Chest MRI: Purpose, Procedure, Cost and Best MRI Centre

This article will elaborate on chest MRI, its purpose and procedure. We will also discuss the cost and best MRI centre in Delhi.

What is a Chest MRI?

Chest MRI is a noninvasive painless procedure that produces clear images of the chest and the organs inside the chest cavity. A chest MRI is used to detect any abnormalities in the chest like blocked blood vessels, cancers, heart problems, fractures, tumours, infections, birth defects in the cavity etc. The space inside the chest called the chest cavity or the thorax cavity contains the heart, lungs, oesophagus, trachea and thymus. It’s the biggest hallow space in the body. The thorax cavity is divided into 3 main parts: right pleural cavity, left pleural cavity and mediastinum.

Right pleural cavity: It is located on the right side of the chest cavity.
Left pleural cavity: It is located on the left side of the chest cavity.
Mediastinum: It is located in the middle of the chest between two pleural cavities.

The mediastinum is further divided into 7 parts: superior mediastinum, anterior mediastinum, middle mediastinum, posterior mediastinum, prevascular compartment, visceral compartment and paravertebral compartment.

MRI is the short form of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create images of the chest or other parts of the body. MRI does not use radiation for scanning, that is why it is preferred body scan by healthcare experts. This technique is also very sensitive for scanning compared to CT (computed tomography) scans or X-rays. MRI scans can be done with or without using the contrast. Healthcare experts can suggest contrast MRI scans if they need enhanced-quality images for diagnostic purposes.

What is a Chest MRI with Contrast?

In chest MRI, intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are used in chest MRIs showing chest abnormalities. Gadolinium is a rare earth metal that alters the magnetic properties of water molecules present nearby which helps to enhance the quality of scanned images. It is better to go for the scan under the guidance of a healthcare expert as the contrast can have mild to severe side effects of the contrast, but severe reactions happen very rarely. Contrast material helps to enhance the image quality and visibility of conditions like fractures, swelling, tumours, tendon or ligament injuries etc.

What is a chest MRI used to show?

A chest MRI scan is used to provide detailed images of various structures within the chest cavity and the organs present inside the cavity by collecting multiple images. The MRI will detect different abnormalities related to the chest:

To diagnose the chest and chest wall infections, trauma and lung cancer stage.
To diagnose the myocardial perfusion (blood flow to the heart) and myocardial infarction (scarring of the heart muscles due to poor flow or blockage)
To diagnose heart and lymphatic vessel diseases with the tissues present in the chest cavity.
To diagnose the disorders related to the bone marrow with anaemia and avascular necrosis of the bones.
To diagnose the tumour/ cancer size of the lungs, heart valves, and blood flow patterns in the heart vessels.
To diagnose chest fractures, injuries or damage in ribs, collar bone, vertebrae and the surrounding tissues of the chest etc.

When to go for a chest MRI?

A chest MRI is suggested by the healthcare expert when he suspects any abnormalities related to the chest or the organ present in the chest cavity. Abnormalities like chest infection, cancer, tumours, fractures, injuries, damage to ribs, heart problems etc. in the chest and the surrounding tissues. A chest MRI can be suggested to check the previous or existing condition. Healthcare providers also use chest MRI scans before surgeries to better prepare for the surgery. They also use these scans to ensure that healing from the previous surgery is going well.

How to prepare for a chest MRI?

Before going for the MRI, a patient needs to consult a healthcare expert as he may suggest some conditions before going for the test. Tell your healthcare provider if you have body implants. MRI uses strong magnets and radio wave signals that can cause the heating and possible movement of metal objects inside the body. These implants can cause health and safety issues, so it is important to consult a healthcare expert before going for an MRI.

Besides these, the patient is also advised to keep all the jewellery, watches, or any wearing metal at home or remove them before the MRI scan. These can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and cause burns or injuries with harmful projections. Items that can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and have to be discussed before going for MRI are pacemakers, implants, nerve stimulators, metal fragments, jewellery, pins, cell phones, electronic watches etc. Healthcare providers should be aware if the patient is pregnant and fears closed narrow spaces.

The procedure involves the patient to lie on the bench, which glides into the MRI scanning machine. In the case of patients using contrast dye, patients will be allowed to wait for almost 1 hour after the administration of the drug. Dye is used to get the perfect and more clear images of the body parts. You will be completely safe in the machine and the process can take 30 to 90 minutes.

What is the cost of a chest MRI in Delhi?

The cost of a chest MRI scan in Delhi depends on the area, healthcare facility and the quality of healthcare provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for chest MRI screening tests as they provide the best facility, quality, and Government accreditations and have expertise in healthcare with affordable prices and discounts available. (Click to know Discounts)

How to choose the best chest MRI centre in Delhi?

There are different MRI diagnostic centres in and around Delhi. Before going for the MRI scanning, you need to check some centre details like Government accreditations, the latest machines, doctors at your disposal, good technical staff, and prior expertise in healthcare. The diagnostic facility should be clean, and hygienic and provide full information to patients or you can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for any type of MRI scan.

Why choose Ganesh Diagnostic?

Ganesh Diagnostic has expertise in quality healthcare tests and scans for decades, having best-in-class doctors and facilitation. Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and prestigious Diagnostic centres that provides a 24x7x365-day facility. The test results are accurate which helps the patients get the best and the right treatment for easy recovery. The quality is backed by the NABH and NABL accreditations, NABH is for the highest standard of care and services provided to patients and NABL reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment at national and international standards. We also provide free blood sample collection at home for different tests, Get tested and treated well with the best diagnostic centre. Grab the opportunity of available discounts and book an appointment.

What is the treatment after a chest MRI?

Chest MRI can detect different abnormalities or diseases like chest fractures, injuries, tumours, cancers, lymphatic issues, heart valves, blood supply patterns in the heart etc. Each abnormality will have a different treatment as per the condition. The healthcare expert can suggest treatment only after analysing the MRI report and the condition reported in the MRI report.

Conclusion

Chest MRI is used to diagnose abnormalities in the chest and the surrounding tissues. A chest has the chest cavity of the thorax cavity which holds different organs like the heart, lungs, trachea etc. Chest MRI is helpful in the diagnosis of cancer, tumours, injuries, fractures, heart problems etc. MRI procedure needs technical staff and inform the healthcare provider of body implants and conditions before going for the scan. MRI can use contrast or not depending on need and doctors advice. Patients need to look for certain facilities, accreditations and expertise before choosing any diagnostic facility for MRI.

FAQs

What is a chest MRI?

Chest MRI is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging non-invasive medical diagnostic tool for the detection of disorders and diseases related to the chest.

What are the uses of chest MRI?

Chest MRI is used to check for cancers, tumours, fractures, injuries, chest wall infections, heart valve abnormalities, birth defects in the chest etc.

What is the difference between an MRI scan and a PET scan?

MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves while PET scans use radioactive tracers for the detection of abnormalities.

When to go for a chest MRI scan?

Do not avoid the symptoms related to chest disorders, go for regular screening to avoid any delay in diagnosis and treatment. (Click for screening)

What are the risks associated with chest MRI scans?

There are no such risks associated with a chest MRI scan when conducted in the presence of a healthcare expert and at a good healthcare facility with proper guidelines and protocols.

What is the time taken for a chest MRI scan?

Chest MRI can take around 30 to 90 minutes. Timing can also depend on the type of MRI like whether taking contrast or not for MRI.

What is the cost of a chest MRI scan?

Cost depends on the area and the healthcare facility provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for discounts and the best facility or call at 011-47-444-44 / 011-47-333-333 for price confirmation. (Book Now)

What is the treatment after the chest MRI scan?

Treatment depends on the condition diagnosed after the MRI. Healthcare experts will analyse the report and suggest a particular treatment as per the condition.