MRI of the orbits and optic nerves with a coupon. MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves. How is MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves performed?

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

MRI of the eye is a modern method of examining the visual system, which has opened new horizons for diagnosing diseases of the visual organ. The study is aimed at a detailed study of the soft tissues of the area under study, namely the eyeball, optic nerve, lacrimal glands, muscular apparatus and nearby 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 transforms them 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 susceptible to injury and various diseases. Any inflammatory process or damage in the orbital area can be life-threatening due to the close proximity to the meninges and sinuses. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging is simply irreplaceable for screening (early diagnosis).

Let's discuss its advantages:

• No pain or discomfort during the procedure.
• The examination is non-invasive, i.e. the skin is not damaged during it.
• The procedure is absolutely safe for humans due to the effect on the body of a harmless magnetic field, rather than 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 an image on the monitor screen in 3D mode.
• Diagnostics using a magnetic field has virtually no contraindications and can be used several times in a short period of time.

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

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

Indications for diagnostics

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

• Impaired 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 area.
• Pain in the eye area.
• Retraction or protrusion of the eyeball.
• Impaired color perception.

Reduced visual acuity of unknown origin is an indication for 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).
• Developmental anomalies.

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

Preparation for the procedure

An MRI of the eye can be performed either with the direction of the attending physician or independently. The exception is the use of contrast. In this case, before the study, the patient must undergo a fundus examination and undergo general clinical tests (general urine test, general blood test 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. Also, the procedure using contrast is prohibited 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 objects 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

Diagnostics begins with the patient being placed on a horizontal movable surface, which drives into the tomograph tunnel. Next, the area under study is scanned in various planes. This lasts, on average, 30–40 minutes. When using contrast, the time increases to one hour.

During the procedure, it is necessary to reduce motor activity to a minimum, otherwise the anatomical structures, as shown by MRI of the orbits, may become blurred. Poor visualization will significantly complicate diagnosis and may cause delays in treatment.

The radiologist's report does not confirm the diagnosis, but describes the changes identified during the procedure

After completing the study, the patient is given the diagnostic data on film, disk or flash drive. It is also possible to send information by email. 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 measures.

A modern diagnostic method - MRI of the eye - helps to identify complex pathologies of the eye organs. During a visual examination, the doctor can examine only the outer part of the eye analyzer; its internal parts are hidden under the bones of the orbit. Therefore, to diagnose pathologies affecting the eyes, one cannot do without magnetic resonance imaging.

An analysis of new medical examination methods has shown that MRI is gaining popularity, this is due to the information content of the technique. And what is equally important, with its safety, even for children. How it works? The local action of a magnetic field causes resonance in tissues. Experts have determined acceptable resonance pulse values ​​for each tissue structure. When abnormalities are visualized, pathology is suspected. MRI is used to detect eye diseases and visual impairment. The advantage of this method is that it can be used at any age; the tomograph boasts the fewest contraindications, with high accuracy of the result.

The method is absolutely painless. The patient is placed in the tomograph tunnel, where it is necessary to remain motionless for 30 to 40 minutes. Discomfort is observed only.

When is an MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerve performed?

This method is indispensable in ophthalmology, as it helps to clarify the nature of pathological changes in the area of ​​the eye orbits. There are a number of indications for magnetic resonance examination:

• if there is a suspicion of blockage of the arteries of the eye by a blood clot;
• the membrane of the eye has inflammatory lesions;
• the presence of hemophthalmos, hemorrhage in the eye;
• neoplasms of various etiologies;
• there is a need to monitor the condition of the eyes after injury;
• the presence of congenital pathologies of the ocular analyzer;
• pathologies of the veins or arteries of the eye - one of the indications for MRI of the brain and orbits;
• pain in the eye area, which has a recurrent course;
• when monitoring the condition of the eye analyzer after surgery;
• in case of rapid deterioration in the quality of vision.

MRI helps to identify pathologies of any etiology, even if these are infectious and inflammatory processes, autoimmune or congenital defects in the structure of the eyes.

MRI of the eyes is prohibited if there is a pin in the tooth or metal crowns

What does an eye MRI show?

Based on the indications, it is easy to determine which changes can be visualized when performing magnetic resonance imaging. Considering that the optic nerve is anatomically created from millions of sensory fibers, special attention is paid to its examination. A three-plane image of the eye is displayed on the screen to show its systemic structure. The integrity of structures is assessed - nerves, blood vessels, fatty tissue.

You can see damage to the eye muscles, which perform the motor function of the eyeball. The images will visualize blood flow disturbances, this often happens with injuries, and tumor-like neoplasms will be visible.

MRI of the eye orbit makes it possible to examine part of the tissue between the wall of the orbit and the eye itself - the retrobulbar space.

How to prepare for the examination?

First of all, the purpose of the examination is explained to the patient. It is important to know that you must remain still throughout the entire procedure. This is necessary to ensure that the image is as clear and informative as possible.

If an MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves is performed, the doctor does a test to determine the individual tolerance of the reagent. In this case, you should not eat food several hours before the procedure.

During the diagnostic period, you need to get rid of lenses if a person wears them constantly or periodically. The duration of the procedure is no more than an hour; if a contrast agent is introduced, the tomography may take 1-1.5 hours, it all depends on which area is being examined.

What are the contraindications?

As with any other diagnostic method, a number of contraindications can be identified during a computer examination in a tomograph:

1. If there are implanted metal elements in the human body - pacemakers, pins, knee prostheses. In the case of IVR, magnetic fluxes can damage it.
2. The patient's serious condition is regarded as an obstacle to the examination. How to explain this? The presence of an endotracheal tube and cardiac monitor sensors is unacceptable in the tomograph tunnel.
3. Allergy to the injection of contrast agent.

Is the procedure safe for the eyes?

MRI of the optic nerve and the eye as a whole is the safest method for diagnosing ophthalmological pathologies:

• there is no radiation exposure, this allows the procedure to be performed several times in a row;
• there is no need to penetrate the eye structures with additional instruments;
• high information content, unlike CT, MRI provides better visualization of soft tissues, blood vessels, nerves;
• Can be performed even on children, provided they remain still.

When prescribing resonance imaging, the doctor assesses the person’s condition, internal recovery potential, severity of the pathology, etc. The speed of processing MRI results of the eye orbits and optic nerves depends on the workload of the office. Typically, results will be ready in 2-3 hours. The patient, turning to a radiologist, receives all scanned images with processing and conclusion.

Where to go with the results?

Ophthalmologists prefer magnetic resonance imaging due to its effectiveness and safety. Having received all the necessary data after the examination, you need to go to a qualified doctor who will draw up an individual treatment program.

In almost any medical institution that has an MRI machine, you can undergo an eye examination. In the healthcare system, it is important to trust clinics with the latest equipment and experienced doctors. Very often, the diagnosis of ophthalmological diseases is carried out using angiographer:

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the eyes is currently the most preferred method for identifying pathologies of the visual organs. MRI of the eyes is a high-quality diagnosis, which is much more informative compared to laser Doppler flowmetry or non-contact tonometry. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to obtain images of 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 evaluate the anatomical features of the organ of vision and identify problems:

In the area of ​​the eyeball,

In the oculomotor muscles,

In the area of ​​the retinal vessels,

In the optic nerves

In the lacrimal glands,

In the area of ​​fatty tissue located around the eye,

In retrobulbar tissue.

Advantages of MRI diagnostics of the 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;

Highly informative, since you can see in detail all the structures and tissues of the eye;

Non-invasiveness of the procedure, i.e. There is no disruption 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 disturbances in blood flow, and gives a clear, distinct picture of the tumor and other pathology of the eyes and adjacent areas. When a tumor is detected, it is examined in detail. It is not without reason that this is the best method for detecting tumors today. Thanks to MRI, not only the structures of the eye are assessed, but also its blood supply system. MRI of the eyes allows you to determine the optimal method of treating pathology of the eyes and optic nerves and monitor its effectiveness over time.

Indications for MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves

The doctor will refer you for an MRI of the eye orbits based on indications such as:

Sudden deterioration of vision;

Poor blood circulation in the retinal vessels;

Foreign body of the eye and orbit,

Mechanical impact on the eye,

Assessing the integrity of the eye structures 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 unknown etiology (pain in the eyes, pain, etc.);

Suspicious results from other studies

Contraindications to MRI of the eye orbits

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

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

Preparation for MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves.

MRI of the eyes does not require special preparation. During 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 doctor’s recommendations.

During the examination, the patient should wear comfortable clothing without zippers and metal buttons and fasteners,

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

Makeup is not advisable;

If an MRI with the use of a contrast agent is prescribed, the patient must come for examination on an empty stomach (do not eat for 4-5 hours before the procedure); if an MRI is planned without contrast, then no dietary restrictions are required;

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

Conducting MRI of the eye orbits and optic nerves.

1. Before performing an MRI, the doctor talks with the patient. The patient will be reminded not to move during the examination. Before diagnosis, you need to empty your 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 scanner arch. The scanner will rotate around your head while taking pictures and may make clicking sounds.

3. In order for the pictures 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 earplugs in his ears or use headphones so that he is not irritated by the noise of the device.

5.After the first series of images, the patient is injected into a vein with a contrast agent. A contrast agent, penetrating into the blood, stains the vessels, accumulating in highly vascularized tissues, so MRI with a contrast agent is especially important when identifying 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 contrast agent depends on the patient's weight. 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 a contrast agent. If chest pain, shortness of breath, or suffocation occurs, you should immediately tell your doctor. This is easy to do, since the patient will have a call button in his hand throughout the entire study.

MRI of the eye orbits is a modern method for diagnosing various diseases of the eyeball, pathological processes in the orbital area, damage to the optic nerve, and assessing adjacent tissues.

MRI of the eye is a very effective and efficient examination method, as it allows not only to examine the pathological area, but also to three-dimensionally simulate various processes in several projections. Adjacent tissues are also examined: eye muscles, optic nerve, retrobulbar space, blood vessels, fatty tissue.

The MRI of the eye orbits itself takes about 20 minutes; with contrast, the examination time increases to 40 minutes. This examination does not require special preparation; the patient simply comes for diagnosis at the appointed time.

The procedure is safe for the patient; contraindications exist the same as general contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging:

• Pacemaker;
• Metal structures in the body;
• If MRI with contrast is necessary, pregnancy is a contraindication;
• Individual allergic reaction to a contrast agent;
• Psychological discomfort in a confined space.

Early MRI diagnosis of diseases of the eyeball and orbit allows not only to stop the pathological process, but also to restore vision.

Briefly about the tomography center "MedSeven"

Address:

Moscow, metro st. 1905, no. 7, building 1

Schedule:

seven days a week, 24 hours a day

Equipment:

Powerful Philips tomograph 1.5 Tesla

Free parking:

When registering please provide your car number

Why should you come to us?

• Our clinic has an expert-class device with high diagnostic accuracy;
• We offer a flexible system of discounts and promotions;
• We devote as much time to one patient as it takes to conduct a complete diagnosis of this area and identify pathology even at an early stage of development;
• Our specialists are constantly undergoing advanced training, so you receive a professionally written report and a complete description of the examination.

Price for MRI of the eye

In our clinic, an MRI of the eye orbits costs 3,500 rubles. This kit includes:

• The study itself, which can take from 20 to 40 minutes;
• Expert opinion;
• Snapshot.

It should be noted that the cost may vary depending on the scope of the study. If necessary, the attending physician may prescribe an MRI with contrast, in which case the cost of the procedure will increase. The specialist may also require additional examination of the brain and cervical spine. For a separate price, if desired, the doctor can record the study results on disk.

Our consultants will tell you the exact price only after an examination by a doctor or based on the results of a referral issued by a specialist.

In Moscow clinics, prices for MRI of the orbits can vary from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles. When choosing a clinic, pay attention not only to the cost of the procedure, but also to the quality of the images obtained, the professionalism of the description and conclusion, and the power of the device itself.

Cost of the study

MRI is quite often used in ophthalmology to diagnose diseases affecting the organs of vision. Magnetic resonance imaging, as well as laser Doppler flowmetry, non-contact tonometry, perimetry, is a modern and very informative examination method. MRI is often performed when a tumor process is suspected (malignant neoplasm, metastasis).

The MRI method is based on the reaction of nuclei in hydrogen atoms in response to external radiation. In this case, all reactions at the atomic level are recorded and translated into an image. As a result, the doctor receives a thorough picture of the occurring pathologies.

Indications for the study

MRI of the eye and its orbit is performed in the presence of the following possible conditions:

• Retinal vascular thrombosis;
• Presence of foreign bodies (in the eyeball or retrobulbar space);
• Significant sudden decrease in visual function;
• Post-traumatic transformations of eye structures;
• Degenerative processes, including optic nerve atrophy;
• Hemorrhage into the structures of the eyeball;
• Suspicion of retinal detachment;
• Inflammation inside the eye (optic nerve, other structures) or in the orbital area (retrobulbar tissue, extraocular muscles, lacrimal gland);
• Discomfort, the cause of which could not be determined (exophthalmos, sharp painful sensation in the eyeball).

Diagnosis of diseases

With magnetic resonance imaging, the doctor receives information about the depth, shape, area of ​​the tumor or inflammation. Using MRI of the eye, you can accurately determine the location of the tumor in relation to other structures of the eye. The structure of the optic nerve, extraocular muscles, and intracranial formations is also clearly visible. This method of examining patients helps to evaluate all the details of the structures of the eyeball and clarify the pathology of the blood vessels and soft tissues of the eye.

Contraindications of the method

If you have certain conditions, MRI of the eye cannot be performed, and sometimes it can be dangerous:

• The presence in the patient’s body of any metal structures, which include an insulin pump, pacemaker, vascular clips. This is due to the fact that during MRI a magnetic field is created, which leads to disruption of the functioning of these vital mechanisms. Also, if you have some types of tattoos, you cannot perform an MRI, because some of the inks used to apply designs to the skin contain metals.
• You should not perform an MRI of the eye while pregnant or during lactation. This is due to the use of contrast during the study. Substances administered intravenously may have a negative effect on the child or fetus, since their safety for this category of patients has not been studied.
• In case of chronic renal failure in the stage of decompensation, MRI with contrast is also problematic. This is due to the fact that all contrast agents have a nephrotoxic effect and are excreted mainly in the urine. If kidney function is impaired, the contrast is retained in the body and aggravates the negative effect.
• There are frequent cases of allergic reactions to the administration of a contrast agent. The severity of allergies can vary and sometimes reaches anaphylactic shock. If a patient has a history of negative reactions to a contrast agent, then an MRI with contrast should not be performed.

It should be noted that dental implants, the presence of braces or artificial joints are not a contraindication to MRI of the eye.

How is the MRI procedure performed?

MRI of the orbits is a rather complex procedure for both the doctor and the patient. However, this study does not require special preparation. If all precautions are followed, MRI becomes a practically safe procedure that does not cause consequences. Therefore, before starting the examination, it is necessary to exclude all possible contraindications.

The duration of an MRI of the eye can be up to an hour if performed with the introduction of contrast, and half an hour with the standard mode. During the examination, the patient lies on a special table that has a head restraint. The tomograph tube contains only the area being examined, that is, the head. In order for the images to be the most informative, it is necessary to exclude any movements during the MRI. When performing an MRI with contrast, a contrast agent is first injected into the patient's vein. Due to the fact that this procedure is quite noisy, the patient is offered earplugs to ensure maximum comfort. Some people, especially those suffering from claustrophobia, are allowed the presence of close relatives during an MRI so that they can provide all possible support. The doctor is usually behind glass and gives instructions to the patient over a speakerphone through a microphone. After receiving the images on the computer, the doctor will need about another half an hour to evaluate the results and, if necessary, print the images.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method

MRI diagnostics has a number of significant advantages over other methods:

• Minimum amount of radiation exposure to the body;
• Very high information content;
• There are no invasive procedures that require breaking the integrity of the skin.

Due to the peculiarities of MRI, in some cases it is not possible to clearly determine the walls of the orbit, which can be considered the main disadvantage of the technique.

Alternative Methods

MRI of the eye is used relatively rarely because it is quite expensive. More often, the patient is prescribed a set of procedures (determining the level of intraocular pressure, examination using a slit lamp, electrooculography). If it is not possible to determine the nature of the pathology, then an additional MRI of the eye and orbit is prescribed.