The children's Magnetic Resonance Imaging, commonly abbreviated as MRI for appendicitis, uses radio waves, a powerful magnetic field, and a computer to produce detailed pictures of a child's abdomen area and pelvis. An MRI comes in handy in diagnosing or evaluating symptoms often associated with appendicitis. The main advantage of an MRI procedure is that it's fast, non-invasive, and doesn't involve ionizing radiation. If your child plans to undergo an MRI, it's essential to discuss the child's health with the doctor. Ensure that you disclose information regarding the child's health issues, medication, allergies, and recent surgeries. Even if an MRI is not harmful, it might cause specific devices to malfunction. If you need the best MRI diagnostic services in Los Angeles, we at Los Angeles Diagnostics can assist.
Understanding Children Pediatric MRI
Pediatric MRI is a non-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency pulses, a strong magnetic field, and a computer to provide detailed pictures of a child's organs, bones, soft tissues, and internal body structures. This imaging procedure comes in handy in diagnosing and evaluating disease and trauma in young children. Through an MRI, physicians can assess different body parts and determine the presence of infections. The doctors can examine the images on a computer screen, transfer them electronically, print, copy them to a CD, or upload them to a digital crowd server.
Appendicitis Explained
Appendicitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is attached to the large intestines and consists of a closed tube of tissue. The appendix lies in the lower right part of the abdomen. Inflammation may occur when the appendix is blocked by stool or infected. Blockage of the appendix may also result from foreign bodies, calcification, or a tumor. Emergency care is often necessary when the appendix is inflamed and on the verge of bursting.
MRI in Diagnosis of Appendicitis
Before undergoing an MRI, a child often undergoes an ultrasound to evaluate the condition of the appendix. Additional imaging may be necessary if the ultrasound is not enough diagnostic. If an adult is suspected of suffering from appendicitis, they will first be under a computer tomography, commonly abbreviated as CT scan. A CT Scan produces pictures of the inner body parts using x-rays. However, a CT scan is not ideal in children due to the amount of radiation involved. MRI is often recommended as an alternative to a CT scan to diagnose appendicitis in young children.
An MRI could also come in handy in identifying and eliminating other causes of abdominal pain in children, including:
- Mesenteric lymphadenitis – this is a condition that involves the inflammation of the membrane that connects the bowel and the abdominal wall
- Gastroenteritis – this condition results from the irritation of the stomach and the intestine leading to pain, diarrhea, and vomiting
- Meckel's diverticulum – this condition occurs when there is a weakness or a bulge in the walls of the small intestines
- Urinary tract infection, a condition that involves one or both kidneys
- Inflammatory bowel disease occurs when the bowel is inflamed
- Ovarian cysts
- Intestinal obstruction, characterized by an obstruction in the intestines
Preparing your Child Before an MRI
During the MRI procedure, your child may wear their clothing or be requested to wear a gown. If the child's clothing has no metal fasteners and is loose-fitting, the doctor may allow them to wear it during the MRI. Whether the child should eat or drink before the MRI procedure varies depending on the imaging facility and the specific exam. For an MRI for appendicitis, your child doesn't have to prepare in advance. You should have your child take food and medication normally and follow any other regular routine unless the doctor suggests otherwise.
For some MRI exams, a child may have to receive a contrast injection into their bloodstream. The technologist, radiologist, or nurse may inquire whether your child has any forms of allergies to x-ray contrast material or iodine. You should also reveal whether the child is allergic to certain foods, drugs, or the environment. It's also important to disclose whether your child suffers from certain medical conditions like asthma.
The contrast material typically used for MRI imaging contains a metal known as gadolinium. If your child has iodine contrast energy, this metal may still be used, but the child may require pre-medication. More patients are allergic to iodine-containing contrast used in x-ray and CT scans than those allergic to gadolinium-based contrast used in MRI imaging. Your child will still be able to use the gadolinium contrast even if they are allergic to it but only after the necessary pre-medication.
You should inform the radiologist if your child has recently undergone surgery or has severe medical conditions. It might not be ideal for your child to receive gadolinium contrast for MRI if they have a severe medical condition like kidney disease. The same case applies if your child has recently undergone a liver transplant. It will be necessary to perform specific tests to determine whether the child's kidneys are functioning properly before administering the gadolinium solution.
All types of jewelry, especially metallic jewelry, should be removed before the procedure or even left at home. Pieces of jewelry might interfere with the MRI unit's magnetic fields. Any electronics and metallic items aren't allowed into the MRI room. Items that you should not bring to the MRI room include:
- Watches, jewelry, hearing aids, credit cards, or any other item that could be damaged
- Metal zippers, pins, hairpins, and other metallic objects might distort the MRI images
- Body piercings
- Pocket knives, pens, and eyeglasses
Implants in the Body
Usually, MRIs are safe for patients with implants. However, some institutions may be hesitant to perform an MRI scan on patients with the following implants:
- Ear or cochlear implant
- Certain clips used in people with brain aneurysms
- Certain metal coils within the patient's blood vessels
- Pacemakers or cardiac defibrillators
If your child has any implanted electronic or medical device, you should inform the technologist because these objects might interfere with the MRI and pose a risk. The interference and the risk involved will depend on the nature and strength of the MRI magnet.
Most metal elements commonly used in orthopedic surgery do not pose a challenge during an MRI exam. However, if your child has an artificial joint placed recently, it is advisable to use another imaging procedure instead of an MRI. If you are not sure about the presence of metal items in your child's body, an x-ray can help reveal the presence of these items.
In some instances, metals like bullets, shrapnel, or other pieces of metal might be present in your child's body due to a prior accident. You should ensure that you inform the doctor about the presence of such metals. You should still inform the technologist or radiologist about braces and dental fillings, although these do not interfere with MRI. It is essential to disclose the presence of foreign objects close to the face or the eyes.
If a parent intends to accompany their child into the scanning room, they have to remove all the metal objects and inform their technologist about any devices they might have. You should request the pediatrician about a mild sedative or other prescription if your child has a fear of enclosed spaces. Sedatives will help the child relax before the scheduled MRI examination.
Most children can stay still during the MRI examination, especially those five years and older without sedation. Most hospitals avoid sedation during an MRI to get results faster because when diagnosing severe abdominal pain, timing is critical.
The MRI Unit
The conventional MRU unit consists of a cylinder-shaped tube. A circular magnet surrounds the tube. During treatment, your child will lie on the movable examination table. The table then slides into the circular magnet. In some MRI units, the magnet doesn't surround the patient. These units are known as short-bore systems. Certain MRI units feature a larger diameter bore. These units are ideal for larger patients or those with claustrophobia. Some MRI machines feature open sides. Open MRI machines come in handy, especially while examining patients with claustrophobia or large-sized patients.
For many types of exams, the recent open MRI units provide high-quality images. However, the older open MRI units might not produce a high-quality image. Whether a technologist uses an open MRI unit or not will depend on the type of the test. Some tests can't be conducted using an open MRI. The scanner and the computer used to process the images are placed in separate rooms.
How MRI Exam Works
Unlike CT scans and conventional x-ray, an MRI unit does not use ionizing radiation. It relies on radiofrequency pulses re-align hydrogen atoms. These atoms exist naturally in the body and do not cause any chemical changes on the tissues when your child is in the scanner. The hydrogen atoms emit different amounts of energy as they return to their usual alignment. The energy released varies depending on the various body tissues. The MRI scanner creates a picture of the tissues by capturing this energy.
In most MRI units, the magnetic field results from the passing of an electric current via wire coils. The wire coils are usually located in the machine and, in some cases, located in different parts of the body being examined. These could send and receive radio waves, producing signals. However, during the procedure, the electric current doesn't come into contact with the patient.
A computer then processes the signal and produces several images showing parts of your child's body. The radiologist can then study these images at different angles.
Conducting an MRI Exam
Typically, MRI exams are done on an outpatient basis. Your child will lay on the movable examination table. The technologist might use bolsters and straps to help the child maintain the correct position and remain still. The technologist may use specific devices that contain coils that receive and send radio waves next to or around the area being examined. The imaging involves multiple sequences or runs, and some might last for several minutes.
If a contrast material is necessary during the MRI imaging, the nurse, physician, or technologist will insert an intravenous catheter into a vein on the child's arm or hand. The doctor may then use a saline material to inject the contrast. As the saline material drips through the IV, it will prevent the IV catheter's blockage until all the contrast material is injected.
The radiologist or technologist will place the child on the magnet in the MRI unit and examine it while operating a computer outside the room. If the technologist uses contrast material during the examination, they will inject it and then perform a series of tests during and after the injection. After the MRI procedure, you and your child may have to wait until the technologist checks the images just if they require more images. Upon completing the process, the technologist will remove your child's intravenous line.
What to Expect During and After the MRI Procedure
In most cases, the child is usually alone in the MRI room during an exam. However, during the entire procedure, the technologist will see and talk to the child via a two-way intercom. Some MRI clinics allow parents to be with their children during the process. Before a parent enters the MRI room, they have to undergo a thorough screening for safety. The MRI scanners are well-lit and air-conditioned. The technologist will give your child headphones or earplugs during the procedure. In most cases, music is played through earplugs to help the child relax and pass the time. Some scanners have video monitors that allow the child to watch a TV show or a movie during the procedure.
The area being examined may feel warm. This is normal, but if the child is uncomfortable with the sensation, they may notify the technologist through the two-way intercom. The child needs to be still during the imaging; the imaging sessions last between several seconds and several minutes at a time. Your child will hear and feel the thumping and tapping sounds during the procedure. Between imaging sequences, your child can relax but should try and maintain the same position.
If the technologist, nurse, or radiologist needs to inject the contrast, the IV needle might make your child feel uncomfortable, especially during insertion. The child might also experience minor bruising when the IV needle is introduced. Skin irritation at the site of injection is also common. After the contrast injection, it common to experience a metallic taste in the mouth, but the taste is temporary.
A recovery period is not necessary, mainly if no sedation is used. The child may resume their regular diet and activities soon after the examination. The child might experience minor side effects after the injection of the contrast material; the discomfort includes local pain and nausea. If the child is allergic to the contrast material, they might experience itchy eyes, hives, and other reactions though this is rare. The radiologist or technologist is always available to assist you if your child develops any allergic reactions during and after the procedure.
The radiologist or an expert doctor will interpret the results of the MRI exam. The radiologist will also send a signed report to your primary healthcare physician, who will disclose the results to you.
The Benefits of MRI Exams
Below are some of the leading benefits of an MRI exam:
- Unlike other imaging methods, an MRI is a non-invasive imaging procedure that does not expose the patient to radiation.
- MRI exams of the abdomen have proven effective in diagnosing appendicitis, yet they have no radiation exposure.
- MRI is effective in diagnosing a wide range of conditions
- MRI is effective in identifying hidden abnormalities, some of which might be obscured by bone
- The MRI procedure is less likely to cause an allergic reaction compared to other imaging techniques like CT scanning and x-rays. In MRIs, allergic reactions may only result from the iodine-based contrast materials.
The Risks of MRI Exams
When the proper safety guidelines are followed, an MRI poses no risk to the patient. However, there is a risk of excessive sedation in cases where sedation is used. To minimize the risk of excessive sedation, the doctor or the nurse will monitor your child during the procedure. If the child has implanted metallic devices, they might cause dysfunction or pose challenges during the MRI procedure.
A rare complication of MRI known as nephrogenic systematic fibrosis might occur in patients with poor kidney function. This complication may occur when the patient is injected with a high dose of gadolinium-based contrast material. Technologists can avoid this complication by screening patients for possible kidney issues before injecting them with the contrast material. In a healthy patient, the risk of an allergic reaction after the contrast material injection is minimal.
Are there some limitations to children's MRI for appendicitis? As long as the child stays still and follows the breath-holding instructions during imaging, the images are clear and high quality. The imaging might be limited if the patient is restless and unable to stay still during the procedure.
If a person is too big, they might not fit in certain MRI units. It might be challenging to obtain a clear image if there is an implant in the patient's body.
Find Children's MRI for Appendicitis Services Near Me
An MRI is the most reliable imaging technique available in the medical world. It helps reveal underlying medical conditions and abnormalities that might be hard to detect using other imaging methods. For an affordable Los Angeles MRI services in Los Angeles, CA, contact Los Angeles Diagnostics at 323-486-7502 and speak to one of our experts.
