MRI of the adrenal glands: indications for the procedure, preparation, results
Adrenals are the glands that are located above the kidneys. They consist of two layers. One of them is called cortical, and the second is cerebral. These two layers have different functional tasks. Cork produces steroids. The brain layer produces hormones like HC.Diseases of the adrenal glands of the endocrine type occur much less frequently than similar diseases of other organs. But their peculiarity lies in the fact that they are less amenable to treatment, and the patient may have complications in the body.
Various methods are used to diagnose the pathology of these organs. The most effective method of examination is the MRI of the adrenal glands. Through it you can see how these bodies work. The sooner any abnormality in the adrenal gland is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Detection of pathology at an early stage can allow to do without any consequences for the body.
When is it assigned?
The task of the adrenal glands is to produce hormones. The latter are necessary for the functioning of the whole organism. The adrenal glands are an important link in the work of the entire human body. If there is a failure in their work, then it affects the entire body. Violation of the normal functioning of the adrenal glands can seriously affect human health and become a threat to his life.
In connection with the above, an important point is the early detection of any malfunctioning of the adrenal glands.
There is a statistic that is most often amenable to pathological changes in the bark of these organs. There are a number of changes in the human body, in the event of which it is necessary to immediately contact a medical institution for examination and diagnosis. These include:
- Elevated pressure.
- Weight gain in a short period of time.
- Appearance of swelling on the face.
- The appearance of stretch marks on the skin. This is due to the increase in body weight.
- Diabetes.
- Violation of the immune system of the human body.
- Osteoporosis.
If a person treats the above symptoms in a medical facility, the doctor will give him a test and an MRI or CT scan.
MRI of the adrenal gland. What shows?
Through MRI, you can see the changes that have occurred in the adrenal glands of the patient. Basically, they are associated with the appearance of tumors in them. The latter can be benign or malignant.
In order for the patient to undergo MRI of the adrenal glands, it is necessary to have the direction of the attending physician. If it is not, then you can pass the examination yourself. But you will have to pay for this. Also, remember that the result of the survey should be decoded. And this can only be done by a qualified specialist. Therefore, it will be better if the direction of the MRI is given by a doctor. He will then make a transcript of the result obtained and prescribe the necessary treatment.
What is MRI using contrast medium?
In order to distinguish a malignant tumor from a benign one, the patient is prescribed a MRI of adrenal glands with a contrast agent. Surveys with this tool is different in that it is conducted fairly quickly. Usually this procedure lasts no more than a quarter of an hour. For this period of time, the patient is administered a contrast agent, a magnetic resonance examination is performed and the substance is withdrawn.
MRI of kidney and adrenal gland is assigned to a patient after surgery. This examination allows you to assess how the intervention was performed, there are or are no complications.
Price
How much does an adrenal MRT cost? Prices for the survey are different. But you should know that MRI is not cheap. Therefore, as an option, those patients who do not have enough funds are offered to undergo computed tomography. The minimum cost of adrenal MRT is four thousand rubles. The average cost is 8000 rubles.
MRI of the adrenal gland. How do and what preparation is needed?
It is worth saying that you do not need to prepare yourself in any special way for the survey. The only requirement that should be adhered to is the refusal to eat at least 6 hours before the event.
Also on the eve of it is necessary to refrain from drinking alcohol, drinks that contain gases, and products that include coarse fiber. Also it is not recommended to use dairy products.
Contraindications
What contraindications exist for MRI of the adrenal glands?
- If a person weighs more than 150 kilograms.
- This test is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy.
- If a person suffers from epilepsy, it is also not possible to do an adrenal MRT.
- Allergic reaction of the body to a contrast agent.
- If the patient's body is prone to fainting.
- During the period when a woman nurses a baby, MRI of the adrenal glands can not be done.
- It is also worthwhile to warn your doctor if there are any metal objects in the body, for example, implants. In addition, magnetic and electronic devices are a contraindication to the procedure.
Computed tomography of the adrenal glands
Adrenal gland diseases can be exposed to people of different incomes, as well as other ailments. As mentioned above, MRI is a rather expensive procedure. Therefore, there is an alternative procedure, it is called computed tomography.
Based on the results of the examination, this procedure can also reveal the presence of benign and malignant formations in the adrenal glands. In order to conduct a CT scan, the patient needs to be prepared. In addition to training, he should take tests.
The cost of computed tomography is much lower. This is due to the fact that cheaper equipment is used for the survey. Also, the accompanying materials are not so expensive.
There is another significant difference between MRI and CT.When the latter is carried out, the patient's body undergoes X-ray radiation. MRI emits only a magnetic field. Thus, MRI does not cause any harm to the body of the subject. From the foregoing it becomes clear that computed tomography is a budget option for conducting a survey of this type. But its re-holding is not recommended. If one more examination is required, the doctor prescribes MRT
Adrenal. Symptoms of the disease in women
The body of a woman is prone to a change in the hormonal background. The main function of the adrenal glands is the production of hormones. The main violations in the work of the bodies are related to the insufficient production of these substances.
How to understand that you should check the adrenal glands? Symptoms of the disease in women can be different. Since their nature depends on the ailment that is present in the body. For example, the symptoms may be as follows:
- bone fragility;
- lack of libido;
- malfunctions of the menstrual cycle;
- propensity to elevated blood pressure;
- obesity;
- drowsiness;
- increased weakness;
- panic attacks;
- increased irritability;
- headaches;
- frequent muscle cramps.
- decreased appetite;
- cyanotic lips;
- appears unnatural leanness;
- tachycardia;
- severe fatigue;
- tremor of the extremities;
- increased gas production;
- is depressive.
In these and some other cases, a doctor can prescribe an adrenal MRT.