Mri of the eye orbits. MRI of the eye, optic nerve and ocular orbit - indications and limitations of the diagnostic method

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.

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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 assess 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.

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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 issue 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 no components from the food can 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 specific case what consequences this study has for the body.

The principle of operation of magnetic resonance units 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 radiography, 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 more likely 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, valve 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),
with 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 wounds, tattoos and cosmetics used (and it is 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 the 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 condition 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.

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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.

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.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the eye is currently the most preferred method for detecting pathology of the organs of vision. MRI of the eyes is a high-quality diagnosis, which is much more informative than laser Doppler flowmetry or non-contact tonometry. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to get an image of the anatomical sections of the orbit and identify the disease at the earliest stages (this is especially true for neoplasms).

Purpose of MRI eye diagnostics

The purpose of eye MRI is to assess the anatomical features of the organ of vision and identify problems:

In the region of the eyeball,

In the oculomotor muscles

In the region of retinal vessels,

in the optic nerves

In the lacrimal glands

In the area located around the eye fatty tissue,

in retrobulbar tissue.

Advantages of MRI for diagnosing eye orbits

Modern MRI eye diagnostics is preferable to other instrumental research methods, as it has the following advantages:

Security, so it can be repeated as many times as needed to solve the problem;

High information content, since you can see in detail all the structures and tissues of the eye;

Non-invasiveness of the procedure, i.e. there is no violation of the skin during the procedure

What does an eye MRI reveal?

MRI of the eye orbits can establish any pathology of the organ of vision, reveals blood flow disorders, gives a clear, clear picture of the tumor and other pathologies of the eyes and adjacent areas. When a tumor is detected, it is viewed in detail. No wonder today it is the best method for detecting neoplasms. Thanks to MRI, not only the structures of the eye, but also the system of its blood supply are evaluated. MRI of the eyes allows you to determine the best way to treat the pathology of the eyes and optic nerves and track its effectiveness over time.

Indications for MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves

The doctor directs to MRI of the eye orbits based on such indications as:

Sudden deterioration of vision;

Violation of blood circulation in the vessels of the retina;

Foreign body of the eye and orbit,

mechanical effect on the eye

Assessment of the integrity of the structures of the eye and eye orbits;

Suspicion of neoplasms (benign and malignant);

Optic nerve atrophy and other degenerative changes;

Suspicion of retinal detachment;

Vitreous hemorrhage,

Complaints about symptoms of unclear etiology (pain in the eyes, pain, etc.);

Suspicious results from other studies,

Contraindications for MRI of the eye orbits

Contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging of the eyes do not differ from the standard absolute and relative contraindications for MRI (see related article).

If there are contraindications, the doctor replaces the MRI of the orbit of the eye with alternative examinations of the organs of vision.

Preparation for MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves.

MRI of the eyes does not require special preparation. At the consultation, the doctor will explain to the patient the essence of the procedure and its purpose. MRI of the eyes does not cause any inconvenience to the patient, the main thing is to follow all the recommendations of the doctor.

The patient during the examination should be dressed in comfortable clothes without zippers and metal buttons and fasteners,

Watches, jewelry, clips, earrings, hairpins, piercings must be removed;

Makeup is not desirable;

If an MRI with the use of a contrast agent is prescribed, the patient should come to the examination on an empty stomach (do not eat within 4-5 hours before the procedure), if the MRI is planned without contrast, then dietary restrictions are not required;

If the patient has an allergy to a contrast agent (during an MRI with contrast), he should tell the doctor about it

MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves.

1. Before the MRI, the doctor talks with the patient. The patient will be reminded not to move during the examination. Before the diagnosis, you need to empty the bladder.

2. During the examination, the patient is asked to lie horizontally on the table, the head end of the table is installed inside the arch of the scanner. The scanner will rotate around the head while taking pictures and may make clicking sounds.

3. In order for the images to be clear and of high quality, the patient must make sure that he is comfortable and try not to move. The head can be fixed.

4. The patient may be asked to put ear plugs in his ears or use headphones so that he is not annoyed by the noise of the device.

5. After the first series of images, a contrast agent is injected into the patient's vein. The contrast agent, penetrating into the blood, stains the vessels, accumulating in highly vascularized tissues, therefore MRI with a contrast agent is especially important in detecting tumors that have a dense network of vessels. With thrombosis of the central retinal artery, blood circulation is impaired, so visualization of the eyeball is reduced. The dose of the contrast medium depends on the weight of the patient. The substance is completely eliminated from the body after 48 hours. The patient is warned that there may be a feeling of heat, flushing, nausea, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This is a normal reaction of the body to the contrast medium. If there is chest pain, shortness of breath, suffocation, you should immediately inform your doctor. This is easy to do, since the patient will have a signal call button in his hand throughout the study.

MRI of the eye orbits and MRI of the optic nerves- this is a method for diagnosing the state of the orbits and examining the optic nerves, which shows the structure and pathological processes of the orbits and their contents: the eyeball, the central artery and vein of the retina, the oculomotor muscles, the optic nerve, parabulbar fatty tissue.

Indications

Indications for MRI of the orbits and optic nerves: foreign bodies of the eye and retrobulbar space; benign and malignant tumors; degenerative diseases such as optic nerve atrophy, etc.; inflammation of the structures of the eye, oculomotor muscles, lacrimal gland, retrobulbar fiber, optic nerve; hemorrhages in the structure of the eye; post-traumatic changes in the contents of the orbit; suspicion of retinal vascular thrombosis; exclusion of retinal detachment; a sharp deterioration in vision; unexplained eye symptoms: exophthalmos (bulging eyes), eye pain, etc.

Training

Preparation for an eye scan is not required. Absolute contraindications for MRI of the eyes are the patient's body weight of 120 kg or more, the presence in the body of non-removable metal-containing objects (dental pins, crowns, prostheses, etc.) and electronic devices (insulin pump, pacemaker, etc.). Relative contraindications include pregnancy, claustrophobia, hyperkinesis, severe pain syndrome. According to objective indications, MRI of the eyes and orbits of the child is prescribed without age restrictions. Due to the need to maintain immobility for a sufficiently long period of time, MRI of the orbits and optic nerves in young children can be performed under anesthesia or with the use of sedatives.

Price

The cost of an MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves in Moscow ranges from 2,000 to 24,700 rubles. The average price is 5180 rubles.

Where to do an MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves?

Our portal contains all the clinics where you can do an MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves in Moscow. Choose a clinic that suits your price and location and make an appointment on our website or by phone.

The organ of vision is an important part of the human body. With the help of the eyes, people distinguish colors, recognize volume and shape, distinguish objects at different distances from them. The visual system helps not only to see the world around us clearly, but also to quickly adapt to unknown terrain, and reduces the risk of injury in everyday life. With the development of various pathologies of this organ, not only visual acuity decreases, but also the quality of life, which can lead to disability with limited ability of a person to self-service.

MRI of the eye is a modern method for examining the visual system, which has opened up new horizons for diagnosing diseases of the organ of vision. The study is aimed at a detailed study of the soft tissues of the study area, namely the eyeball, optic nerve, lacrimal glands, muscle apparatus and adjacent structures.

To obtain a high-quality and detailed image, the human body is exposed to harmless magnetic waves that interact with hydrogen atoms in the tissues of the human body. The consequences of such reactions are recorded and processed by modern equipment, after which it is converted into a picture that is understandable to the eye.

Advantages and disadvantages of MRI over other examination methods

The human eye is a complex and fragile system that is easily subject to injury and various diseases. Any inflammatory process or damage in the orbital area can be life-threatening due to its close proximity to the meninges and sinuses. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging is simply indispensable for screening (early diagnosis).

Let's discuss its advantages:

No pain or discomfort during the procedure.
The study is non-invasive, i.e. during it the skin is not damaged.
The procedure is absolutely safe for humans due to the effect on the body of a harmless magnetic field, and not aggressive x-rays.
The image obtained during the study is of high resolution. Due to the fact that sections during tomography are made in several planes, it is also possible to display a picture in 3D mode on the monitor screen.
Diagnosis using a magnetic field has practically no contraindications and can be used several times in a short period of time.

The disadvantages of MRI of the orbits include poor visualization of bone structures. Therefore, if traumatic or other damage to the walls of the orbit is suspected, it is better to give preference to computed tomography.

If the patient has metal foreign bodies, crowns or dentures in the head area, MRI diagnostics will also be uninformative due to a decrease in image quality.

Indications for diagnostics

What symptoms can be a signal for the appointment of an MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves? The doctor may issue a referral for the procedure if a person has the following complaints:

Violation of the motor function of the eyeball (paralysis, nystagmus, etc.).
The presence of purulent, bloody or serous discharge.
Frequent involuntary lacrimation.
Swelling and redness of the paraorbital zone.
Pain in the eye area.
Retraction or protrusion of the eyeball.
Violation of the perception of colors.

Decreased visual acuity of unclear origin - an indication for an MRI of the orbits

This type of diagnosis is indicated for the following pathologies:

Retinal detachment.
Benign or malignant neoplasms.
Mechanical damage to the area under study, the presence of foreign bodies in it.
Inflammation or atrophy of the anatomical components of the organ of vision.
Hemodynamic disorders (thrombosis, occlusion, bleeding).
Anomalies of development.

Particular attention should also be paid to the diagnosis of pathologies of the optic nerve, which serves as a way of transmitting visual images to a certain area of the brain for their further processing. Its damage or atrophy can lead to a significant deterioration in vision in the presence of completely healthy eyes.

Preparation for the procedure

An MRI of the eye can be performed both in the direction of the attending physician, and independently. The exception is the use of contrast. In this case, before the study, the patient must undergo an examination of the fundus and pass general clinical tests (general urinalysis, complete blood count and blood biochemistry). This is necessary to exclude severe damage to the liver and kidneys, in the presence of which the introduction of dyes is contraindicated. It is also forbidden to carry out the procedure using contrast for pregnant women and women during lactation.

Before starting the examination, you must remove all metal items, including watches, earrings, rings, as well as put out mobile phones and credit cards. All these items will interfere with the magnetic field and the result of the study will be unreliable. If intravenous administration of a contrast agent is expected, the procedure is performed on an empty stomach.

What happens during the study

Diagnosis begins with the fact that the patient is placed on a horizontal movable surface, which enters the tomograph tunnel. Next, the area under study is scanned in different planes. It lasts, on average, 30-40 minutes. When using contrast, the time increases to one hour.

During the procedure, it is necessary to minimize motor activity, otherwise the anatomical structures, as shown by the MRI of the orbits, may turn out to be blurry. Poor imaging will greatly complicate diagnosis and may delay treatment.

The conclusion of the radiologist does not confirm the diagnosis, but describes the changes identified during the procedure

After the examination is completed, the patient is given the diagnostic data on a film, disk or flash drive. It is also possible to send information to an email address. The specialist draws up his conclusion after some time, which depends on the specific clinical case. With these documents, you should contact your doctor, who will confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.