MRI of the liver is considered the most visualizing method for diagnosing this internal organ. This method is based on the magnetic properties of protons - elements, present in all parts of the human body. It is during this scan that it is possible to identify pathological areas in bulk.
What does the MRI of the liver show?
Thanks to this diagnostic procedure you can:
- identify foci affected by the disease;
- assess the condition of veins and arteries associated with the biliary system;
- check the condition of the lymph nodes;
- detect pathology, etc.
This procedure is indicated in determining the dynamics of the disease (for example, cirrhosis). It is also performed to assess the condition of internal organs after mechanical damage to the abdominal cavity.
This diagnostic procedure does not take much time. It lasts, as a rule, about half an hour. The only condition that must be observed during the MRI of the liver is complete immobility of the patient. Otherwise, it will not be possible to obtain reliable information on the state of the bile duct system.
The informative value of the diagnostic procedure with contrasting is much higher than that of the conventional method. That is, what shows a liver MRI with contrast, helps to deliver a more reliable diagnosis.
The principle of MRI of the liver with contrast is as follows: an "amplifier" with blood flow is carried across all capillaries and cells. As a result, all the cells of the organ are activated (both sick and healthy). The way they react to the applied magnetic field, and serves as the basis for the conclusion about the state of the bile excretory system. And as a contrasting drug, usually solutions, which contain gadolinium, are used. Contraindication to the implementation of this procedure is pregnancy, as well as allergy to chelating solutions. In addition, do not perform the procedure with
Preparing for a liver MRI scan
This diagnostic procedure is performed only on an empty stomach. And this means that for 5-6 hours before tomography you need to refrain from eating.
If diagnostics with contrast are performed, the preparation for such a procedure involves the introduction of an "amplifier". Enter the body contrast composition should be gradual. For example, if a liver MRI is performed with a hemangioma , the substance should be administered by puffing. Naturally, this requires additional time.