Content
- What is an MRI of the throat, larynx, pharynx, esophagus
- Indications and contraindications for
- Diagnostic capabilities
- Features of the preparation and implementation of the procedure
- Examination cost
- Video about MRI of the throat and larynx
MRI of the throat and larynx is a highly informative study, with which you can diagnose pathologies of vital respiratory organs. The price of the procedure is justified by its safety and depends on the clinic, the type of tomograph, the qualifications of the doctor who will conduct the study and decipher the results.
The airways of the human body are distinguished by the complexity of their structure, since many tissues and structures are concentrated in a limited space. Therefore, diagnostics using a magnetic field and radio waves is the most suitable non-invasive technique for examining the organs of the throat and larynx.
What is an MRI of the throat, larynx, pharynx, esophagus
Examination of internal organs and tissues using the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance implies that the patient will be scanned using the properties of magnetic fields. This study is based on the measurement of the energy of molecules consisting of two hydrogen atoms when they are in a magnetic field of varying strength.
In the presence of symptoms of pathological changes in the respiratory system, electromagnetic pulses are passed through the human body (only in the area that is being examined). After that, the computer, using a special application, processes the data recorded by the tomograph and produces an MR image.
Scanning is carried out in layers, along the cuts, the average step thickness of which is 3-5 mm. The degree of information content of MRI results depends on the strength of the magnetic field voltage. And the slice thickness should be directly proportional to this force.
Indications and contraindications for
MRI of the throat and larynx, the price of which depends on various factors, is prescribed by a pulmonologist, oncologist or therapist. The study allows you to exclude / confirm the presence of secondary malignant formations, inflammation, blood clots in the vessels. According to the image, the doctor checks the condition of the vocal processes of the arytenoid cartilage and the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
Common indications for referral to MRI include:
- discomfort in the throat, manifested in the form of perspiration, burning, the presence of a foreign body in it;
- purulent and serous discharge;
- swelling in the neck, inflammation of the lymph nodes;
- difficulty in swallowing reflex and passage of food;
- unreasonable attacks of suffocation and voice changes;
- Impending or ongoing laryngeal / throat surgery
- herniated cervical intervertebral discs.
At risk for diseases of the respiratory system are people whose bad habits include smoking and alcohol consumption. And also those who live in regions with a polluted environment.
If the doctor suspects a foreign body in the patient's throat or esophagus, he will most likely order a CT scan. It increases the chance of getting a higher definition image of a solid object. The image will show its contours and their contact with soft tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging of the throat does not have the same severe limitations as radiography.
There are 2 groups of contraindications: absolute, when magnetic waves have a negative effect on the vital signs of the body. And relative, characterized by temporary restrictions - when the state of the body changes, which makes it impossible to carry out the procedure. Absolute contraindications that prohibit diagnostics are represented by the presence of fixed metal prostheses (clips, pumps, implants, and so on).
An MRI scan will be in doubt if a defibrillator or pacemaker is present in the patient's body. Any part made of metal heats up when it gets into a magnetic field and has no way to go outside. Also, metal valves and clamps interfere with the operation of the tomograph, distorting the information content of the images.
MRI of the throat and larynx, the price of which is justified by its non-invasiveness, is not performed on people whose body weight exceeds 130 kg. With bouts of claustrophobia, leading to a panic attack, and impaired control of movements. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pharynx / esophagus is contraindicated in pregnancy, the presence of colored tattoos on the skin and permanent makeup. These are all relative limitations.
Diagnostic capabilities
The pharynx and larynx are a complex system that is prone to undergo numerous pathologies. With the help of a tomograph, the salivary ducts, the upper part of the esophagus and the thyroid gland are examined for the presence of metastases, stenosis, cicatricial processes, and so on. Respiratory MRI can show one of the following pathological conditions.
| Pathology | Description |
| Thornwald's cyst (bag) | A rare congenital pathology characterized by a cyst-like formation on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. Symptomatic picture: hearing impairment, severe headache, purulent masses in the larynx cavity. |
| Squamous cell carcinoma | Of all cancers, malignant tumors of the neck account for only 5%, and squamous cell cancer is diagnosed most often. It is difficult to detect a tumor at an early stage, but tomography is even a small tumor. |
| Laryngeal edema | MRI of the larynx shows laryngeal edema, which has arisen against the background of a bacterial infection, tumor, allergic reaction. The affected part of the mucous membrane in the picture will be visible as a seal. |
| Laryngocele | Cystic expansion of the laryngeal ventricles, popularly known as a hernia in the larynx. With the help of tomography, the outlines are clearly visible and the degree of cyst growth is determined. |
| Zenker's diverticulum | This protrusion of the back wall of the larynx is more often encountered by men. Pathology occurs either against the background of a genetic predisposition, or due to frequent inflammatory processes. The place of localization of a formation filled with air or liquid is below the cricoid cartilage. |
MRI of the throat and larynx also allows you to examine the spinal canal for narrowing of the lumen, anomalies in the structure of the cervical vertebrae. The cost of the study depends on the clinic and the specialist who will carry out the procedure.
Features of the preparation and implementation of the procedure
Before the MRI scan, remove all jewelry and put your phone aside. It is better to come to the examination in clothes made of natural fabrics, which will not be squeezed, since it will take 30-40 minutes. be in a stationary position. If contrast MRI is performed for the first time, you must first pass tests to determine a possible allergic reaction.
During breastfeeding, women undergo a tomography of the respiratory organs. However, feeding should be discontinued prior to scanning with contrast agents. The drug must be completely eliminated from the body without getting into the child's body with the mother's milk. Before placing the patient in the tomograph, the doctor offers him headphones with pleasant music as a sedative.
A mobile couch with a person enters the apparatus, and the doctor goes to the next office to monitor the process and track the results on the computer. To avoid distorting the image, you need to remain calm and still. Since the results are not given immediately, but at the time specified by the doctor, the patient can go home after the tomography.
Of the features of the MRI scan, one can single out the fact that to ensure the patient's immobility, they are fixed with belts. This measure is intended for children and people prone to panic attacks. If contrast diagnostics are planned, special contrast agents are injected intravenously.
MRI of the throat and larynx, the price of which varies depending on the region, requires that the patient refrain from eating 5 hours before diagnosis. And for 3 days it is categorically not recommended to consume foods that are absorbed for a long time, cause discomfort and digestive problems.
Examination cost
Occasionally, magnetic resonance imaging of the pharynx / esophagus / larynx can be done under compulsory health insurance. In the absence of compulsory medical insurance, you need to focus on the average cost of the procedure, which is 4,000 rubles. The price will depend on the set of services included in the examination, the level of service, the type of tomograph, and so on.
In Russia, you can have an MRI scan for 2,000 rubles. But such a low cost does not give any guarantees that the patient will receive quality service, and he will not have to pay extra for the reception / transcript.
To date, the prices for magnetic resonance imaging in large regions of the Russian Federation, on average, are as follows:
- Moscow - 5,000 rubles;
- St. Petersburg - RUB 4,500;
- Southern Federal District (Volgograd, Sochi, Rostov-on-Don) - 2,500 rubles;
- Far Eastern Federal District (Vladivostok, Khabarovsk) - 3,500 rubles;
- Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Omsk - 3,300 rubles;
- Ural Federal District - 3,500 rubles;
- Stavropol, Grozny - 2,700 rubles.
It can be seen from this list that the cost of examining the respiratory organs on a tomograph in the capital is almost 2 times higher than in other cities. Nevertheless, the procedure has long been available to everyone, and the price tag continues to change, if not every month, then every year.
MRI of the throat and larynx is the most informative way to diagnose various pathological conditions. The price and range of services (reception, decoding, drawing up a treatment regimen) are different in each clinic. With the help of such an examination, diseases are detected on time in 80% of cases, excluding the risk of complications.
Video about MRI of the throat and larynx
MRI of soft tissues. What does it show? Why do:
