Magnetic resonance imaging of the adrenal glands
Adrenal Gland MRI in Casablanca
The adrenal glands are two small glands sitting on top of the kidneys, which produce hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline. Adrenal MRI is a short, targeted exam with thin slices. It uses a so-called chemical shift sequence, which detects fat inside a nodule: its presence often points to a benign nodule called an adenoma. It is mainly used to clarify the nature of a nodule found on another exam.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Adrenal MRI is a fairly quick exam: 15 to 30 minutes most of the time.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- An adrenal nodule found by chance on a CT scan or an ultrasound (incidentaloma).
- High blood pressure associated with a hormonal abnormality, such as excess aldosterone.
- Signs of excess cortisol or adrenaline secretion, as advised by the endocrinologist.
- Monitoring the size of a known adrenal nodule.
- Assessment of an adrenal mass in a patient being followed for cancer.
- An alternative to CT when the aim is to avoid X-rays or iodine, for example in a young person.
How the exam is done
After check-in and a check for contraindications, you remove your metal objects and lie on your back. The coil surrounds the upper abdomen, at the level of the lower ribs, where the adrenal glands are located. A catheter is placed if an injection is planned.
Several series of slices are taken while you hold your breath: hold your breath for about fifteen seconds, always in the same way, so that the glands stay in the same place from one series to the next. Between breath-holds, breathe normally. Apart from the clicking and humming of the machine and, sometimes, a cool feeling in the arm during the injection, you feel nothing in particular.
Preparation
- Do not change your treatments, especially blood pressure or hormone treatments, without the advice of the doctor who prescribed them.
- Bring the results of your hormone tests: they guide the reading of the images.
- Remove your watch, jewelry, hairpins and any metal objects before the exam.
Fasting
No fasting is needed. Take your usual medication.
Contrast injection
A gadolinium injection is not systematic: the analysis is based first on the sequences without contrast. The radiologist may add it for certain nodules, through a vein in the arm.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker or defibrillator: please declare it; MRI can only be considered with a compatible device.
- Cochlear implant, neurostimulator, implanted pump, old metal clip on a blood vessel in the brain.
- Metal foreign body, especially a fragment in the eye in people who have worked with metal.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Severe kidney failure, to be reported before any injection.
- Claustrophobia, tattoo or permanent makeup: to be discussed with the team before the exam.
Documents to bring
- Prescription
- CT scan or ultrasound that showed the nodule, with the report
- Results of blood and urine hormone tests
- List of treatments, especially blood pressure medication
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
- Recent creatinine test if an injection is planned
Price and insurance coverage
The price of an adrenal MRI depends on the extent examined and on whether gadolinium is added for certain nodules.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why an MRI after my CT scan?
A CT scan is not always enough to classify an adrenal nodule. MRI provides different information by looking for tiny amounts of fat inside the nodule. Together with hormone tests, it helps the endocrinologist decide whether simple monitoring is enough or whether further investigation is needed.
How is it different from an abdominal MRI?
Adrenal MRI focuses on a small area, with very thin slices and sequences chosen for these glands. Abdominal MRI covers the whole abdomen and does not necessarily use these sequences. If the question concerns only an adrenal gland, the targeted exam is more suitable.
Is an adrenal nodule serious?
The vast majority of nodules found by chance are benign and do not produce excess hormones. Some, however, require monitoring or treatment. MRI provides guidance, but the conclusion is based on the whole medical file, discussed with your doctor.
Should I stop my blood pressure medication?
No, not for the MRI itself. Some medications can distort the hormone tests done before the exam, but it is up to the endocrinologist to decide on any adjustment. Never change a blood pressure treatment on your own.
Adrenal Gland MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of an adrenal MRI depends on the extent examined and on whether gadolinium is added for certain nodules. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.