MRI of the thyroid gland: what the research shows?

Thyroid Disease — a very common problem from which no one is immune. Of course, in this case, it is extremely important the correct and timely diagnosis. And often doctors refer patients to MRI of the thyroid gland.

Of Course, people are faced with the need to undergo such procedure, are interested in more information. Do MRI of the thyroid gland? Diagnosis requires training? What diseases can be detected? Whether the procedure is associated with some difficulties? The answers to these questions will be useful to many.

What is a study

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is today one of the most accurate diagnostic procedures. With the help of modern equipment the doctor has the opportunity not only to take scans of internal organs, but also to build their authentic three-dimensional model.

In fact, the basis of this methodology is the behavior of the hydrogen atom when exposed to a powerful magnetic field. Equipment for MRI feeds on the tissues and cells certain combination of electromagnetic waves. Special RF coils record the changes of the response of hydrogen atoms. All data obtained are displayed on the computer that creates the images.

Thus, the modern doctor has the opportunity to fully inspect the organ (including the thyroid) without surgical intervention. By the way, the cat scans are very accurate — modern equipment can detect a tumor with a diameter of 1 mm.

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Indications for procedure

There are plenty of indications for the procedure.

• MRI is recommended in cases of suspected “retrosternal goiter”. Through images, the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and determine whether there is a possibility of surgical treatment.
• The procedure to send patients during palpation was found to increase the size of the thyroid gland or an abnormal location.
• To confirm the diagnosis, MRI is carried out in the presence of inflammatory processes in the tissues of the thyroid gland.
• The indications include infectious diseases.
• This study was carried out at the suspicion of the presence of foreign bodies in the tissues of the body.
• MRI also helps to determine the presence of the tumor, to determine its size and exact location.
• To the list of indications include hormonal disturbances, which are accompanied by an abrupt change in the body weight of the patient without apparent reason (e.g. patient does not change diet or exercise, but still losing or gaining weight).
• Treatment is recommended for patients who suffer from constant fatigue, and various sleep disorders, mood swings, as these symptoms are also directly can be associated with the thyroid gland.
• The indications include the suspicion of autoimmune thyroiditis.

Required training

How to prepare for the validation procedure of such a body as the thyroid gland? MRI actually requires no training. There is no need to follow a special diet. Nevertheless, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.

Before the test you need to change into a spacious, comfortable clothing without metal fasteners, and buttons. It is important to remove all jewelry, watches and other metal objects.

How the procedure

In fact, the technique of MRI of the thyroid gland is quite simple. The patient is placed in a special “tube” of the imager. By the way, it is quite convenient. The equipment scans the human body for 30-40 minutes. It is extremely important to try to lie still, as this determines the quality and reliability of the obtained images.

If we are talking about the examination of children, patients with mental disorders or severe pain, the doctor may decide on the conduct of anesthesia. The procedure is performed under regular supervision of a physician. The results of the study the doctor can examine after only 1-2 days.

What shows MRI of the thyroid gland

In fact, this procedure helps diagnose a lot of diseases.

• The presence of tumors in the tissues of the thyroid gland;
• Change the body tissues, which are characteristic of the inflammatory process, or other infectious diseases;
• The presence of a foreign body;
• Change the size of the thyroid gland;
• The appearance of tumors in the neck.

MRI of the thyroid gland produces accurate results. However, in some cases, require additional tests. For example, blood tests will help to identify a particular infection. In case of suspected cancer with the help of special tests to check the body for any abnormal cells and other tumour markers.

Contraindications to

In many cases, the doctor may need to check how the thyroid gland works. MRI is quite informative and safe method. However, there are a number of contraindications:

• The presence in the patient's body metal plates, crowns, dentures and inlays (such implants will distort the picture and will make the procedure uninformative);
• Pregnancyis considered a relative contraindication, because today there is no accurate data about the possible negative effects of equipment operation on the fetus);
• The inability to remain in a static position for a long period of time (e.g., in connection with mental disorders);
• Claustrophobic;
• The procedure is not carried out patients in a condition of narcotic or alcoholic intoxication;
• MRI is difficult to hold people with obesity (if body weight more than 150 kg).

Disadvantages of methods

The method of diagnosis is, no doubt, is informative. However, the value of MRI of the thyroid gland is quite high — not every patient can afford such examination.

The Thyroid gland-the organ located beneath the skin, so it can explore other ways. For example, a lot of useful information can be obtained during the ultrasound examination. This procedure allows us to estimate the size of the body, to detect the appearance of tumors. Furthermore, ultrasound equipment is in almost every hospital, and the cost of procedures is much lower.

It is also Worth noting that MRI makes it impossible to know whether the detected tumor is benign or indicative of cancer. The procedure can cause the patient emotional and physical discomfort, as you have to lie still in a confined space.

MRI of the thyroid gland with contrast: methods

In some cases, patients are prescribed a slightly modified procedure. MRI of the thyroid gland with contrast provides more accurate results. Before the examination the patient intravenously injecting a special contrast agent-usually it is made on the basis of iodine or gadolinium. This tool accumulates in pathologically altered tissue, so they look much darker. This allows the doctor to examine in more detail the structure and changes in the tissues of the thyroid gland.

Nevertheless, the technique has some drawbacks. In particular, the introduction of contrast may be accompanied by unpleasant side effects, including dizziness, headache, nausea (occasional vomiting). Also used to contrast the drugs may cause an allergic reaction, sometimes up to anaphylactic shock. That is why before the procedure, the patient donates blood for analysis. Sometimes, and conducted Allergy tests. It should be noted that this type of MRI is contraindicated in patients with severe liver disease and kidney, the organs responsible for the disposal and excretion of residues of the contrast agent.