To be printed on headed paper
The MEDAL Study:
MRI to Establish Diagnosis Against Laparoscopy
Information about the MRI scan
This information is intended for those considering having a pelvic MRI scan. The purpose of
the information is to explain what an MRI scan is, why and how it is carried out and whether
there are any risks involved.
What is an MRI scan?
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves
to create pictures of tissues, organs and other structures inside the body on a computer. The
images are detailed and can detect diseases at an earlier stage including some disorders
that are difficult to see. It does not use x-rays. A radiographer carries out the scan and a
radiologist looks at the images and reports the results. The images can be sent
electronically, printed or copied to a CD.
In imaging of the pelvis, an MRI can be used to detect tumours and cysts of the urinary tract,
diseases of the small intestine as well as causes of pelvic pain in women such as fibroids,
endometriosis, adenomyosis and other abnormalities of the reproductive organs.
What does an MRI scan involve?
Before the scan a radiographer will explain what they are going to do. You will be able to talk
to the radiographer whenever you need to.
The MRI scanner is in the shape of a tunnel. It is surrounded by a circular magnet. You
cannot feel the magnetic field. You lie on a table which moves in and out of the machine. A
device called a coil is placed over the part of the body being scanned. This device detects
radio signals from the body.
During a scan of the pelvis most of your body is in the tunnel. It is necessary to lie flat and to
keep still while the pictures are being taken otherwise they can be blurred. This takes around
30 -45 minutes. It takes several minutes at a time to obtain a sequence of images. If you are
in pain beforehand or you are claustrophobic you should talk to the doctor who has sent you.
It may be possible to prescribe something to help you with this. During the scan you can talk
to the radiographer who observes at all times on a monitor close to the scanner. The
scanner is noisy. You will be given headphones or earplugs to reduce the noise. Sometimes
you can listen to the radio or bring a CD to listen to.
Sometimes an injection may be needed (Buscopan and/or Gadolinium) which is given into a
vein in the arm and helps to clarify the scan.
MEDAL MRI Information Sheet
Provided by Pelvic Pain Support Network
http://www.pelvicpain.org.uk/
Version 1.2 – 09th January 2012
Preparation for an MRI scan
People with certain types of medical implant cannot be scanned. You should inform your
doctor and the radiologist about any electronic or metal implant/fragment in your body.
Examples of these are implanted defibrillators, pacemakers, nerve stimulators, metallic
joints, pins, screws, stents, surgical staples or cochlear ( ear) implants.
If you are taking medication you should continue to do so unless you are advised not to by
your doctor.
To get the best images, you should not eat in the four hours before your scan, but you can
have a drink if you are thirsty. You should go to the toilet about 30 minutes to your
appointment.
You will be shown to a cubicle, given a gown to wear and asked to undress down to your
underwear. You should not wear jewellery ( except a wedding ring ) , hairpieces, hairslides,
hair grips or body piercings as these could spoil the images and could cause you injury.
Are there any limitations or possible complications?
MRI scans are painless and thought to be safe. However pregnant women are usually
advised not to have an MRI scan unless it is urgent. This is because long-term effects of
strong magnetic fields on a developing baby are not known.
There is a very slight risk of an allergic reaction if contrast material is injected. Such
reactions usually are mild and easily controlled by medication.
A person who is very large may not fit into the opening of a conventional MRI machine.
There are no after-effects from the scan and you can return to your normal activities as soon
as the scan is over.
MEDAL MRI Information Sheet
Provided by Pelvic Pain Support Network
http://www.pelvicpain.org.uk/
Version 1.2 – 09th January 2012