Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging
Whole-body MRI in Casablanca
Whole-body MRI examines a large part of the body in a single session, usually from the head to the thighs, sometimes down to the feet. It relies mainly on diffusion sequences, which highlight certain lesions of the bones and tissues, without X-rays and most often without an injection. It is used in specific medical situations, mainly in oncology, hematology and certain genetic or muscle diseases. It is not a screening exam to be done without a medical indication.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the extent covered and the planned sequences.
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?
- Assessment and follow-up of multiple myeloma (a disease of the bone marrow).
- Search for bone involvement in certain cancers, such as prostate or breast cancer, according to the oncologist's opinion.
- Monitoring of people with a genetic predisposition to cancer, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
- Follow-up of certain childhood diseases, to limit X-ray exposure.
- Mapping of the muscles in certain muscle or inflammatory diseases.
How the exam is done
You change and remove all metal objects. You are positioned on your back, arms along your body, and several coils are placed over you, from your head down to your legs. They stay in place throughout the exam.
The table moves forward in successive steps, called stations: each part of the body is examined in turn, without you having to move. For the chest and abdomen, a few short breath-holds may be requested; elsewhere, you breathe normally. Since the exam is long, keeping still can become uncomfortable: say so during the breaks rather than moving during a sequence. If an injection is planned, it is given at the end of the exam through a vein in the arm.
Preparation
- Empty your bladder before going in: the exam is long and a full bladder interferes with the study of the pelvis.
- Wear clothes without metal and leave jewelry and piercings at home.
- Your head goes into the tunnel during part of the exam: mention any claustrophobia when you book.
- If lying down for a long time is painful for you, take your usual painkiller before you come.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
Whole-body MRI is most often done without a contrast agent. A gadolinium injection through a vein in the arm may be added for a specific region, depending on the indication.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker, defibrillator or neurostimulator: compatibility must be established, all the more so as the exam covers the whole body.
- Implanted port, joint replacements or orthopedic hardware: generally compatible, but they can hide an area.
- Cochlear implant, older vascular clip, implanted pump or metal fragment.
- 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.
- Tattoos, especially extensive ones: they can heat up during a long exam.
- Difficulty staying still for a long time or severe claustrophobia.
- Severe kidney failure, before any possible injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription and doctor's letter stating the indication
- Reports of previous exams: CT scan, PET-CT, scintigraphy (bone scan), MRI
- Summary of the disease and of current treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy)
- Recent kidney function test if an injection is being considered
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a whole-body MRI takes into account the extent covered and a possible gadolinium injection for a specific region.
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
Can I have a whole-body MRI as a health check-up?
It is not recommended for a person without symptoms or particular risk factors. The exam can reveal harmless abnormalities that lead to unnecessary additional tests. It is reserved for indications set by a doctor, after discussing the expected benefits.
How is it different from a PET-CT or a CT scan?
A CT scan uses X-rays, and a PET-CT adds a weakly radioactive tracer. Whole-body MRI uses neither, which is useful for repeated follow-up and in children. Each exam has its strengths: your doctor chooses according to the disease and the clinical question.
Does the exam replace other MRIs?
Not always. Whole-body MRI gives an overall view, but with less detail than an MRI targeted on one organ. If an abnormality is seen, or if a region requires a detailed analysis, an additional MRI or other exams may be offered.
Can children have this exam?
Yes, in certain diseases, precisely to avoid X-rays during repeated follow-up. However, the length of the exam means staying still for a long time. Depending on the child's age, the preparation is discussed in advance with the child's doctor and with the imaging team.
Whole-body MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a whole-body MRI takes into account the extent covered and a possible gadolinium injection for a specific region. 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.