Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance (MRI)

The Medical Centers provide patients with 9 state-of-the-art MRI machines.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a state-of-the-art imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to provide high-resolution images of selected regions of the human body, providing anatomical detail and the relevant pathology or lesion with accuracy and precision.

The technique does not use ionizing radiation (X-rays) and is safe for the patient, especially for people who require multiple serial examinations for follow-up of their conditions. The equipment used in our centers is new generation, offering images with increased resolution.

Our equipment is considered top equipment in the class of magnetic resonance devices – being equipped with the latest investigative software, which allows high-fidelity examination of all anatomical regions of the body in an extremely short time. All organs can be studied by MRI, but it is of choice in neurological/neurosurgical pathology (central nervous system, spine), gynecological/urological (uterus, ovaries, prostate), musculoskeletal (knees, coxofemoral joints, etc.), but also in pathology vascular through the non-invasive visualization (with or without contrast substance) of the circulatory tree.

Compared to the CT examination, it has the advantage of the possibility of direct multiplanar acquisition, but also of three-dimensional reconstructions that allow the appreciation of complex structures or lesions.

SIGNA Pioneer

The SIGNA Pioneer AIR Edition magnetic resonance system, produced by the General Electric company, combines the power of a magnet with a field intensity of 3 Tesla with the latest technologies in the field of magnetic resonance, providing the certainty of a diagnosis with the highest level of accuracy.

SIGNA Pioneer AIR Edition is the first magnetic resonance system in Romania that has image reconstruction technology using artificial intelligence – AIR Recon DL. This guarantees obtaining much clearer images and in a shorter time, compared to classical image reconstruction technologies.

Signa Pioneer

Also, the system is equipped with the lightest and most flexible antenna in the world – AIR Coil – this having a design that allows it to adapt to the human body like a comfortable blanket, greatly improving the comfort of the patient during the examination and, at the same time, obtaining a signal much better, i.e. high-quality images and reduced examination times.

SIGNA Voyager

The SIGNA Voyager magnetic resonance system (Izvor clinic), produced by the General Electric company, is revolutionizing medical imaging. Equipped with TDI (Total Digital Imaging) technology, Signa Voyager offers an exceptional quality of acquired images, clearly superior to classic magnetic resonance systems. This system increases the productivity of the medical imaging department, and with its 70 cm aperture and antennas that use the latest technologies, ensures increased comfort for patients.

The new SIGNA Works platform redefines productivity for all acquisition techniques available on the MRI system. The standard applications available on the Signa Voyager system represent an extensive set of high-quality and high-efficiency capabilities that allow obtaining the desired results for the entire area of examinations (neurology, body, cardio-vascular, orthopedics, senology, oncology, pediatrics).

SIGNA Explorer 1.5T

The SIGNA Explorer 1.5T magnetic resonance system (Riverside 1 and Burghele 2 clinics), produced by General Electric, sets new standards in medical imaging. The homogeneity of the magnet and the advanced technologies of the system ensure a quick examination with the best quality clinical information and ensure total patient comfort. The GE Signa Explorer system, through the READY Brain option, provides the highest quality images in neurological studies. Regarding the spine, the possibility of scanning an extended area and motion correction techniques allow the acquisition of clear images, resistant to artifacts caused by patient movement and cerebrospinal fluid flow.

The equipment is equipped with IDEAL software, specially created for scanning difficult regions, such as the neck and spine, where classic scanning techniques fail due to inhomogeneous magnetic fields.

SIGNA Creator

Built with the DNA of SIGNA, the pioneer of magnetic resonance systems, SIGNA Creator (Riverside 1 and Riverside 2 clinics) provides exceptional image quality and ensures the acquisition of detailed clinical information, using advanced software such as motion artifact correction.

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An MRI scan is a painless technique that has the advantage of avoiding the use of X-rays, radiation exposure. There are no known side effects of an MRI scan. The benefits of an MRI scan relate to the accuracy in detecting the structural, compositional and functional abnormality of the body and the fact that it can be repeated as often as needed without contraindications.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Information

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows the visualization of the smallest details in the human body, without the use of X-rays.

MRI advantages:

  • It does not pose a danger to the human body;
  • It detects very small lesions – 1mm, allowing a highly accurate diagnosis.
  • The equipment used in our centers is top-of-the-line magnetic resonance equipment – being equipped with the latest investigative software, which allows high-fidelity examination of all anatomical regions of the body in an extremely short time.

The MRI exam does not require special preparation. Usually, no special diet is necessary before the investigation. You can carry out your usual activity and are advised to take the current medication prescribed by your doctor. For the abdominal MRI, you may be asked not to eat 2-3 hours before the examination.

Before the examination, you are asked to fill out a questionnaire with information related to the reason for the examination and possible contraindications for MRI. You may be asked for recent blood tests, especially urea and creatinine, indicators of kidney function; depending on their values, the injection of the iv paramagnetic contrast substance is allowed or not. Metal objects (watches, keys, coins, jewelry) are strongly attracted to the magnet, can injure you, and are prohibited in the MRI examination room. Their presence can compromise the quality of the images. The MRI machine can damage any magnetic stripe card such as credit card, electronic or mechanical devices (mobile phone, watch, etc.). Jewelry can conduct electromagnetic waves and heat up. Please do not wear clothes with metal inserts.

The most important are the information related to absolute or relative contraindications for the examination.
  • People with a pacemaker, artificial limb, metal rods or any other kind of metal objects fixed in the body (shrapnel, etc., e.g. eyepieces), heart valves, intracranial devices (clips on aneurysms), magnetic pumps for chemotherapy, etc. cannot perform MRI;
  • some prostheses/stents or metal implants may be MRI compatible, but it is necessary for the doctor requesting the MRI examination to specify this;
  • doctor’s information if you have undergone a recent surgical intervention;
  • intrauterine devices installed 10-15 years ago are not MRI compatible;
  • inform the doctor if you have allergies to medicines or other substances; for MRI, it is not an absolute contraindication to the administration of contrast, and the administration of an anti-allergic beforehand reduces the risk of adverse reactions;
  • claustrophobia (fear of narrow spaces) is a relative contraindication; our staff is at your disposal for getting familiar with the device and overcoming it;
  • inform the doctor if you suffer from diabetes or renal dysfunction/insufficiency (these may contraindicate the administration of contrast).

The patient is placed on a mobile table to be inserted into an examination field, open at both ends. Around the region of interest is placed the “antenna”, used to receive signal from your body. The table is then placed in the ventilated examination field with its own light source so that the region of interest is located in the center of the magnet.

You will be asked to sit still/cooperate during the exam to get the best quality images possible, depending on the exam, while taking the first breath commands. All MRI machines produce noise during the examination; this can create a slight discomfort, but it is a normal technical aspect. During the examination, an operating physician constantly monitors you. You will receive an emergency rubber “pump” that you can press in an emergency, so the examination can be stopped at any time you wish.

  • preparing for the exam and completing the questionnaire can take about 15 minutes;
  • a normal MRI investigation takes 20-40 minutes for one segment, but can be extended if necessary (eg administration of contrast material) up to an hour;
  • it is not always possible to anticipate the need for intravenous contrast administration; this decision can only be taken by the specialist radiologist during the investigation, depending on the revealed lesions; contrast allows further characterization of the lesion and more specific diagnosis.

TO REMEMBER:

  • you can continue your daily activities immediately after the examination;
  • MRI investigation is painless (completely atraumatic).
  • paramagnetic contrast agent administered intravenously can very rarely have adverse effects; these are much rarer than for the iodinated contrast used in computed tomography;
  • inform the doctor if you are pregnant; the MRI exam can sometimes be performed in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy in special situations; administration of contrast is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.