Medical Informative Booklets
Medical Imagery
The MRI examination (Magnetic Resonance Unit)
In what does it consist ?
The MRI (Medical Resonance Imaging) is a technique that uses no x-rays but the electromagnetic properties of the human body when subjected to an intense magnetic field. The examination is done by means of a very powerful magnet in which radio waves are circulating. Thanks to the combination of energies released by the device, it is possible to detect the hydrogen atoms (protons) of your organs. A computer reconstitutes images according to the hydrogen repartition in your body. Therefore, you will receive no x-rays; this examination is harmless.
What do I have to bring?
- the prescription of the doctor that asked for the IRM (please give it to the secretariat)
- your SIS card (Belgian social security card)
- your ID card
- all of your previous X-ray photographs, scanners and MRIs (on photographic films or CD-ROMs). Please give them to the technologist or nurse that attends to you.
How will be the examination ?
The reception will inform the technologist or the nurse of your arrival. You will then be asked to go into the changing room and to take off the necessary clothes and jewellery.
Because of the power of the magnet, it is better not to go near it with metal objects (coins, needles, jewellery…) or with magnetic cards (credit cards and other magnetic or chip cards) and to let them inside the locked changing room. You will also be asked to remove your make-up, especially eye make-up (it contains small metal particles).
You will be comfortably put on a couch that will slowly slide into a cylinder. You will sometimes have to stay in a less comfortable position (with an arm up, lying down on the belly…), but it is only to get the best results.
While images are captured (the examination runs from 20 to 30 minutes), it is essential that you stay perfectly still to avoid movements that cause blurred areas and so greatly affect the images lecture. The room in which you will undergo the examination will be closed, but you will stay in contact with the technologist through a micro and a video camera put in the room. You will also receive a ‘poire d’appel’ (i.e. device to call a member of the medical staff). The medical team will stay behind the window and analyse the appearing images; they can see you and clearly hear you. You are not alone and you can call them if there is a problem. While images are created, you will hear a thud for some seconds or minutes, it sounds like a boat motor or a kick. This is a strong but bearable noise. You will receive a helmet or earplugs to help block the noise.
Some examinations require an intravenous injection which is done at the line of the elbow most of the time.
It is recommended to go to the toilet before the examination in order to feel more comfortable. However, always ask for permission if you are coming for an examination of the pelvis (kidneys, bladder, …). Some examinations require to have a full or semi-full bladder.
Do I need any preparation ?
You only have to be fasting for an abdominal examination (no drinking, no eating, no smoking) 4 hours before it. For a pelvis examination, you will perhaps be asked to have a full bladder.
Is it painful and harmful ?
The examination is harmful but is sometimes a bit long. The noise can also be unpleasant. A feeling of faintness (claustrophobia) is a common problem. Most of the time, we can solve it by going with the patient into the room or giving him some tranquillizers. If for example, you don’t feel at ease in a lift, please say it immediately at the reception secretary. She will pass on the information so that you can be correctly attended.
For examinations that require a contrast material, Gadolinium is injected. It is generally well tolerated.
The injection of contrast material is felt. Should an haematoma appear, it is not severe and it will resorbs within a few days. When the material is injected and under the pressure effect, some material can escape under the skin, at the level of the vein. This is a rare complication (1 out of 100 injections, generally without severe consequences) and it could exceptionally ask for a local treatment. The injection of contrast material can sometimes provoke an allergic reaction (urticaria, itch…). These reactions are unpredictable. Severe allergic reactions are very rare (1 out of 300 000 injections).
What are the other risks ?
If you have a pacemaker or any other metallic device near your eyes or inside your head, this can be a safety hazard (death, cecity). Therefore, it is essential to inform the medical team of the presence of such devices. The radiologist performing the examination is responsible for the decision to perform the examination or not. The examination can be delayed in case of unclear information, so that the radiologist can ask information of your family doctor about your previous interventions.
How long is the examination ?
It generally runs about 30 minutes.
When can I get the results ?
Once the radiologist has processed and examined the images, he will write a report and send it to the doctor who asked for the examination. Only your doctor can give you the complete results, which will be put in your medical file as well as other possible examinations your doctor would have asked.
Generally, the images and report of the radiologist are available at your doctor’s practice within 4 or 5 days.
Practical Information
Consultation : on appointment
Location : Polyclinique Bd. de Waterloo 121 1000 Bruxelles
Phone number : 02/ 541.32.51 + 02/ 541.34.27
Fax : 02/541.34.39
The Magnetic Resonance device is a gift from the asbl ‘The Friends of the Jules Bordet Institute’
NMR Unit
Institut J. Bordet Bd. de Waterloo 121 (1st floor) - 1000 Brussels
+32 2 541 31 11