Diagnostic Imaging

“Open” Magnetic Resonance Imaging

What is MRI?

La magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) It is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to obtain detailed images of the internal organs and tissues of the body. Unlike the TAC, does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, making it particularly suitable for the diagnosis of numerous pathologies.

Difference between contrast-enhanced and non-contrast MRI

There are two ways to perform an MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging without contrast medium, which uses exclusively magnetic fields and radio waves, offering high definition images and particularly suitable for many routine diagnostic tests and for monitoring diseases without the need to administer additional substances
Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast medium, which involves the use of a liquid usually based on gadolinium (a rare earth metal) administered intravenously during the examination in order to obtain more precise images of the internal structures of the human body (in particular, blood vessels, organs and tissues of various kinds).

The mode with which the exam is carried out it is indicated in the medical prescription issued by the general practitioner or specialist doctor.

What diseases are seen?

Magnetic resonance imaging provides clear and detailed three-dimensional images of the so-called soft tissues (nerves, muscles, ligaments, fat, blood vessels, etc.) and the so-called hard tissues (bones and cartilage).

Its use is particularly relevant in numerous fields of medicine: from traumatology to oncology, including orthopedics, gastroenterology, cardiology, etc.

It is prescribed to investigate various situations including:

Assess brain or spinal injuries.
Diagnose joint and musculoskeletal problems.
Examine internal organs (liver, kidneys, heart, prostate, breast, etc.).
Monitor pathologies such as tumors or neurological diseases.
Plan specific surgeries or treatments.

How do you prepare for the exam?

On the day of the test, only if contrast medium is prescribed, the patient must fast for six hours and bring a creatinine test performed within the previous three months at the latest.

Once admitted to our clinic, the patient will be taken care of by a dedicated healthcare team, who will conduct a screening medical history to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements to safely undergo the test.

You will then be escorted to a private changing room. You must remove all metal objects (e.g., piercings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, buckles, underwired underwear, and earplugs) and put on the special shoes and gown provided by the clinic.

If a contrast medium examination is planned, the nursing staff will prepare a peripheral venous access.

How is the exam carried out?

Once the preparatory phase is complete, you will be accompanied by healthcare personnel to the room where the diagnostic examination will take place and will be helped to position yourself on the sliding table of the machine.

thank you on the intercom and the always active video assistance The patient will be in constant audio-visual contact with the healthcare staff for any need. Adjustable internal ventilation and lighting together with noise cancelling headphones They promote greater tolerability of the examination and reduce the sensation of closure.

You must maintain a steady position and cooperate with any voice prompts to ensure image quality.

Once the exam is complete, the patient will be taken back to their changing room where they can get dressed and collect their personal items.

The report will be available after 3 working days and must be collected from the Report Collection office in the clinic.

How long does the exam last?

Depending on the doctor's prescription and the body part being examined, it can last from 10 to 45 minutes or more. In any case, the clinic's equipment allows for shorter execution times, in line with the technical characteristics of high-field machines.

Type of services performed

Various types of tests can be performed, including:

Multiparametric MRI study of the prostate
Breast MRI study
MRI study of the cerebrospinal fluid flow
MRI study of the heart
MRI study of the brain and brainstem
Shoulder MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Wrist and Hand
Magnetic resonance imaging of the upper and lower abdomen
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Spine (Cervical, Dorsal, Lumbar)
Pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI knee
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Foot and Ankle

What are the risks of MRI?

Provided all procedures are followed and applied correctly, the test is safe, painless, and poses no particular risks.

The only contraindications may arise from the administration of the contrast medium which, as with any drug, may present some side effects.

Patients undergoing the contrast-enhanced examination are kept under observation for the following minutes in order to carefully monitor their physiological conditions and be ready to provide immediate support if needed.

Once leaving our clinic, the patient can immediately return to his or her normal activities, including driving.

The large opening of the device (70 cm) allows the claustrophobic patients and obese patients to face the exam, through a spacious environment that helps to reduce the feeling of closure.

Who can't take the exam?

The examination cannot be performed on patients with pacemakers, active loop recorders, or any other electronic, neurovascular, or metallic device that does not meet the safety criteria required for access to high magnetic field areas (1,5 – 3,0 Tesla).

Non-removable piercings and piercings made of unknown materials are also contraindications, as are dental braces made primarily of ferrous materials. In all these cases, we perform a preventive assessment.

If you have just gotten a tattoo, you should wait a month before undergoing the diagnostic test.

What does an MRI machine look like?

At Diagnostic Imaging Service are installed 4 High-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Latest-generation "open" cameras. They are equipped with Artificial Intelligence and designed to deliver high image quality and reduced execution times.

The facility features the MAGNETOM Aera (1,5 Tesla), MAGNETOM Sola (1,5 Tesla) and MAGNETOM Vida 3,0 Tesla models.

They are all made up of a powerful cylindrical magnet between 145 and 185 cm long (the length varies depending on the model) which includes a large internal 70 cm opening in which the bed on which the patient is positioned slides.

Through a complex array of transmitting and receiving elements, the system interacts with the human body, first stimulating specific molecules and then collecting the resulting information in the form of electromagnetic pulses. Advanced software then processes all the data obtained, transforming it into high-resolution images that are then viewed and interpreted by specialist radiologists.

Clear report images and reduced times

Appropriately trained and specialized radiology technicians will take care of the correct acquisition of the exam.

The equipment configuration adopted allows for high spatial resolution, reduced acquisition times, and high diagnostic quality even in complex investigations. Thanks to BioMatrix technology, the system automatically adapts to the patient's anatomy and physiology.

High image quality enables physicians to perform more in-depth diagnostic assessments in various fields, from neuroradiology to angiography, internal medicine, and joint radiology.