Magnetic resonance imaging of the soft tissues with gadolinium injection
Soft Tissue MRI in Casablanca
Soft tissue MRI examines the tissues between the skin and the bone: fat, muscles, tendons, blood vessels and nerves. It is most often requested to analyze a lump, a swelling or a painful area, in any region of the body. It usually includes an injection of contrast agent, which helps describe the blood supply of the lesion.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam, including the injection, most often takes 30 to 45 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 lump under the skin or in a muscle, found by touch or on ultrasound, that needs to be characterized.
- A mass that is growing, becoming painful or reaching a large size.
- Suspected abscess or deep soft tissue infection, to measure its extent.
- Assessment of a vascular malformation (an abnormality of the blood vessels, often present from birth).
- Follow-up after surgical removal of a soft tissue tumor.
- A hematoma that does not resolve after an injury.
How the exam is done
After the safety questionnaire and a check of your kidney function test if one was requested, the radiographer places a small catheter (a soft tube) in a vein in your arm. You remove all metal objects and lie down in the position that places the lump at the center of the coil, most often on your back. A small capsule may be attached to the skin over the mass so it can be found on the images.
A first series of sequences is done without contrast. Gadolinium is then injected through the catheter, sometimes with an automatic injector: you may feel a cold sensation in the arm, usually without pain. The last images are taken after the injection. The catheter is removed before you leave.
Preparation
- Have a recent creatinine test (kidney function) done if you are asked to, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease.
- Locate the lump so you can show it to the radiographer, especially if it is small.
- Tell us about any reaction to a previous contrast agent injection.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
Gadolinium, the contrast agent used in MRI, is injected into a vein in the arm during the exam. It does not contain iodine and is generally well tolerated; allergic reactions are rare.
Contraindications and precautions
- Severe kidney failure or dialysis: please tell us; the gadolinium injection may be adapted or avoided.
- History of a reaction to gadolinium during a previous MRI.
- Pacemaker or defibrillator (exam only if MRI-compatible), neurostimulator, cochlear implant, implanted pump.
- Old vascular clip, metal fragment (especially in the eye) or a projectile remaining in the tissues.
- 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.
- Tattoo or permanent makeup near the area examined, claustrophobia.
Documents to bring
- Prescription specifying the region and the lump to be examined.
- Previous ultrasound, X-rays or MRI of the area.
- Recent kidney function test (creatinine) if your doctor or the center has asked for it.
- Surgical report and lab results if a lesion has already been removed.
- List of your medications, any allergies, and your insurance or mutual insurance fund card.
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a soft tissue MRI takes into account the region examined and the gadolinium injection planned for this exam.
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
Is a lump that needs an MRI necessarily serious?
No. Soft tissue masses are most often benign, such as lipomas (fatty lumps) or cysts. MRI describes their size, content, borders and contrast uptake, which helps your doctor choose between monitoring, biopsy or surgery.
Why an MRI when I have already had an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is often the first exam for a lump under the skin. When the mass is deep, large or has an uncertain appearance, MRI shows its borders and its relationship with the muscles, nerves and blood vessels more clearly. The two exams complement each other.
Does the gadolinium injection carry any risks?
Gadolinium is generally well tolerated. A cold sensation, brief nausea or a metallic taste may occur. Allergic reactions are rare and the team knows how to manage them. The main point of caution concerns the kidneys: tell us about any kidney disease.
Can MRI tell whether the mass is cancerous?
MRI can point toward a benign-looking lesion or lead to a recommendation for a tissue sample, but it does not replace analysis under the microscope. If in doubt, a biopsy (removal of a small piece of tissue) shows the nature of the lesion. The radiologist discusses it with your doctor.
Soft Tissue MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a soft tissue MRI takes into account the region examined and the gadolinium injection planned for this exam. 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.