Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI provides detailed images of tissues with a high water content in particular, such as the brain, spinal cord, nerves and intervertebral discs. It also provides excellent visualisation of cartilage, the meniscus, ligaments, tendons, muscles, bone marrow, the breast, the heart, abdominal organs (including the prostate) and blood vessels.

We only use a contrast agent if it provides additional medical benefit for the diagnosis. Otherwise, the examination is carried out without a contrast agent.

The gadolinium-containing contrast agent used is administered via a vein. It improves the visualisation of inflammation, tumours and circulatory disorders, thereby enabling a more accurate assessment and a more precise diagnosis.

After the examination, the contrast agent is mainly excreted via the kidneys; depending on the preparation, a small proportion is also excreted via the bile and the gut. Drinking plenty of fluids helps with excretion. With normal kidney function, 90–95 per cent is excreted within 24 hours. Complete excretion depends, amongst other things, on kidney function, age, fluid intake and other individual factors.

After the contrast agent has been administered, you can usually resume your normal daily activities without restriction, including driving or exercising.

Modern MRI contrast agents are generally well tolerated. Please inform us before the scan of any allergies, kidney problems or other pre-existing conditions so that we can tailor the scan to your specific situation. Allergic reactions are rare. Should they occur, we will take the necessary measures immediately.

Even slight movements can affect the images and mean that individual scans have to be repeated. This prolongs the examination. You should therefore lie down in a relaxed position and remain still to avoid even the slightest movements.

Due to the rapid switching processes, the MRI scanner produces loud knocking and humming noises. These are normal and harmless. For your protection, you will be given double hearing protection consisting of earplugs and headphones. Depending on the scan, you may also be able to listen to music through the headphones.

The duration of the scan depends on the area of the body being scanned and the clinical question being addressed, and usually lasts between 15 and 60 minutes. You can contact our staff at any time using an emergency bell.

If no contrast medium was administered, you can usually carry on with your daily routine straight away as normal.

If a contrast medium was used, you can also resume your normal activities. We recommend that you drink plenty of fluids to help it be excreted more quickly via the kidneys. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as a rash, shortness of breath or persistent discomfort, please contact a healthcare professional.

If you suffer from claustrophobia, please let us know before the scan so that we can provide you with the best possible support. The MRI scanner is bright, open and well-ventilated throughout the scan. You can contact the staff at any time using an emergency bell.

Our specially trained staff will guide you sensitively through the scan. To help you feel more at ease, we offer calming measures such as lavender oil, sedatives or physical aids. If you are given sedatives, you will need someone to accompany you and must not drive or operate machinery for twelve hours.

Metal objects such as jewellery, watches or piercings must not be taken into the examination room. They may cause injury and impair image quality, meaning that abnormalities in the affected area may not be detectable. You should therefore remove all removable jewellery before the examination.

Please inform us in advance if you have a pacemaker or any other metal implants so that we can prepare for the scan accordingly. Pacemakers must be switched to MRI mode beforehand. Please also inform us in advance of any other implants, such as hearing aids, joint replacements, insulin pumps or defibrillators.

Please let us know if you are pregnant or think you might be. During the first trimester, we generally only carry out an MRI scan if there is an urgent medical reason to do so.

Please let us know if you require dialysis. We will arrange for you to have dialysis following the administration of the contrast agent, as the contrast agent cannot be adequately excreted via the kidneys. We will discuss the procedure with you on an individual basis.

If you have a known allergy or have previously experienced an allergic reaction to MRI contrast agents, please inform us before the scan.

If necessary, you will be given medication in advance (premedication) to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. These medicines may make you feel drowsy. You must therefore not drive a vehicle or operate machinery for twelve hours afterwards, and should, if possible, arrange for someone to take you home.