MRI of the liver

MRI of the liver and gallbladder is a highly informative method of examination in oncohepatology, because thanks to MR imaging it is possible to estimate the size and parenchyma of the liver, gallbladder, presence of stones, patency of bile and pancreatic ducts.

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Indications for MRI of the liver

• any formations in the liver (hemangioma, cyst, adenoma, etc.);
• structural changes in the liver (cirrhosis, fatty degeneration);
• presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or ducts;
• malignant tumors (metastases, cholangiocarcinoma (cancer), etc.);
• traumatic liver damage (presence of hemorrhage, etc.);
• abnormalities of the gallbladder, its ducts or liver;
• to evaluate the quality of treatment;
• when preparing for transplantation, etc.

MRI of the liver is performed in two ways. Such examination is started without contrast, and in case of low informative value, or in case of differential (comparative) diagnostics, the patient is offered to continue MRI with the use of contrast agent. MR imaging with contrast increases the accuracy of diagnosis tenfold.

Preparing for an MRI scan of the liver

Each patient who is scheduled for an MRI scan with contrast should be examined by an anesthesiologist. Our specialist collects an allergic history (survey) and decides whether the patient can be injected with contrast. If there are no contraindications, the patient is placed a peripheral catheter on the arm - the procedure is minimally invasive with minor discomfort. The last meal before MRI with contrast should be no later than 5-6 hours before the planned diagnosis.

The examination takes place in a scanning room where the patient needs to lie still to avoid blurred images. Contrast is injected during diagnostics. At the moment of its introduction there are no sensations. Rhythmic tapping during MR scanning is normal. In order to feel comfortable during the MRI, all patients are offered to put earplugs in their ears. The patient will also need to periodically hold their breath on command. The commands sound loud, so following them should not be difficult. After the examination, the peripheral catheter is removed from the patient's arm. The patient can receive the results of the examination by e-mail, in the mobile application, or at the reception in our center.

MRI contrast does not affect the psychomotor center, so each patient can return to the usual rhythm of life after the examination. According to the recommendations of pharmaceutical companies, drinking alcoholic beverages after MRI with contrast is not recommended.

Contraindications to MRI

• pacemaker, metal structures in the body that tend to magnetize;
• individual hypersensitivity to gadoteric acid, meglumin, or any drug containing gadolinium;
• functional disorders of the kidneys (decreased renal clearance);
• pregnancy (for vital reasons only).

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