MRI research
The magnetic resonance imagig research (MRI research) is a relatively new method of survey. As soon as it was investigated there was a revolution in medicine. The pictures that are made with MRI diagnostics provide the most detailed information about patient's organism condition that allow to identify a huge amount of different diseases during the early stage of development, whereas the X-ray examination cant show the disturbance. In combination with modern computer technology the MRI research allow to construct an accurate three-dimensional model of any organism and show it in a cutaway view so the doctors can be provided with all necessary data.
Republican Medical Centre «Armenia» is equipped with a half-open type of MRI device which allow to carry out procedures for children and patients that suffer from claustrophobia. The pullout table is designed for heavy loads up to 100-115 kg.
The significant advantage of magnetic resonance imaging is almost a harmless influence on the patient. In contradistinction to computerized scan (CT scan), during the MRI research there is no X-ray involved. Instead of that, the organ is affected with magnetic field which does not have negative effect. The use of contrast agents increased the MRI research effect.
MRI application area
MRI is the best out of all other methods in terms of researching brain and spinal cord, small pelvis organs, joints and abdomen organs.
Consequently, the brain MRI is recognized as the most effective way to diagnose the majority of brain diseases. Moreover, it is possible to simultaneously study the blood vessels (angiography) during the MRI research.
MRI angiography is assigned is case of somatoform autonomic dysfunction, hypertonic disease, stroke and other diseases which can be regarded even to young people. These diseases can be caused in many different ways and they cannot be cured without accurate diagnosis.
Unlike the X-ray research, the spine MRI research allows to simultaneously visualize bone structure and soft tissues, blood vessels, nerve roots, spinal cord.
Very often the MRI is appointed before the spine operations, since not only bone structure is studied during that process, but intervertebral discs, impaction of nerves and spinal cord in general.
Likewise, it is possible to diagnose tumor, infectious and demyelinating processes at their starting stage.
Received data can be essential and even vital. The information that come out of the research can multiply the patient's chances to recover.
Joint MRI is important either. Very often the joint injuries can lead to negative consequences . The classic X-ray research not often can reveal the problem at the early stage of development, since it shows only bone injuries. At the same time joint MRI explores any damage dealt to ligament, meniscus, muscles and other tissues. This allows to start treatment timely.
Surely, these are only the most often cases where MRI research is used. As a matter of fact its possibilities are much wider and cover almost all medical spheres.
Contraindication to MRI
Despite of MRI accessibility, harmlessness and popularity, there are few contraindications to the method.
Absolute contraindications include pacemakers, electronic and ferromagnetic implants of middle ear, insulin pumps that break down, ferromagnetic fragments, big metal implants vessel clips.
Relative contraindications include claustrophobia, pregnancy during the third trimester, vascular stents. Widely used titanium is not ferromagnetic therefore it is safe.
CT scan is one of the modern methods of research: current study is based on X-rays. This method includes common X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
We explore every organ system. CT scan is used to diagnose diseases of abdomen, small pelvis, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen. CT is mostly used to explore and diagnose tumor.
Only is our clinic the contrast CT scan of large intestine is possible through the enema. Aforementioned process is implemented to find out polyp and tumor for patients who regret passing over colonoscopy or in case of them having contraindicated for various reasons. This method is attractive not only because it researches the large intestine, but because we can get significant data about abdomen's other organ systems and abdomen in general. CT scan system has no contraindications, easily passed through by patients and absolutely harmless.
CT scan is essential for exploring brain illnesses. It allows to find out such diseases as brain damage, ischemic stroke, hemorrhage and some chronic and hidden illnesses that can flow though months and years and cause headaches and nervous disorders. These diseases include tumor, cyst and aneurysm. Those patients who have dizziness, loss of consciousness and etc., should visit CT scan.
It is a bit difficult to explore diseases related to chest (especially related to mediastinum). Common X-ray scan cannot find out the mediastinum changes. In this case the CT scan role is huge since it has a huge chance to explore the mediastinum disease.
By researching the spine it is possible to explore intervertebral discs illnesses and spinal cord diseases.
Basically, the CT scan is organized by the referral from a doctor either to diagnose the disease or to track the process of treatment. Moreover, CT scan is organized in urgent cases such as cerebral hemorrhage and etc.
CT scan does not require patient's long and wearisome preparation, easily passed through by patients since the CT scan process is very fast.
