MRI for expectant mothers

Says Madina Khadartseva, ultrasound diagnostics doctor, radiologist, oncologist, Ph.D.

Modern medicine treats the most important event in a woman's life, the bearing and birth of a child, with special care, therefore, all planned medical manipulations during this period are considered primarily from the point of view of safety, both for the expectant mother and for the fetus.

Today, the most popular method of primary imaging of pathologies in pregnant women is ultrasound (ultrasound). However, the possibilities of this diagnostic method are often limited, and it is not possible to obtain an adequate description of the condition of the internal organs of the expectant mother. In such cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) becomes indispensable. 

Magnetic resonance imaging is much safer compared to classical radiography and computed tomography. MR diagnostics does not carry radiation exposure, so its use during pregnancy is approved by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as the American College of Radiology. A number of laboratory and clinical studies have proven the absence of any damaging and teratogenic (causing congenital anomalies) effect of MRI on the developing fetus. 

During the entire period of using MRI for the diagnosis of pregnant women, not a single adverse effect on fetal development has been recorded. The advantage of magnetic resonance imaging is that it allows you not only to see the structure of internal organs, but also to evaluate their functionality. The method provides an amazing opportunity to visualize the placenta and the mother's organs. 

-Diseases requiring surgical intervention that occur in a pregnant woman should be considered as a direct threat to the life of the mother and child.

As a rule, ultrasound provides scant information due to the difficulty of visualizing the swollen intestines and enlarged uterus, and computed tomography is performed only in urgent cases, as it assumes the presence of ionizing radiation unsafe for the fetus. In such situations, an MRI scan is indispensable. For example, in patients with suspected appendicitis, the most common surgical emergency during pregnancy, making a diagnosis is quite a difficult task. As the duration of pregnancy increases, the appendix moves to the upper abdominal cavity, so the typical pain in the right iliac region does not bother in all cases. Fever is often absent, and an increased number of white blood cells may not have diagnostic value due to physiological leukocytosis in this group of patients. In such cases, magnetic resonance imaging is used, which is the most accurate and absolutely painless technique. The doctor receives high-quality and spatial resolution images of the entire abdominal cavity and small pelvis and can accurately diagnose.

Acute appendicitis in a pregnant woman

- The main and most dangerous complication before, during and after childbirth is thrombophlebitis and venous thrombosis of the lower extremities, pelvis and inferior vena cava. Among the main causes of maternal mortality worldwide, the first place belongs to pulmonary embolism, which develops against the background of varicose veins and venous insufficiency. An MRI scan allows you to obtain images of all the veins and visualize the blood clot itself without administering a contrast agent.

- In recent years, obstetricians and gynecologists have noted an increase in the incidence of benign and malignant tumors and tumorous formations of the reproductive system in pregnant women. MRI allows not only to determine the exact location of the tumor, but also to assess its size, structure, growth rate and other parameters. At the same time, as the size of the uterus increases, there is no decrease in the diagnostic value of this research method, as is the case with ultrasound.;

- Headaches and other neurological symptoms that appear in the expectant mother are indications for an MRI scan of the brain. In this case, magnetic resonance imaging is perhaps the most informative method that allows us to examine not only the structures of the brain, cranial nerves, but also to visualize the vascular bed and assess blood supply. 

- Hormonal changes and swelling of connective tissue, intervertebral discs and cartilage contribute to the development of pain in the spine and extremities during pregnancy. An MRI scan is also used to identify the cause of the pain in the back and joints of the expectant mother.

• Safety for women and fetuses;

• Maximum information per study;

• Maximum comfort.

The European Medical Center has all the necessary equipment for the comfort and safety of expectant mothers. The wide aperture of the magnetic resonance imaging scanner allows patients to perform the procedure even in late pregnancy. Highly qualified specialists evaluate the results of the MR study.

If an emergency condition occurs that threatens the life of the woman and the fetus, then an MRI scan can be performed at any stage of pregnancy and at any time. As planned, the study is recommended to be carried out in the morning and on an empty stomach, since the fetus is the least mobile at this time. The patient is placed on the examination table in a comfortable position for her, usually on her back or on her left side. A special warning bulb is installed inside the device, which she can press if she experiences unpleasant sensations or becomes uncomfortable. The duration of the procedure is usually no more than 30-40 minutes. Intravenous contrast agents are not used. Thanks to the latest software, the doctor receives images of very high quality. 

A contraindication for MRI is the presence of a pacemaker and implants made of ferromagnetic materials in the body. In any case, you should consult your doctor first.

Thus, thanks to the early diagnosis of abnormalities in a woman's body using MRI, it is possible to adjust pregnancy management, plan labor tactics and provide all the necessary information to the attending physician. It is very important to remember that timely detection and treatment of pathology will help preserve the health and life of you and your unborn child.

Author: Madina Khadartseva, ultrasound diagnostics doctor, radiologist, oncologist, PhD