Resonance enterography – diagnosis of the intestines

Preparation for the study

Preparation for MR enterography is key to obtaining accurate and clear images. It involves several steps:

1. diet and fasting:

• Approximately 48 hours before the test, the patient should avoid eating foods that are hard to digest, baked, bloated and contain seeds. Eating light meals is recommended.
• The day before the test, it is recommended to eat a not too hearty, easily digestible breakfast. After that, take only liquids: water, low-sugar tea, black coffee. Do not eat solid foods. The last meal should be consumed by 4 pm.
• On the day of the test, the patient should remain fasting, that is, not consume any food or drink, except for small amounts of water. Medications taken on a regular basis should be taken as scheduled.

2. contrast agents:

• The patient may be asked to drink a special fluid that helps make the small intestine visible on MRI images. This fluid expands the intestines, making it easier to assess their structure and any pathological changes. This preparation is made on site by medical personnel.
• In some cases, intravenously administered contrast is also used. This contrast allows better imaging of blood vessels, organ blood supply and pathological foci, including cancerous lesions.

3 Drugs:

• Depending on the doctor’s recommendations, the patient may be given pharmacological agents, such as antispasmodics, which help reduce the peristaltic movements of the intestines, allowing for clearer images.
• Before the test, the patient normally takes all prescribed medications as scheduled. They can be sipped with a few sips of still water.

4. mental preparation and clothing:

• The patient should be informed about the examination to minimize stress and anxiety. It is worthwhile for the patient to be aware that the examination is painless.
• You should come to the examination in comfortable clothing, free of metal elements.

Course of the study

MR enterography typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Here’s what a typical survey looks like:

1. registration and preparation:

• Upon arrival at the MRI lab, the patient registers and fills out a questionnaire about his or her health, including any contraindications to the test, such as the presence of metal implants. We ask you to appear at the laboratory 1:30 h before the scheduled procedure to prepare for the test.

2. contrast administration:

• The patient drinks the contrast fluid as directed. A venflon is then inserted, through which intravenous contrast can be administered during the examination.

3 Positioning:

• The patient lies down on a moving table, which is slid into the MRI tube (gantry). During the examination, the patient lies still to obtain the most accurate images.

4 Scanning:

• During the scan, the patient may be asked to hold his breath for a few seconds at certain times. This also helps produce clearer images. MRI generates cross-sectional images of the patient’s body, and with the use of contrast, it is possible to accurately visualize the bowel.

5 Monitoring:

• Medical personnel monitor the patient throughout the test, communicating with him or her via intercom. If necessary, the patient can signal any problems or discomfort.

General information about MR enterography

MR enterography is one of the most advanced imaging tests available for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases. Its advantages include:

Safety:

• MR does not use ionizing radiation (as CT scans do), making it safer, especially for younger patients and those who require frequent follow-up examinations.

Detail:

• Thanks to its high resolution, MR is excellent at imaging soft tissues, allowing for accurate imaging of the intestines and surrounding structures.

Tissue contrast:

• MR is excellent at differentiating between different tissue types, which is crucial in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, or in the evaluation of tumors.

Functional assessment:

• MR enterography allows not only the evaluation of intestinal morphology, but also the analysis of intestinal function, such as peristalsis (bowel movements). This is important in diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of many conditions.

Painlessness:

• The test is non-invasive and painless, although some patients may find it uncomfortable due to the need to lie still in the enclosed space of the scanner.

Contraindications and risks

Despite its many advantages, MR enterography is not suitable for all patients. Contraindications include:

Presence of metal implants and implanted electronic devices:

• Patients with metal implants, such as certain prostheses, stents or pacemakers, may not be eligible for the test because the magnetic field may affect the function of these devices or cause the implants to shift. Any such case should be reported to the registration desk, where staff will determine whether the patient can be tested. However, most current implants are MRI-approved.

Allergy to contrast:

• Although allergic reactions to contrast used in MRI are rare, they can occur. Before the test, the patient should inform the doctor of any allergies.

Pregnancy:

• Pregnant women should avoid MR examinations during the first trimester unless absolutely necessary.

Summary

MR enterography is an extremely valuable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of intestinal diseases. Using advanced MRI technology, the test produces detailed images of the intestines, which is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of many conditions. Adequate patient preparation and cooperation with the medical team are key to obtaining the best test results. If you have any doubts or questions about the test, you should always consult directly with the medical staff at PP DIAGNOSTYKA.