MRI of the lungs

General

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also known as magnetic resonance imaging. This is an imaging process that shows sectional images of the examined region.

In contrast to X-rays and computed tomography, the images in an MRI are not created with the help of rays, but with very strong magnetic fields and radio waves. This is not harmful to the patient.
By applying a strong magnetic field, certain particles in the body align themselves with this magnetic field. If it is now turned off, the particles orientate themselves again in their original position. The time it takes to return to this position is measured and the sectional images are created on the basis of this data.

MRI images show soft parts in particular very clearly and can reveal even minor changes here.

An MRI of the lungs was difficult for a long time because the lungs are mostly made of air and the MRI images were often inaccurate. This has been significantly improved by MRI with contrast media, especially with helium, and provides accurate images of the lung tissue.

application areas

An MRI of the lungs can be done for a number of purposes. On the one hand, this can cause pneumonia (Pneumonia) be recognized.

In addition, the blood vessels of the lungs can be shown precisely and the effects on them can be recognized, for example in the case of pulmonary hypertension.

The ventilation of the lungs can also be recognized, which is the case with chronic lung diseases such as COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

The MRI examination also plays a very important role in the detection of lung cancer or lung metastases. A chemotherapy follow-up can also be carried out here.

application areas

Magnetic resonance imaging of the lungs can be done for a number of purposes. On the one hand, this allows Pneumonia (Pneumonia) be recognized.

In addition, the blood vessels of the lungs can be shown exactly and the effects on them for example Pulmonary hypertension be recognized.

Also the Ventilation of the lungs can be recognized which in chronic lung diseases, such as the COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

The MRI examination also plays a very important role in the detection of Lung cancer or from Lung metastases. A follow-up can also be carried out here for a chemotherapy be performed.

preparation

Before an MRI of the lungs is performed, an informative talk is held with the doctor, who explains the risks. Because the patient no radiation exposure is exposed, there are hardly any side effects during the examination.

Only when giving Contrast media side effects may occur, which the doctor will discuss with the patient.If the patient has any known intolerance, he should inform the doctor.

Even if he's under Claustrophobia the doctor should know about this, as they may be given a Sedative should be talked about.

If you suffer from claustrophobia, please also read our topic: MRI for claustrophobia

Immediately before the examination, the patient must put all metal parts on the body. This applies to jewelry and piercings, as well as clothing with metal parts, such as an underwire bra. Keys and wallets may not be taken into the examination room either.
All things are attracted by the strong magnetic field and can damage both the examination device and the patient.

execution

When all metal-containing objects have been put down, the patient is placed supine on a couch. In most cases, a venous access for the administration of contrast media.
When using inhaled contrast medium, it must be inhaled before the recordings.

With existing Claustrophobia the patient also receives one Sedatives.

The couch is then moved into the tubular examination device. Previously the patient receives Soundproof headphonesto block out the very loud knocking noises made during the examination.

He's also given a switch that he can press when he's not comfortable. The signal is then sent to the supervising radiology assistant in the next room.
The radiological assistants are located behind a pane of glass in the next room and follow what is happening. You can intervene at any time if the patient has a panic attack (e.g. due to claustrophobia in the MRI) or the like.

Once the patient is in the tube and the examination begins, it is very important to lie quietly. Even the smallest movements can lead to inaccuracies in the recordings. During the examination it may be necessary to briefly To hold your breath and the Avoid swallowing. The radiological assistants inform the patient about this.

After about 20 minutes the examination is completed and after a while there is a conversation with a radiologist who has evaluated the images.

Contraindications

Since metal objects pose a hazard because they are strongly attracted by the magnetic field, patients are allowed to use a Pacemaker usually do not have an MRI scan. Also a implanted defibrillator (ICD), an artificial inner ear (Cochlear implant) or metallic artificial heart valves are contraindications to having an MRI, just like one Insulin pump.

Certain factors like a intolerance or one Impaired kidney function, speak against performing an MRI with contrast agent.

In the pregnancy Due to possible complications during the first 3 months, an MRI scan should only be performed in an emergency.

Complications

Because the patient in the MRI examination of the lungs in contrast to the X-ray or computed tomography no radiation exposure complications are very rare.

With tattoos (when colors contain metal parts) or with make-up, there may be a local warming of the skin come that after examining a Redness having.

Due to possible complications, the first three months of pregnancy an MRI can only be carried out in emergencies.

Contrast media

In an MRI of the lungs, different options for contrast media can be used depending on which structures are to be displayed.

By administering contrast media, certain structures in the body can be better represented. The MRI only provides black and white images, which is why it is often difficult to differentiate between different tissues.

A contrast agent that is injected into the vein and distributed in the bloodstream allows blood vessels to be better visualized. In addition, the contrast agent accumulates to a greater or lesser extent in the various tissues, so that above all Tumors and Metastases can be recognized.

The contrast agent that is used is usually very well tolerated and can also be used in a existing allergy Can be used against X-ray contrast media as it does not contain iodine. The contrast agent is on the kidney and excreted in the urine. Patients with a Renal dysfunction are often not allowed to receive contrast media.

With a lung MRI, the contrast agent can also be inhaled. This then shows very precisely how the inhaled air is distributed in the lungs, i.e. how good the ventilation of the lungs is. Helium is particularly suitable for this.

helium

The helium used is polarized before use, which means that when the magnetic field is applied during the MRI examination, it also aligns itself with this field. This is the prerequisite to that Helium distribution to be able to measure afterwards.

MRI images of the lungs with helium provide very precise information about how the air is distributed in the lungs. For example, if you have a lung damaged by smoking, a Emphysema, the damaged areas are separated from the intact areas. When recording several images in a short time, the temporal component of the distribution can also be recorded.

tumor

Magnetic resonance tomography is particularly suitable for displaying Tumors and their Metastases. The venous administration of contrast media makes it easier to identify tumors, since the contrast media accumulates here.

It is now possible to detect tumors of the order of magnitude of the lungs 4 to 5mm to recognize, so in Early stage.

However, the MRI is of the lungs Not the standard method for detecting tumors in the lungs (lung cancer).
First is a roentgen and if this is inconclusive or suggests a tumor (lung cancer), a Computed Tomography or one Magnetic resonance imaging carried out. These methods are more suitable for metastasis in the brain (MRI head) and in the spinal cord (MRI spine).

Duration of an MRI scan of the lungs

Magnetic resonance imaging of the lungs takes time about 15 to 20 minutes. Depending on whether a contrast agent is injected or not, the examination can take a little longer.

In addition, there is the waiting time and the preparation time on the day of the examination, during which all metal-containing objects are put down and the patient is prepared on the couch.

The subsequent discussion of the recordings with a radiologist may also take some time.

Cost of an MRI of the lungs

There one Magnetic resonance imaging is often used for diagnostic purposes of serious diseases, the costs are covered by the statutory and private health insurance companies if the doctor sees the need for this examination.

The cost of an MRI of the lungs varies between statutory and private health insurance. While in the statutory area the costs are settled directly between the radiologist and the statutory health insurance (GKV), the privately insured person receives an invoice from the radiologist, which he passes on to his insurance company.

The cost of private insurance (PKV) varies depending on the scope of the examination. The costs are usually between € 400 and € 800.