MRI or Magnetic
resonance imaging uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic
field rather than X-ray to provide remarkably clear and detailed
pictures of internal organs and tissues. Radio Frequency (RF) from
the coil of wire will be sent on the patients who lie in the midst
of high-power magnetic field. The power will be reflected to receiver
coil, this analysis allows imaging of tissue in 3 dimension.
Advantage of
MRI
-No X-ray
-It is not dangerous but we have to be careful because the strong
magnetic field used for MRI will pull on any ferromagnetic metal
object implanted in the body, MRI staff will ask you whether you
have a prosthetic hip, heart pace maker, or any metal plates, pins,
screws, or surgical staples in body may create the problem.
You will be asked to remove
anything that might degrate MRI images of the head, including hairpins
and any removable dental work MRI image depends on the power of
magnetic field. The strong magnetic can make fine Image (detailed
picture) and take little time.
At the present time, Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital has provided for 1.5
tesla of magnetic field’s power (1 tesla = 10000 times of gravity,
USA’s standard).
MRI is
a unique imaging method because, unlike the usual radiographs
(X-ray). MRI causes no pain, but some patients can find it uncomfortable
to remain still during the examination
Checklist and Diagnosis
1. Brain System, MRI can help physicians evaluate the function as
well as the structure of brain system. The detail makes MRI an invaluable
tool in early diagnosis and evaluation of tumors, cerebral hemorrhage.
Cerebral infarct or head injury, cyst,
parasite or other infection.
2. Spinal Nervous System, MRI can check spinal cord compression
and myelitis.
3. Blood Circulation System.
4. Checking is compleated in 5 minutes for the
whole body. MRI can evaluate tumor, gallstones (cholelitiasis),
common bile duct and function disorder.
5. Joint, Bone and Muscular System checking of tumor, infection,
inflammation or tear of tendon.
6. Function of Heart and Cardiac Valve.
- Cardiac Muscular System.
We can check the systolic and diastolic function including blood
circulation (arterial and venous blood).
- Pericarditis and tumor of cardiac muscle.
7. Check the fetus.
Medical solution
The patient will be injected intravenously, usual 0.2 cc./Kg. After
injection and checkup the medical solution will be excreted with
urine in 24 hours.
Side effect
- not too many because we use low dosesage.
- After injection the patient may get nausea and vomiting, rash
or itch but the patient will be observed by radiologist all the
time.
Preparation
1. Take rest and relax
2. Please do not frightened when MRI is working
3. The patient can speak on a microphone within the machine if
there is any problem.
4. Please do not move during the examination.
5. Radiologist will explain before checking. Please consult them
if you have any questions
6. In case patient is worry,feel uncomfortable or has claustrophobia.
We shall allow their friend or relation sit near them.
7. Please do not wear any make up because some cosmetics may create
a problem for MRI image
Risks
An undetected metal implant may be effected by the strong magnetic
fields such as the patient who be operated or have heart pace
maker, clips, fake organ inside ear, fake joint, prosthetic hip,
bullet or any metal plates in some part of body and MRI is generally
avoided in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. They cannot be allowed
into MRI ’s room. Doctors usually use other methods of imaging,
unless there is a strong medical reason to use MRI.
