Magnetic resonance imaging of the chest (thorax)
Chest MRI in Casablanca
Chest MRI examines the chest apart from the heart: the mediastinum (the space between the two lungs, which contains in particular the thymus, lymph nodes and the large blood vessels), the chest wall, the pleura (the lining of the lungs) and the top of the lungs. It does not replace CT for the lungs themselves, but it distinguishes tissues, fluids and fat very well. Without X-rays, it helps characterize an image found on a CT scan or an X-ray.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
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?
- A mass in the mediastinum or thymus, to determine whether it is a cyst, fat or another lesion.
- A lesion of the chest wall (ribs, sternum, muscles) or of the pleura.
- A tumor at the top of the lung and its extension toward the blood vessels and nerves of the arm.
- As a complement to a chest CT scan when an image remains difficult to interpret.
- Follow-up of a known lesion while limiting X-ray exposure, especially in children or young adults.
- An abnormality of the large blood vessels of the chest, as advised by the doctor.
How the exam is done
You lie on your back, with your arms along your body or above your head depending on the area examined. A flexible coil is placed on your chest. Since breathing moves the chest, a belt or a small sensor may be placed on your abdomen to follow your breathing movements; electrodes are sometimes added for areas close to the heart.
Some sequences are done while breathing freely and calmly, others while holding your breath for a few seconds: follow the instructions given through the headphones. The contrast agent is injected through a vein in the arm when a mass needs to be analyzed. The exam is not painful, even though the coil on your chest may feel a little heavy.
Preparation
- Remove underwire bras, necklaces and medicated patches, some of which contain metal.
- Practice holding your breath for about ten seconds, with your lungs half empty.
- If you get short of breath when lying down, tell us in advance.
- Also mention any claustrophobia.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
A gadolinium injection through a vein in the arm is common to characterize a mass. Some lesions, such as a simple cyst, can be analyzed without contrast agent.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker or defibrillator, whose unit sits in the chest: compatibility must be checked.
- Neurostimulator, cochlear implant, old vascular clip, implanted pump or metal fragment.
- Sternotomy wires, heart valves or stents: usually compatible; please mention them.
- 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.
- Significant breathing difficulty or constant coughing when lying down.
- Severe kidney failure before any injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription
- Previous chest CT scans and X-rays, with their reports
- Biopsy results or specialist consultation reports, if any
- Recent kidney function test if an injection is planned
- List of your medications and insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a chest MRI varies depending on the region of the chest examined and on the gadolinium injection, which is common to characterize a mass.
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 when I have already had a CT scan?
CT is the main exam for the chest, especially for the lungs. When it shows a mass that is difficult to characterize, MRI provides information about its composition: fluid, fat, tissue. It can sometimes avoid a biopsy or help prepare for it better.
Are the lungs clearly seen on MRI?
Less clearly than on CT, because air gives little signal on MRI. That is why chest MRI is mainly used for the mediastinum, the chest wall, the pleura and certain specific lesions. The radiologist chooses the exam according to the question asked by your doctor.
What happens if I can't hold my breath long enough?
Tell the team. Breath-holds can be shortened, and some sequences can be done while breathing freely thanks to the breathing sensor. The exam then takes a little longer, but it can still be done in most cases.
Does chest MRI also examine the heart?
Not in detail. The heart appears on the images, but a precise study of it, its function and muscle, requires a cardiac MRI with a dedicated protocol and synchronization. If your doctor needs both, this will be specified on the prescription.
Chest MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a chest MRI varies depending on the region of the chest examined and on the gadolinium injection, which is common to characterize a mass. 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.