Mri of the eye orbits. MRI of the orbits and visual pathways. Technique for MRI of the eye orbits

Magnetic resonance imaging is a method of diagnostic examination of various human organs, combining the knowledge of nuclear physics and medicine. This method is a little less than 60 years old, but it began to be actively used only at the turn of the last and present centuries directly for the study of internal organs and the brain. A little later, the method gained great popularity in ophthalmology for the diagnosis of eye diseases, the cause of which is not visible during visual examination. MRI of the orbits and optic nerves allows you to detect the slightest changes in various tissues and structures of the eye that affect a person's ability to see. This means that this method helps to identify the disease in its initial stage and begin treatment when it is most effective.

, , , , , , , , ,

Indications

Magnetic resonance imaging is considered one of the safest and most effective ways to identify various eye pathologies by carefully examining internal structures that are not visible to the naked eye and are not visible during the examination with a microscope. In addition, the more modern MRI method helps to see such tiny changes in the eye that are inaccessible to the study of old methods.

Due to the high diagnostic value of MRI of the orbits, it can be prescribed for the diagnosis of a variety of eye pathologies:

  • inflammatory processes with localization in different layers of the organ of vision,
  • damage to the retina, for example, its detachment,
  • tumor processes in the organ area with the determination of their exact location and size (even neoplasms of small sizes from 1 mm are determined),
  • hemorrhages in the eye with the definition of their cause, thrombosis of the vessels of the eye,
  • injuries with determination of the severity and volume of damaged tissues, with the identification of remnants of foreign bodies that caused eye injury,
  • corneal changes,
  • impaired functioning of the optic nerves (for example, if glaucoma is suspected), decreased visual acuity, the appearance of incomprehensible pain in the eye with the determination of their cause,
  • the state of the organ of vision in diabetes mellitus, hypertension and other pathologies in which the blood supply to the eye is disturbed.

Using MRI, it is possible to determine the location of foreign bodies in the internal structures of the eye, identify inflammatory foci and evaluate their size, find hidden tumors, and, under MRI control, take material for a biopsy.

If there has been an eye injury, MRI allows assessing its consequences and complications, the size and nature of damage to internal structures as a result of the injury, and the possibility of treatment in each specific case.

When a person's vision deteriorates or the motor activity of the eyes is impaired (strabismus appears, the patient cannot focus on a specific object), it is simply impossible to determine the cause without examining the internal structures. MRI makes it possible to see and assess the degree of damage (atrophy) of the muscles or nerves responsible for eye movement, and outline measures to correct the defect.

Quite often, the cause of visual impairment and pain is hidden from us, and it can be detected only by virtually penetrating inside the eye, observing its work, evaluating the changes taking place there. This is precisely what magnetic resonance imaging provides. And although the procedure is called MRI of the orbits, in fact, it also allows you to visualize disorders of the visual muscles, nerves and lacrimal glands, pathology of the eyeball, changes in fatty tissue, due to which its demand is growing more and more.

, , ,

Training

MRI of the orbits and optic nerves is considered a simple and generally safe procedure that does not require special measures to prepare for diagnosis. Usually it is prescribed by an ophthalmologist during the reception and examination of the patient, if making an accurate diagnosis causes him difficulty.

A person can undergo an examination on the same day or later, when such an opportunity arises. The fact is that not all medical institutions are equipped with the necessary equipment. In addition, the MRI procedure will not be free for everyone.

The main condition for obtaining a high-quality image is the immobility of the patient during the examination, about which the person is warned in advance. If the patient is very nervous, he has symptoms of claustrophobia or severe pain that does not allow him to remain still, sedatives are indicated that reduce nervous excitability.

Patients with mental disorders or serious eye injuries, in which they experience unbearable pain, require additional fixation of the limbs. If the above measures do not help, the doctor may resort to anesthesia administered intravenously.

Since the study of organs is carried out using a magnetic field, any metal objects that can distort it must be removed. We are talking about jewelry and clothing with metal elements (locks, buckles, buttons, buttons, decorative overlays, etc.). If there is metal in the body in the form of crowns, organ implants, electronic devices that support body functions, you need to tell the doctor about it at the time of admission. It may be necessary to clarify the material of dentures if the patient is not sure of his information.

During MRI, contrast agents can be used, which facilitate the diagnosis of tumor and inflammatory processes, and help assess the condition of blood vessels. This question is also discussed in advance, because on the eve of the procedure (5 hours before it), the patient will have to refuse food so that none of the food components could affect the result of the study. The best option is the introduction of contrast on an empty stomach.

To exclude intolerance to the contrast agent and anaphylactic reactions, a test is carried out before the administration of the drug, applying the drug to open areas of the skin in the wrist area. The doctor must specify the weight of the patient, because the amount of injected contrast depends on this.

The drug is administered intravenously in the form of injections or infusions (drip) into the elbow area. At the same time, the patient may feel dizzy, fever, hot flashes, nausea, but this is not scary, since it is considered a normal reaction of the body to contrasts. The introduction of preparations for MRI of the orbits with contrast is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Over the next 30 minutes, the patient is monitored by medical staff.

Half an hour after the administration of drugs, the active substance of which accumulates in different tissues in various concentrations, you can proceed to MRI diagnostics. During this time, the medicine will spread through the bloodstream and reach the area under study.

Technique for MRI of the eye orbits

MRI of the orbits, like any other diagnostic procedure, is not carried out for the sake of interest. Therefore, it must be taken seriously. After examining the patient by a specialist, he gives a referral for a diagnostic study. With this direction and the results of previous studies of the organs of vision, the patient is sent to the diagnostic room.

The radiography we are used to is somewhat different from the magnetic resonance imaging, although both studies are identical and pursue the same goals. An uninitiated person may be a little shocked by the apparatus in the form of a long volumetric pipe located horizontally. It is in this tube (capsule) that a magnetic field is created, which makes it possible to obtain an image of the organ under study in all details on the screen.

To relieve tension and fear of the apparatus and procedure, the patient is explained how an MRI of the eye is done, that the procedure can show in each case what consequences this study has for the body.

The principle of operation of magnetic resonance installations of an open or closed type is based on fixing the movement of hydrogen atoms that saturate the tissues of the body under the influence of a magnetic field. The illumination of different parts of the image depends on the number of gas molecules accumulated there.

The MRI procedure is quite difficult to perform and requires the patient to remain still. The easiest way to do this is in a horizontal position, when the person is as relaxed as possible. For these purposes, a retractable table is provided in the tomograph, on which the patient is placed, fixing his head in a special device. If necessary, other parts of the body can also be fixed with belts.

Since only the head area is examined, the table is shifted in such a way that only it is inside the apparatus. The torso is outside the tomograph.

Before starting the procedure, patients are advised to use earplugs, since the apparatus is characterized by a not very pleasant monotonous sound, which can cause anxiety and cause unwanted movements.

The procedure itself, compared with x-rays, is considered quite lengthy. In time, it takes from 20 to 40 minutes, during which the person must lie still. If contrast agents are used during the study, the procedure may take another twenty minutes.

During the examination, the doctor is usually outside the diagnostic room, but the patient can contact him at any time on the speakerphone if there is an attack of claustrophobia or any other problem, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling short of breath, which happens during the procedure with contrast. In the same way, the doctor can give the necessary instructions to the patient.

To reduce nervous tension and calm the subject, it is allowed to invite relatives to the procedure. This is especially important if the diagnosis is carried out on a child. Still, the MRI machine is universal, therefore it is large and can frighten a small patient.

Contraindications for carrying out

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered one of the safest procedures because, unlike computed tomography (CT) and X-rays, it does not require the use of harmful x-rays. The magnetic field in the tomograph does not harm the health of a person of any age and condition, therefore, health disorders are rather indications for the study than contraindications to it.

The only absolute contraindication to MRI is the presence of ferromagnetic alloys and electronic devices (pacemakers, electronic middle ear implants, etc.) in the human body. The magnetic field can adversely affect the operation of the pacemaker, imitating the heart rhythm and cause malfunctions in the operation of electronic microscopic equipment implanted in the body.

As for metal implants made of ferromagnetic alloys and metal fragments stuck in the body (for example, after injuries), the danger of a strong magnetic field is that under its influence ferromagnets can noticeably heat up, causing tissue burns, and move. Thus, the magnetic field can adversely affect ferromagnetic and large metal implants, Elizarov devices, ferromagnetic middle ear simulators, inner ear prostheses containing ferromagnetic elements, ferromagnetic vascular clips installed in the brain area.

Some metal implants (insulin pumps, nerve stimulators, valvular prostheses, hemostatic clips, dentures, braces, endoprostheses, etc.) can be made from materials that have weak ferromagnetic properties. Such implants are classified as relative contraindications, but they must be reported to the doctor, indicating the materials from which the device is made. After all, even these devices may contain ferromagnetic elements, and the doctor must assess how dangerous the effect of a magnetic field on them will be.

As for dentures, most of them are made of titanium, a metal with weak ferromagnetic properties, i.e. the magnetic field during MRI is unlikely to cause reactions from the metal. But titanium compounds (for example, titanium dioxide used in tattoo inks) can react differently to a strong magnetic field, causing burns on the body.

In addition to non-ferromagnetic implants, relative contraindications include:

  • early pregnancy (there is not enough information about the effect of the magnetic field on the development of the fetus during this period, but this method is considered more preferable and safer than CT or X-ray),
  • heart failure in the stage of decompensation, serious condition of the patient, the need for constant monitoring of the body, bronchial asthma, severe dehydration
  • fear of closed spaces or claustrophobia (due to the inability to conduct research in a person who, out of fear, cannot remain motionless for half an hour or more),
  • inadequate condition of the patient (alcohol or drug intoxication, mental disorders will not allow you to take clear pictures due to constant motor reactions),
  • tattoos on the body made using paints containing metal particles (there is a risk of tissue burns if these are ferromagnetic particles).
  • inner ear prostheses that do not contain ferromagnets.

In these cases, the decision on the possibility of MRI of the orbits is made by the doctor, taking into account the possible negative impact. In some cases, it is more expedient to postpone the procedure for the time necessary to normalize the patient's condition.

If we are talking about an MRI with contrast, the list of contraindications becomes longer, after all, it requires the introduction of chemicals into the body, the reaction to which can be dangerous.

MRI with contrast is not performed:

  • pregnant women, regardless of the gestational age due to the ease of penetration of drugs through the placental barrier (the effect of contrasts on the fetus has not yet been studied),
  • in chronic renal failure (contrast is excreted from the body within 1.5-2 days, but in case of impaired renal function it can be delayed for a longer period, because the recommended intake of a large amount of liquid is considered unacceptable),
  • with hypersensitivity to contrast agents due to the risk of developing severe allergic and anaphylactic reactions.
  • patients with hemolytic anemia.

Before the MRI procedure, for their own benefit, the patient is obliged to tell about any metal objects in his body, including fragments from injuries, tattoos and cosmetics used (or better not to use cosmetics), remove all types of jewelry, watches, clothes with metal elements.

Normal performance

MRI of the orbits and optic nerves is a diagnostic study that is prescribed for a specific purpose. The purpose of the study is to identify pathological processes in the tissues of the eye or evaluate the results of treatment if MRI is prescribed again.

MRI allows you to study in detail the shape and quality of the development of the orbits, the location and shape of the eyeballs, the condition of the fundus, the structure and course of the optic nerve, to identify degenerative changes in it and other deviations.

Using MRI of the orbits, it is possible to assess the condition of the eye veins and muscles responsible for the movements of the eyeball (their location, the presence of seals and tumors), the fatty tissue of the orbits.

An MRI can detect damage to the retina, which is the inner lining of the eye. The fact is that damage to the retina does not have to be associated with trauma to the eye or head. Some pathologies of the inner lining of the organ of vision are associated with various systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, pathologies of the kidneys and adrenal glands). Magnetic resonance imaging helps to identify pathologies such as retinal detachment, diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy, damage to blood vessels that provide nutrition to the retina, dystrophy or degeneration of this part of the eyeball, tumor and inflammatory processes, retinal rupture.

MRI of the orbits with contrast allows you to assess the state of the vessels of the eye, their blood supply, the presence of blood clots and ruptures. With the help of contrast agents, it is easier to recognize internal inflammations. But most often the technique is still used to detect tumors in case of suspected oncology. With the help of MRI, you can not only detect a tumor in a certain area of ​​the eye, but also evaluate its shape and size, the presence of metastases, the impact on nearby structures and the possibility of removal.

Any deviations in the shape, size, density of tissues detected by MRI of the orbits provide the doctor with valuable information necessary for making a final diagnosis. In addition, during diagnostic measures, some damage to the brain can be detected, which is also visible on the tomogram.

An example of an orbital MRI protocol might look like this:

Research type: primary (if the study is repeated, also indicate the date of the previous one, with which the results will be compared).

The eye sockets have the correct development, a pyramidal shape with clear and even contours of the walls. Foci of destruction or seals are not observed.

The eyeballs are spherical and symmetrical in relation to the orbits. The tissues of the vitreous body are homogeneous, no changes in the MR signal are observed (this indicates the normal state of the organ, for example, in inflammatory processes, the MR signal will be hyperintense, in tumors - isointense or hyperintense).

Thickening of the membranes of the eye is not observed. They have smooth and clear contours.

The optic nerves are characterized by the correct course and clear contours without dystrophic changes or local thickenings.

Orbit structures: The muscles of the eyeball have the correct location, there are no thickenings on them. Adipose tissue, eye vessels and lacrimal glands without features. Furrows of the convexital surface of the brain without changes.

Visible brain structures: No displacement of median structures. The cisterns of the cerebral base are not deformed. The lateral ventricles of the brain are of normal size and symmetrical arrangement. Areas of pathological density in the area of ​​brain structures are absent.

Other finds: No.

The protocol (decoding) of MRI described above indicates that no pathological changes in the organs of vision in humans have been identified.

After receiving a picture and a study protocol (and they will have to wait about 30 minutes), the patient is sent to an appointment with an ophthalmologist, and sometimes a neurologist to make a final diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

, , [

MRI of the orbits is a non-invasive procedure, i.e. It is possible to examine the internal structures of the eye without opening the tissues. This is another advantage of the modern diagnostic method.

Under the control of MRI, additional diagnostic studies can be carried out, for example, a biopsy if a malignant tumor process inside the eye is suspected. Yes, and a tumor can be easily detected at an early stage of its development with a small size. This helps to make a perfect MRI with contrast.

A three-dimensional image allows you to assess the state of the organ in all details, the only thing that cannot be obtained is a clear image of the walls of the orbits, but all other structures are determined with great accuracy and without the health hazard that exists during CT. The safety of the magnetic resonance method allows it to be used in the diagnosis of ophthalmic and other diseases in children. True, the procedure is prescribed for children over 7 years old, who are already able to be motionless for a long time and fulfill the doctor's requirements.

The disadvantages of the method are the high cost, the relatively long duration of the procedure with the need to maintain a static position during the entire examination period (which is not as simple as it seems), the likelihood of heart rhythm disturbances and a large number of contraindications associated with metal and electronic implants.

However, safety for the body is more important than any money, and time is not an issue when it comes to accurate diagnosis and human health. Those categories of people who cannot undergo an MRI examination may resort to other diagnostic methods (X-ray, slit lamp, eye biomicroscopy, etc.), so that they will not be left without the help of doctors.

Complications during an MRI of the orbits can only occur if contraindications to the procedure are ignored. And then in most cases they are limited to minor tissue burns or distortion of the results of the study, if the patient does not declare a tattoo or implant. Usually, those people who are fitted with devices that control the functioning of vital organs and systems do not forget about them and always report them before prescribing diagnostic studies. But if the information was hidden intentionally, this is the responsibility of the patient himself, who was informed about the requirements for high-quality diagnostics even before the procedure began.

The method of magnetic resonance imaging is used in ophthalmology to clarify the nature of pathological changes in the region of the eye orbits. Accurate diagnostics is carried out using electromagnetic pulses of directional action. In the resulting picture, you can see changes in the structure of the elements of the eye, the presence of tumors, hemorrhages.

The high cost of the survey is fully justified by its effectiveness. MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves allows you to identify defects that cannot be detected by other methods. This allows you to start treatment on time, partially or completely restore vision. Contrast-enhanced MRI allows to detect tumors at an early stage, as well as to study in detail the condition of the eye vessels.

Indications for MRI of the eye

Such an examination is prescribed in the following cases:

  • It is necessary to study the condition of the eyes after a traumatic brain injury;
  • There is damage to the soft tissues of the eyes, as well as the orbit;
  • There is a suspicion of blockage of blood vessels by blood clots during a stroke;
  • An examination of the eye vessels is required due to the presence of congenital pathology of the veins and arteries of the brain;
  • A brain tumor is found that causes vision changes;
  • Often there are unexplained headaches, as well as pain in the eyes;
  • It is planned to remove the tumor of the eye;
  • Postoperative monitoring of the condition of the eyes.

An indication for examination is the appearance of inflammatory processes in the eye, lacrimal ducts. The method is effective in retinal detachment, optic nerve atrophy. Eye tomography is used for a detailed examination when foreign particles enter.

Symptoms for which patients may be referred for such an examination are severe headaches, a sharp deterioration in vision, pain in the orbits, lacrimation and discharge of pus from the eyes, a decrease in the viewing angle, redness and swelling of the eye tissues.

What does an MRI of the eye show?

A three-dimensional image of the eye is obtained on a computer screen. It shows:

  • Inflammation or damage to the eye sockets;
  • Pathology of the eyeball;
  • Expansion, narrowing, damage to the ophthalmic arteries and veins;
  • Damage to the muscles responsible for the movement of the eyeballs;
  • Condition of the optic nerve;
  • Changes in fatty tissue around the eye.

MRI of the orbits also allows you to examine the area between the eyeball and the wall of the orbit (retrobulbar space), to detect a foreign body that has got there.

The resulting tumors are clearly distinguished in the picture, as well as any disturbances in the blood flow that occur during injuries. With the help of such an examination, it is possible to establish the cause of an increase in eye pressure, the appearance of glaucoma.

The study of the inner surface of the eyeball (fundus) allows you to study the structure of the optic nerve and blood vessels, to detect pathologies associated with diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart failure. With the help of MRI of the orbits and the fundus, retinal detachment and malformations can be detected.

Safety and contraindications

MRI of the eye orbits, unlike computed tomography, is used to monitor the healing process of the eye after surgery. The method can be used to diagnose inflammatory processes, to monitor the dynamics of the process of restoration of eye tissues after injuries. This is due to its safety, since no harmful x-rays are used in a magnetic resonance tomograph.

This method has contraindications. Staying in the electromagnetic field is contraindicated for people who have devices implanted in the body to regulate the heart rate, enhance hearing. The magnetic field damages the devices, which can cause deterioration in the condition of patients. The procedure should not be performed if there are metal particles or medical devices in the body.

MR tomography with contrast is not used for women in the first trimester of pregnancy, while breastfeeding.

Eye MRI preparation and procedure

The patient is warned that any metal objects (jewelry, keys, hairpins) can interfere with obtaining an accurate image and reliable results. It is also forbidden to take mobile phones, electronic cards with you to the MRI procedure of the orbits, as they can distort the results. In addition, the magnetic field will erase information from them.

If contrasting is necessary, an allergy test is performed before the administration of the drug: the contrast agent is injected subcutaneously. If the reaction is negative, then the substance is administered intravenously. It enters with blood into the vessels of the eye.


The tomography of the eye takes about half an hour. The patient should lie on the table motionless. Therefore, he should wear comfortable clothes. The tomograph capsule covers only the patient's head. The resulting image is displayed on the computer screen, written to disk. There is lighting inside the tomograph tube. The air is ventilated. The patient's condition is constantly monitored. The doctor communicates with him using a conversational device. Relatives can observe the MRI procedure of the eye orbits.
The contrast agent is harmless, excreted from the body within 1 hour.
The results of the examination can be obtained in 40 minutes.
It is necessary to have a conclusion of the attending physician about the state of health with you. The results of previous examinations (images and data from ultrasound, computed tomography) will help you choose the best option for the procedure. You must have your passport with you. A referral from an ophthalmologist is required for an MRI of the eye orbits. Based on the results of the study, the doctor will determine the need for referral to other specialists (surgeon, oncologist, neuropathologist).

Brief description of the procedure

Time spending: 20-50 minutes
The need for a contrast agent: as prescribed by the doctor
The need to prepare for the study: No
Presence of contraindications: Yes
Restrictions: available
Conclusion preparation time: 30-60 minutes
Children: over 7 years old

Pathologies of the eye orbits and optic nerves

Diseases of the organs of vision are quite common and occur for various reasons. Currently, there are more than 2000 types of eye pathologies. They are conditionally divided into several groups:

    Diseases of the optic nerves. The main pathologies are neuritis(expressed in inflammation of the area between the eyeball and the convergence of the optic nerve endings), nerve atrophy(manifested in the death of nerve fibers and is often the result of neuritis), ischemic neuropathy(manifested in violation of blood circulation in the visual apparatus).

    Retinal diseases: detachment(its separation from the choroid), hemorrhages, retinitis(unilateral or bilateral inflammation), tumors(benign or malignant neoplasms), dystrophy(vascular pathology), breaks.

    Diseases of the eye orbits: inflammation of the periosteum orbit, cellulite orbits (inflammation of tissues), phlegmon(with this pathology, the inflammatory process often spreads into the cranial cavity, affects the brain and causes vascular thrombosis).

The main causes of disorders in the visual apparatus include:

  • circulatory disorders of the eye, damage and inflammation of blood vessels;
  • exposure to toxic and narcotic substances, most often surrogates of alcohol (methyl alcohol), quinine, nicotine;
  • brain diseases such as meningitis, multiple sclerosis, tumors;
  • skull injuries affecting brain structures and optic nerve endings;
  • infections and viral diseases.

Each pathology is characterized by its own specific symptoms, however, with the appearance of general signs of disturbances in the functioning of the visual apparatus, it is necessary to consult a specialist to make the correct diagnosis and start treatment in a timely manner.

The following symptoms are distinguished, which may appear with damage to the optic nerves and eye orbits:

  • narrowing of the viewing angle, complete or partial loss of parts of the field of view;
  • violation of color perception, spots and flashes before the eyes;
  • increased eye pressure;
  • the appearance of a sensation of "sand", "fog" or a foreign body in the eye;
  • pain when blinking, turning the eye, insufficient mobility of the eyeball;
  • redness and discharge;
  • swelling and itching;
  • sharp pain and profuse lacrimation;
  • change in pupil shape and size;
  • headaches from the injured eye.

Diagnosis of diseases

Medical centers are equipped with modern high-tech diagnostic equipment that helps to quickly and accurately detect pathologies of the eye orbits and nerves of the organs of vision. Among the survey methods, the most informative are:

  • ultrasound(ultrasound examination) - allows for differential diagnosis of cysts and intraocular tumors, and also helps the specialist determine the thickness of the lens, identify retinal detachment and dystrophy, vitreous hemorrhages, and edema.
  • EFI(electrophysiological study) - provides information about the features of the functioning of the visual analyzer and the state of the central zone of the retina and helps in the diagnosis of glaucoma changes.
  • HRT(laser confocal tomography) is prescribed for the diagnosis of glaucoma at an early stage, as well as for assessing edema and the state of the cornea in dynamics. The device examines the state of the visual organ at the molecular level.
  • Radiography is prescribed for visualization of foreign bodies in the orbit and signs of bone injury;
  • color doppler mapping used to assess the condition of blood vessels in the eye area, to detect thrombosis or embolism (clotting of the vessel with air bubbles or foreign particles).
  • CT(computed tomography) - used to determine the tumors of the eyeball, their localization. Examination helps to establish the causes of diseases.
  • MRI(magnetic resonance imaging) is one of the most informative and accurate methods for diagnosing pathologies of the organs of vision. Tomography studies allow obtaining high-definition 3D images of the anatomical sections of the orbit, which help to diagnose various diseases in the early stages, which is especially important when neoplasms appear. The attending physician may order an MRI of the brain and an examination of the orbits due to the proximity of their location.

Indications and contraindications for MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves

The main indications for examination of the optic nerves and eye orbits are:

  • suspicion of a tumor of the eyeball, hemorrhage, retinal detachment;
  • metastases and inflammation of the walls of the orbit;
  • eye injuries and the presence of foreign bodies;
  • atrophy of the optic nerve endings;
  • vascular thrombosis and disorders in the circulatory system of the eye apparatus;
  • sudden deterioration of vision of unclear etiology;
  • clarification of the results of previous examinations for diagnosis;

MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerve endings is carried out in the direction of the attending physician.

There are situations when MRI of the organs of vision is not recommended. The main contraindications include:

  • The presence in the patient's body of objects made of metal or medical electronic devices: a heart pacemaker, an insulin pump, a vascular clip. The action of the magnetic field of the tomograph can disrupt their work.
  • The presence of tattoos can also become a relative contraindication for an MRI examination: some dyes used in tattooing contain metal particles.
  • MRI for pregnant and lactating mothers is prescribed with caution. This is due to the fact that the contrast agent injected into the body can have an adverse effect on the developing fetus or pass into breast milk.
  • Patients with renal insufficiency are also not recommended for diagnostics using a tomograph: the excretion of contrast from the body is disturbed.
  • Difficulties during the examination arise if the patient is afraid of a closed space or cannot be stationary for a long time.

Before starting the examination, the patient must necessarily warn the attending physician about possible contraindications. In this case, an alternative diagnosis will be assigned to him.

How is an MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves performed?

Immediately before the procedure, a special contrast agent. It is able to stain blood vessels, pass into tissues and accumulate in them. Thanks to these accumulations, the quality of the images is improved. The amount of contrast is selected individually, depending on the weight of the patient. The substance is non-toxic and safe for the body and is excreted in 1.5 days. Contrast is used to detect benign and malignant neoplasms.

MRI is a safe and painless procedure that is painless and does not cause allergic or other adverse reactions.

Before the examination, the patient must remove jewelry and other metal objects (watches, piercings, dentures) and lie down on a sliding table. The assistant fixes it with belts and rollers and slides it into the tomograph tunnel, adjusting the scanner to the area being examined. During the entire time the scanner is running, it is important not to make any movements.

The duration of a tomographic examination of the organs of vision can last up to 40 minutes. Diagnostic results are issued 30-60 minutes after the examination.

Ventilation and two-way communication with an assistant are provided inside the device. If desired, the subject can use earplugs, as a working tomograph makes a low monotonous noise.

What does the survey show?

Tomography of the eye orbits and optic nerves is the maximum information content with a minimum load on the body as a whole and the visual apparatus in particular. As a result of the examination, specialists receive images in which the entire contents of the orbit are visible in several projections, as well as the eyeball, visual muscles and nerve endings, fatty tissue, lacrimal glands, and the retrobulbar space zone.

Timely diagnosis of visual pathologies using MRI quickly and accurately reveals the degree of damage and the localization of its focus. This allows you to start treatment at an early stage and prevent the further development of the pathological process.

MRI of the eye reveals:

  • tumors and localization of foci of inflammatory processes in the visual apparatus and adjacent areas;
  • features of blood supply and hemorrhage, vascular anomalies;
  • the presence of foreign bodies;
  • retinal detachment;
  • degenerative changes and atrophy of the optic nerve;
  • damage to nerve endings;
  • features of the course of biochemical processes.

Advantages of the method:

  • The absence of radiation and ionizing influence, which is especially important for the complex structure of the eye and the brain, which is located in close proximity to the area being examined.
  • Absence of invasive intervention (violations of the skin): injections, catheters, probes and other mechanical devices are not used during MRI.
  • High information content: some anomalies detected using a tomograph may not be diagnosed by other methods.
  • MRI can show specialists the work of the visual organ in real time and allows you to record the results on electronic media.

According to WHO, in the world every five seconds, one adult loses sight, and every minute a child. At the same time, in 75% of cases, the diseases that caused blindness are completely curable if they are detected in a timely manner. One of the most informative methods for diagnosing the organs of vision is MRI of the eye. This procedure is non-invasive and completely painless for the patient. It allows you to detect even in the early stages of tumors and inflammation in the orbit, diseases of the optic nerve, foreign objects, violations of the structure of the vitreous body and many other pathologies.

Where can an MRI of the eye be done?

Examination of this type is carried out by quite a lot of clinics in Moscow and other large cities of Russia. However, when looking for a place where you can do an MRI of the eye, you should still pay attention to the quality of the equipment and the methodology for performing this procedure. Many doctors recommend using contrast when conducting such an examination. This can significantly improve the accuracy of determining the location and size of pathologies, which greatly facilitates subsequent treatment. The contrast agent is made on the basis of a paramagnet and is administered intravenously.

Similar posts