MR of the pelvis
The MRI method is characterized by high tissue contrast as well as high spatial resolution, so it is used for accurate evaluation of pelvic organs, among others: prostate, seminal vesicles, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes or bladder.
Pelvic anatomy
The pelvis is one of the largest structures in the human body, and its function is to support the entire weight of the upper body and transfer pressure to the lower limbs. Its structure differs subtly between the female and male sexes, but in both sexes it is divided into two main parts, i.e. the greater and lesser pelvis. Thus, the pelvis is formed by the two pelvic bones (connected to each other by the pubic symphysis), the sacrum (connected to the pelvic bones via the sacroiliac joints) and the coccyx. Of course, a number of muscles, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels are also located within the pelvis.
What is the course of the examination? How should I prepare for a pelvic MRI?
Pelvic MRI generally requires the administration of a contrast agent. For this reason, the patient must prepare properly for the examination, which will guarantee the highest possible imaging quality.
- Before the test, you should be fasting. During this time, you may drink small amounts of water and take any regularly used medications
- You should bring with you all diagnostics of the body area being examined (records and descriptions of examinations, hospital discharges if any procedures and surgeries were performed). If the patient has a history of oncology, please bring all medical records related to cancer.
- Pelvic MRI requires you to remain in a fixed position. The patient remains clothed during the examination, so we suggest wearing comfortable clothing that does not contain any metal parts – buttons, zippers, etc. Electronic devices and payment cards are also not allowed into the MRI lab, and jewelry, watches, glasses, hearing aids or dentures should be removed before the examination.
- Before the pelvic MR examination, it is mandatory for the patient to cleanse his intestines of lingering contents with a special laxative, which the PP DIAGNOSTYKA staff informs the patient about each time (just as for a colonoscopy). This greatly increases the quality of the images taken for the benefit of the patient.
What are the contraindications to pelvic MRI?
Pelvic MRI is a very safe test. However, there are several contraindications to its performance. It is therefore imperative that you inform the person supervising the examination of the following circumstances before the test:
- Pregnancy – usually RM is not performed in the first trimester;
- Allergy to contrast agent;
- a recent biopsy of the organ under study – hematomas and healing processes can distort the image obtained by MRI; the latter should therefore take place no earlier than 6-12 weeks after the biopsy (the exact time depends on whether it was a fine-needle, thick-needle or open biopsy);
- implanted pacemaker, neurostimulator, cardiostimulator, insulin pump or cochlear implant – the strong magnetic field generated during RM interferes with the function of these devices;
- The presence of metal implants or foreign bodies made of ferromagnetic materials – the magnetic field in question can cause tissue-damaging sliding of objects such as shot, bullet fragments, metal filings in the eye (e.g., in turners or locksmiths), vascular clamps and clips, or endoprostheses.
NOTE: Most modern implants and endoprostheses placed inside the human body are now made of materials that can be safely placed in an electromegnetic field, so they are not contraindications to MRI either. However, it is important to have documentation with you indicating exactly what they are made of.