What is NANO MRI?
NANO MRI is an examination in which a new contrast agent (Combidex) is used. read moreWhat is NANO MRI?
NANO MRI is an examination in which a new contrast agent (Combidex) is used. This contrast agent is a fluid containing very small iron particles which is administered via an intravenous line. After 24 hours the iron particles are found in healthy lymph nodes. When an MRI scan is made, the healthy lymph nodes which contain the iron particles, show up black in the images. Unhealthy (metastases) lymph nodes show up white (no up-take of the iron particles). With this technique, even the smallest metastases are visible.
The examination
Special preparation
Because we are examining your prostate, some additional preparations should be made.
read moreSpecial preparation
Metal / MRI safety
Metal objects in or outside your body can be attracted to the strong magnet in the scanner, therefore you may not enter the MRI examination room with, for example, a wheelchair, keys or coins. Credit/bank cards with a magnetic chip, hearing aids,mobile phones and watches, will be damaged when close to the strong magnet in the scanner (the magnet is always switched on!) Should you (or your companion) have a pacemaker/defibrillator (ICD), a spinal neurostimulator, aneurysm clips, dentures with implanted magnetic
fastenings, a bladder stimulator or a permanent insulin pump, then you may not enter the examination room. This also applies to other metal objects, like metal splinters (especially in or near the eyes), shrapnel or bullet wounds andolder types of heart valves, aneurysm clips or certain cochlear (ear) implants. You may be required
to remove medication patches if they contain metal foil. Usually modern hip and knee prosthesis are no problem. We request that you complete the attached ‘checklist’ and bring it with you to your appointment. Should you have answered any questions with a ‘yes’, we request that you contact the Radiology Department
immediately.
Do you use a plaster or patch called Rotigotine/Neupro? This contains aluminium and must be removed before your examination. You may apply a new plaster after your examination.
How to prepare for the MRI examination
Unless otherwise requested by your specialist, you may continue to take any medications and eat and drink normally. Piercings made of gold or silver may be worn as the magnet doesn’t affect these items. All other items of jewellery and watches are best left at home. Please wear comfortable clothing with separate top and bottoms. Should any clothing contain metal parts (e.g. zips or underwired bras) you will be given a gown to wear. Please don’t apply hairspray and make-up as they can effect MRI images and cause some irritation.
Medications
Usually you can continue to take your medications as prescribed, however your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop taking certain medications. We would advise you to bring your medication passport (available from your pharmacist) or alternatively, make a list of all medications that you are taking at the time of your
scan.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
There is no evidence to suggest that MRI scans pose a risk during pregnancy. However, as a precaution, scanning is not usually recommended during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Contrast agents are not used throughout the whole term of the pregnancy. Should you be or think that you may be pregnant, please contact the Radiology Department.
Only a limited amount of contrast agent enters breast milk. Therefore, it is safe to breastfeed. If you uncomfortable with this, you can express breast milk and discard the milk for 24 hours.
Claustrophobia
If you have severe claustrophobia you may be anxious about undergoing an MRI scan. Should you have severe claustrophobia, then please inform your specialist or GP as they may prescribe a mild sedative. Even a mild sedative will affect your ability to drive, so please make sure that you make other arrangements for transportation to and from the hospital.
During the examination
The MRI NANO procedure is carried out over 2 days. On day 1 the ‘NANO’ contrast agent (Combidex) will be administered and on day 2 the MRI will take place. read moreAfter the examination
One of the possible side-effects of the medication Buscopan®, is that you may have blurred vision. This is only a short-term, temporary side-effect. lees meerAfter the examination
One of the possible side-effects of the medication Buscopan®, is that you may have blurred vision. This is only a short-term, temporary side-effect.One of the possible side-effects of Glugagon®, is that you may feel weak or dizzy after the MRI scan. We recommend that you bring some food for after the examination.