Why patient should do the examination? (value of test).
MRI brain lab. protocol is a 3D imaging of the brain that is used to guide the 3D co-ordinate system used for neuro-surgery or radiotherapy
Who benefits from getting tested?
Hydrocephalic patients prior to ventriculo-peritoneal shunt insertion.
Some intra-cranial infection or tumor cases e.g. CNS leukemia mandating drug delivery to CSF fluid directly using intracerebro-ventricular device e.g. ommaya reservoir.
Intra-cranial tumors (e.g. brain tumors, pituitary tumors..etc) patients prior to:
Biopsy procedure.
Surgery.
Intracranial shunt insertion.
Radiotherapy
Are there any contraindications to the examination?
Patients with mechanically/magnetically activated devices as cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implants.
Patients with metallic foreign body in the eye.
Pregnant women in the first trimester (benefits versus risk to be assessed).
Ferromagnetic surgical clips or prosthesis
What other tests should be done with this examination?
Your doctor my request one or more of the following MRI ± CT examinations:
Full MRI examination of the brain with or without contrast enhancement as well as MR angiography (MRA)/ MR venography (MRV) of the cerebral arteries/veins to assess full extension of the tumor and the related vasculature.
MR spectroscopy (MRS) and/or MR perfusion to evaluate tumor grade and response to treatment e.g. radiotherapy.
Functional MRI (fMRI) to localize vital motor and speech brain centers in relation to tumor.
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess relation between tumor and major white matter tracts.
CT brain or CT sella to evaluate bony extensions of the tumor in relation to skull bones, paranasal sinuses or bony orbit which is optimally demonstrated by CT.
CT angiographic examination of the cerebral vessels to assess tumor related arteries and veins
Examination preparations
The examination is usually done using intravenous contrast material:
Patient should be food fasting 4-6 hours before the exam.
Adequate hydration at least one day before and after the exam is needed.
Recent kidney function test should be available at the time of your examination.
In case of claustrophobic patients, the examination can be done in one of our open MRI machines or under anesthesia.
A brief description of the examination procedure
The MRI brain Lab. protocol takes about 7-10 minutes while the patient is lying comfortably on MRI table
Where I can get tested?
The examination is done on one of our highly advanced MRI machines available in Alfa scan branches.Emergency service (24/7) is available in Mohandseen branch.
Are there any aftercare or precautions to be done?
MRI brain lab. protocol is usually done with injection of intra-venous contrast material for optimum delineation of the tumor margin, drinking plenty of water is advised to help to wash out the injected IV contrast material out of your body except if you are on fluid balance for renal or cardiac condition you may consult your physician and in case of lactating mothers it is advised to escape lactation for 24 hrs after the contrast injection.
No after care or precautions needed following non contrast enhanced study
