1. Patient Preparation:
Ensure that the patient removes all metal objects, such as jewelry, watches, belts, and so on, as these can interfere with the MRI scan. Also, make sure that the patient wears loose, comfortable clothing or a hospital gown during the procedure.
2. Imaging Plan:
Determine the imaging plan for the whole-body scan. The imaging plan will depend on the medical condition or reason for which the patient is undergoing the MRI scan. The imaging plan may include various sequences such as T1-weighted spin-echo, T2-weighted spin-echo, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR).
3. Sequences:
In the whole body scan, it is essential to have the appropriate sequences to obtain good quality images. Multi-station scanning or centralized imaging locations can also help to minimize patient movement and improve image quality.
4. Contrast Protocol:
If required, determine the contrast protocol (e.g., gadolinium contrast) to help visualize certain body tissues or organs.
5. Radiologist Consultation:
It is a good practice to consult with the radiologist to ensure the MRI protocol is appropriate for the patient's needs and that the right sequences are selected.
6. Patient Monitoring:
During the scan, monitor the patient for any issues or concerns, such as claustrophobia, discomfort, or the need to move.
7. Post-Scan:
After the scan, ensure that the patient has recovered from any sedation used during the procedure and provide any post-scan instructions as required, such as dietary or activity restrictions. Also, communicate the scan results to the patient's healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Be sure to check out the absolutely beautiful 2D & 3D echo images in this @CASEfromASE report from Columbia.
Then, compare echo to specimens obtained at surgery:
doi.org/10.1016/j.case…
Bonus Q (before reading CASE)?
A. Myxoma
B. Thrombus
C. Sarcoma
D. Endocarditis
A cardiac thrombus caught embolizing in action!!
Notice how the thrombus (a fairly large blood clot) detaches from the ventricular wall and travels through the cardiac chamber.
Normally we can compare the renal parenchymal echogenicity to that of liver on the right and spleen on the left. But if the patient has fatty liver, this can get confusing.
How does fatty liver appear on ultrasound?
The echogenicity of the normal liver is almost the same or slightly more than that of the renal cortex or spleen. In addition, intrahepatic vessels are sharply demarcated. In cases of fatty liver, echogenicity of the liver exceeds that of renal cortex and spleen (this change is easily identifiable most of the time). In severe cases, the diaphragm might lose definition because the liver parenchyma becomes as bright as this fibrous structure. In early stages, intra-hepatic vessels may be well-delineated because of the contrasting echogenicity (vessels are anechoic/black) but eventually, they lose the definition, and everything appears hazy.
Only a woman can feel the movement of the baby in the womb.
But due to the increasing technology, we can all see and feel the movement of the baby in the womb.
Imaging techniques that do not involve electromagnetic radiation, i.e. ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are considered safe in pregnancy.
