Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis

Article Abstract:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is inherently harder to perform on the abdomen than on other regions of the body. (MRI uses magnetism to generate three-dimensional images of the interior of the body.) MRI is currently used to complement other abdominal screening methods, but new techniques are making it possible to create MRI images comparable in quality to those produced by computed tomography (CT), which uses X-rays rather than magnetism. The advantages of MRI include better contrast between tissues, lack of radiation, and no risk of toxic reactions to chemicals introduced into the body to enhance image contrast. However, use of MRI is limited by its high cost, limited availability, lack of contrast-enhancing agent for the bowels and long imaging time. Although MRI is now comparable to CT, CT remains the procedure of choice due to its lower cost and wider availability. MRI is more accurate for examining tumors of the liver, adrenal glands, kidneys, bladder, prostate, uterus, and cervix. For some patients, particularly those in whom CT results are inconclusive or who cannot tolerate contrast-enhancing materials containing iodine, MRI can provide valuable information. In the future, wider availability and the development of MRI contrast agents and faster scanning will probably increase the usefulness of abdominal MRI.

Innovations, Diagnosis, Medical examination, Tumors, Pelvis, Abdomen

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Anxiety-related reactions associated with magnetic resonance imaging examinations

Article Abstract:

Different measures may be taken to prevent or reduce anxiety in patients who are having magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients who have MRI must lie without moving in a tunnel-like magnetic coil for extended periods of time. Researchers surveyed articles published in the medical literature that examined anxiety-related reactions among patients who had a MRI examination. Between 4% and 30% of the patients had an anxiety-related reaction before or during MRI. These reactions ranged from apprehension to severe anxiety that disrupted the examination. Some patients had a panic attack or felt claustrophobic. It may be difficult to identify patients who have a greater risk for anxiety-related reactions. Different measures that can be taken to reduce anxiety include patient education, drug therapy, hypnosis and patient desensitization. Some patients may benefit from a combination of these techniques.

Psychological aspects, Causes of, Anxiety

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lncidental Findings on Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging From 1000 Asymptomatic Volunteers

Article Abstract:

Some asymptomatic, healthy people have abnormalities on an MRI brain scan. This was the conclusion of researchers who analyzed the MRI brain scans of 1,000 asymptomatic, healthy people. All of them had been part of the control group in various research studies. Eighteen percent of the scans had some brain abnormality that obviously produced no symptoms. Only 3% were considered serious enough to follow-up medically. Two of those that were followed up revealed a brain tumor. The fact that only a small percentage of the abnormal scans confirmed a disease indicates these brain abnormalities may be a normal variation.

Research, Abnormalities, Brain, Brain abnormalities

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