners have been
developed. Newer MRI scanners have shorter patient openings
that allow the patient's head to remain outside the machine
during body scans. Open MRI scanners are available with
columns and open sides to alleviate claustrophobia.
Depending on the body area being scanned, special body
coils may be used to enhance the images. These coils are foam
and plastic braces or wraparound pads that are placed on the
body part being imaged. For head imaging, the coil may be
shaped like a head or neck rest.
Children

undergoing

an

MRI

scan

are

appropriately

positioned on the patient table by the technologist. For some

scans, an injected contrast material may be used and is
administered using an intravenous catheter. Once the patient is
positioned, the technologist goes to an adjacent control room to
operate the scanner. The technologist uses an intercom system
to instruct the child to hold their breath or remain still at certain
times during the scan. Scans range from 30 minutes to 90

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minutes, depending on the type of scan. When the MRI machine

is scanning, the child hears loud clanging and whirring noises. To
alleviate fear or stress related to hearing this noise and being in
the small scanning tube, the child may be offered earplugs or
specially designed head phones for listening to music. Centers
that specialize in pediatric imaging often also have special video
goggles so that the child can watch a cartoon or movie during
the scan. For infants, neonatal noise guardsare available.
MRI

scans

are

performed

in

hospital

radiology

department for inpatients and emergency cases. For scans

requested by a physician, the MRI examination can be performed
in the hospital radiology department on an outpatient basis or in
an imaging center. Hospitals that do not have their own MRI
systems may schedule MRI scans by contracting with a company
that brings an MRI scanner in a specially designed mobile trailer.
Mobile MRI services are frequently used in rural areas. For some
conditions, such as orthopedic disorders or injuries, an MRI may
be performed in a physician's office using a small MRI unit called
an extremity MRI scanner. These scanners are designed to image
only the joints or the head. During this type of scan, only the
body part to be scanned is placed in the smaller scanner while
the patient lies on a couch or sits in a chair.
The images from an MRI examination are called slices,
because they are acquired in very small (millimeter-size) sections
of the body. The image slices are displayed on a computer
monitor for viewing or printed as a film. A specialist called a
radiologist interprets the images produced during the MRI
examination. For emergency scans, images are interpreted
immediately so that the child can be treated quickly. For nonurgent outpatient MRI scans, the radiologist interprets the

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images and sends a report to the referring physician within a few

days.
D. HOW MRI WORKS
The patient is positioned within an MRI scanner which forms a strong
magnetic field around the area to be imaged. In most medical applications,
protons (hydrogenatoms) in tissues containing water molecules are used to create
a signal that is processed to form an image of the body. First, energy from an
oscillatingmagnetic field is temporarily applied to the patient at the appropriate
resonance frequency. The excitedhydrogenatoms emit a radio frequency signal
which is measured by a receiving coil. The radio signal can be made to encode
position information by varying the main magnetic field using gradient coils. As
these coils are rapidly switched on and off they create the characteristic repetitive
noise of an MRI scan. The contrast between different tissues is determined by the
rate at which excited atoms return to the equilibrium state. Exogenous contrast
agents may be given intravenously, orally or intra-articularly.
E. PRECAUTIONS
MRI is a safe procedure that does not involve radiation.
However,

the

magnetic

field

generated

during

an

MRI

examination is so strong that metal objects or objects with metal

in them, such as jewelry, eyeglasses, oxygen canisters, and even
wheelchairs, will be pulled toward the machine. Therefore, MRI
staff must take special precautions to ensure that no metallic
objects enter the MRI suite. MRI technologists inspect patient
clothing and accessories to make sure there are no metals on
them during the scan.
F. PREPARATION
Prior to any MRI scan, patients are required to remove all
metal objects and remove any clothing with metal on them
(zippers, snaps). In most cases, parents have to complete a

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survey regarding their child's past surgical procedures and

medical history to indicate whether the child has any metallic
implants. Metallic implants include artificial joints, pacemakers,
aneurysm clips, metal plates, pins or screws, and surgical
staples. Children with metallic implants are likely to undergo a
computed tomography (CT) examination instead of an MRI.
Unlike CT, no fasting or laxatives are required prior to an
MRI scan. Only one type of MRI scan, called a magnetic
resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), which scans the
bile ducts, requires that the child not eat or drink anything for
two to three hours prior to the scan.
During the examination, the child must lie still. The MRI
scanner does make loud noises throughout the examination,
which

can

be

frightening

for

some

children.

Before

the

examination, the procedure should be explained to the child, and

it should be emphasized that the examination is painless. Most
facilities have specially designed music systems so that patients
can wear headsets and listen to music during the scan; some
facilities even have special video goggles so children can watch a
cartoon or movie during the scan for the diagnosis and treatment
of disease.
G. BENEFITS OF MRI SCAN
MRI scans are an important tool that doctors use to
investigate the cause of your symptoms. They can help confirm
the presence or absence of a disease or injury. However, the
diagnosis of a condition usually requires more than a single
examination or test. An MRI scan should always be used to
supplement your doctors history-taking and examination.

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MRI scans:

provide very detailed diagnostic pictures of most of the

important organs and tissues in your body

are sometimes able to show unique information that other

tests are unable to show

are generally painless
do not use radiation and are therefore suitable for use in

children and pregnant women.

Safety studies have found no long-term negative effects
from MRI scans.

H. DISADVANTAGES OF MRI SCAN

Risks from metal objects
MRI scans are considered to be a safe procedure providing
you do not have any implants or objects on you that must
not go in the scanner.The powerful magnetic fields
generated by the MRI scanner will attract metal objects,
often with great force. For this reason, youll be instructed
to remove all metallic belongings, such as watches, keys
and jeweler.The magnetic field of the MRI scanner can also
pull on any metal-containing object in your body, such as
medicine pumps and aneurysm clips. In other cases, (olderstyle) medical implants may heat up during the scan as a
result of the technology (radiofrequency energy) that is

used for the procedure.

MRI scans can cause heart pacemakers, defibrillation

devices and cochlear implants to malfunction.

Every MRI facility will have a comprehensive screening
procedure that, when carefully followed, will ensure that
MRI is only used on people for whom it is safe. Many newer
medical implants are now manufactured to be MRIcompatible, so once the doctors know the exact nature of
your implant theyll be able to tell you if its safe for you to
have an MRI. If you do have an implant that could make an

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MRI unsafe, the radiologist may recommend you have a

different type of scan.
I. AFTERCARE
No special aftercare is required following MRI scans, unless
sedation or general anesthesia was used during the scan. Then
children are required to remain in a supervised recovery area for
an hour or more following the procedure to monitor for reactions
to anesthesia. If injected contrast material is used, some minor
first aid (small bandage, pain relief) for the injection site may be
necessary.
J. RISKS
MRIs present no radiation exposure. Magnetic fields used in
MRI have no side effects for the patient. The contrast material
used in MRI contains a material called gadolinium that is much
less likely to cause severe anaphylactic (allergic) reactions than
the iodinated material used for CT scans.
Because the MRI examination is long and the patient
opening in the machine is small, some children and adolescents
may feel claustrophobic. Light sedation or relaxants may be
administered, or an MRI scanner with a more open design may be
used. For younger infants and children that require sedation or
anesthesia to complete the examination, reactions to the
anesthesia are possible, including headaches and vomiting.

Risks associated with contrast media

Unlike contrast agents used in X-rays, the contrast dye

used in MRI scans (gadolinium chelate) does not contain iodine

and rarely causes allergic reactions (such as rashes, hives,
nausea, flushing, and dizziness). Severe reactions, such as
difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips and mouth, are even

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rarer, occurring in only about 1 in 10,000 people given

gadolinium. Nevertheless, its essential you tell the doctor and
radiology practice about any previous allergic reactions youve
had, especially if youve had a previous reaction to contrast
media. You should also tell the radiology practice before the
procedure about all medicines you are taking. In very rare cases
(in

people

with

poor

kidney

function

), gadolinium chelate injections can cause a serious condition

called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, which involves the build-up
of fibrous tissue in the skin, joints, muscles and internal organs. If
there is any chance you may have kidney problems, your doctor
may organize a blood test before the scan to assess whether the
gadolinium contrast dye is safe to use.

Risks associated with general anesthesia or sedation

Most young children (under 6 years of age) and babies will

need to be given a light general anesthetic before the MRI. This is

because young children find it difficult to stay still long enough
for the radiographer to get good-quality pictures from the scan. If
your child needs an anesthetic before their MRI, a doctor at the
radiology practice will discuss the procedure and the risks and
benefits of anesthesia prior to the scan. Read about ways to help
your child during imaging. Occasionally adults for example a
person who is highly agitated or in pain so severe that it makes it
hard for them to lie quietly may require general anesthesia for an
MRI scan. You can request a sedative, especially if you suffer
from claustrophobia or are very anxious. A sedative will help to
calm you and make you drowsy, but not put you completely to
sleep like a general anesthetic does. While sedatives are
generally safe, if you are given a sedative during the scan you
may feel drowsy for the rest of the day and will not be able to
drive or operate machinery afterwards. You will need to arrange
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for a relative or friend to take you home after the procedure and
stay with you for a period of time as recommended by the
radiology practice.

Risks associated with incidental findings

Sometimes

the

sensitivity

of

MRI

scans

can

create

problems by picking up incidental findings that is, apparent

abnormalities on the scan that have no actual relationship to the
illness or injury being investigated. These incidental findings can
cause anxiety and sometimes lead people to pursue unnecessary
treatment, which may have their own risks and costs.
K. PARENTAL CONCERNS
Younger children may be frightened of the MRI scanner,
and a parent or other family member may be required to be
present in the scanning room. To help alleviate fear, taking the
child into the MRI room to see the equipment prior to the
procedure may be helpful. Anyone remaining in the scanning
room during the MRI examination must remove any metal
objects, including jewelry and eyeglasses.
L. PREGNANCY RISKS
MRI is safer for the unborn child (fetus) than imaging with
X-rays or CT scans. However, MRI scans can cause slight warming
of the body, so as a precaution most clinics avoid MRI scanning
during the first 3 months of pregnancy, unless the scan is
considered essential. Beyond that, MRI scans are usually
considered safe in pregnancy and are occasionally used to check
on the babys development, although non-urgent scans are
generally delayed until after the baby is delivered. In some
situations other scans, such as an ultrasound, may be used
instead of MRI.

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CHAPTER III
CONCLUSION
A. CONCLUSION
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging
procedure that uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a
computer to generate images of the anatomy. MRI is used to
visualize the body to assist doctors in their efforts to diagnose
certain diseases or conditions and to evaluate injuries.MRI is
performed using a specialized scanner, a patient table, systems
that generate radio waves and magnetic fields, and a computer
workstation. The scanner, which is usually shaped like a large
rectangle with a hole in the center, contains the systems that
generate the magnetic field.
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Prior to any MRI scan, patients are required to remove all

metal objects and remove any clothing with metal on them
(zippers, snaps). In most cases, parents have to complete a
survey regarding their child's past surgical procedures and
medical history to indicate whether the child has any metallic
implants. Metallic implants include artificial joints, pacemakers,
aneurysm clips, metal plates, pins or screws, and surgical
staples.

REFERENCES
1. http://www.healthofchildren.com/M/Magnetic-ResonanceImaging.html#ixzz3ZG6YTSWW
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_resonance_imaging

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