MRI SCAN

MRI scans use a strong magnetic field to

produce detailed images of internal
structures of the body. They can also provide
information about how well these structures
are functioning.

The MRI machine uses a large magnet and

a computer to take pictures of the inside of
your body.

Nonainvasive medical test or examination

 PET SCAN
Positron emission tomography, also called PET
imaging or a PET scan, is a type of nuclear medicine
imaging. A PET scan measures important body
functions, such as blood flow, oxygen use, and sugar
(glucose) metabolism, to help doctors evaluate how
well organs and tissues are functioning.

PET can detect extremely small cancerous tumors,

subtle changes of the brain and heart, and give doctors
important early information about heart disease and
many neurological disorders, like Alzheimer's.

PET scan is the most accurate, non-invasive way to

tell whether or not a tumor is benign or malignant,
sparing patients expensive, often painful diagnostic
surgeries and suggesting treatment options earlier in
the course of the disease. Although cancer spreads
silently in the body, PET can inspect all organs of the
body for cancer in a single examination.
How Does a PET/MRI Scanner Work?

A PET/MRI scanner is like two tests in one, a PET scan and

an MRI. Combining the PET and MRI studies makes a very
detailed 3D image of the body.
For the PET scan, a small amount of a radioactive element
(called a tracer) is injected into the blood. The tracer goes
to different areas of the body, depending upon how much
energy is needed. For example, if doctors want to know
where seizures are happening in the brain, they use a
glucose (sugar) tracer. The brain uses more glucose in the
area where a seizure happens. So the tracer would go to this
area if a seizure happens during the scan.
The MRI uses magnets to make an image of the body and a
picture of the area being scanned.
 If Pregnant
Tell the department staff beforehand if you
are or think you might be pregnant.

Preparing
for PET-
MRI Scan
Eat and Drinking
For most PET-MRI scans you need to stop
eating about 4 to 6 hours beforehand. You
can usually drink water during this time. This
may also include black tea and coffee that
doesn't contain sugar, milk, or cream.

Safety Checklist
Before you go to your
appointment, or when
you arrive, you fill in a
safety checklist. This asks
about:

- Any operations you have

Feeling Claustrophobic had
Some people feel claustrophobic when they're having a
scan. Contact the department staff before your test if - Whether you have any
you're likely to feel like this. They can take extra care to metal implants or other
make sure you're comfortable and that you understand metals in your body
what's going on. Your doctor can arrange to give you
medicine to help you relax if needed.
 What happens

When you arrive in the

scanning department your radiographer
asks you to change into a hospital gown.
You remove any jewelry and other metal
objects such as a belt, wired bra, hair
clips and coins. Your radiographer puts a
small plastic tube (called a cannula) into
the back of your hand or arm.

They then give you an

injection of a radioactive liquid called a
radiotracer. This is usually about an hour
before the scan. But in some cases you
might have the PET-MRI scan straight
away.
The radiotracer is a radioactive
sugar. The one commonly used is called FDG
(fluorodeoxyglucose). Cancer cells are very
active when they are growing and reproducing
in a specific area. They need energy to grow.
So, active cancer cells take up the FDG which
then shows up brighter on the scan.

You need to rest and avoid

moving too much while you wait for your
scan. This allows the radiotracer to
spread through your body and into your
tissues.
 scanningROOM
SCANNING room
Your radiographer takes you into the
scanning room. The PET-MRI machine is
large and shaped like a large tube.
You have most scans lying down on
the machine couch on your back. Your
radiographer places a sheet or a plastic case
over your body. This improves the picture
from the scan.
You might have an injection of a dye
(contrast medium) into your cannula during
the scan. This is a dye that helps to show up
your body organs more clearly.
The contrast can:
• make you feel sick
• give you a headache
• make you feel warm and flushed for
a minute or two
• give you a metallic taste in your
mouth
• make you feel a little dizzy
• make you feel like you’re passing
urine but you aren’t – this feeling is
common and passes quickly
These are usually mild and last for a
short time. Tell the radiographer if you feel
unwell at any point during or after your scan.
Once you're in the right position,
your radiographer leaves the room. They can
see you on a TV screen or through a window
from the control room. You can talk to each
other through an intercom. You’ll have a
buzzer you can press when you need
assistance.
Having the scan
• You need to lie as still as possible. The
scan is painless but it can be
uncomfortable to stay still. Tell them
if you're getting stiff and need to
move.
• The couch moves through the PET-
MRI scanner. It takes pictures as you
move through it. Your radiographer
might ask you to hold your breath at
times.
• The scanner makes a very loud
sound throughout the scan. You wear
earphones or headphones to protect
your hearing. You can also listen to
music or the radio.
After your PET-MRI scan
• When the scan is over, your
radiographer comes back into the
room and lowers the couch so that
you can get up.
• You might stay in the department for
about 15 minutes so the staff can
make sure there are no problems
after having the injection of contrast
medium. Your radiographer removes
the cannula from your arm.
• You should then be able to go home
or back to work. You can also eat and
drink normally. Drinking plenty after
your scan helps to flush the
radiotracer out your system.
• Someone will need to take you home
if you have had medicine to help you
relax (sedative). You won't be able to
drive for the rest of the day as you
might be drowsy.
• A very small amount of radiotracer is
left in your body for a short time after
your scan. So for the rest of the day
keep any time you spend within
arm's length of pregnant women,
babies or young children as short as
possible. Your radiographer will
advise you about this.
Kidney problems
There is a small risk that the
contrast medium can affect your
kidneys. Your radiographer checks
your most recent blood test results
before your scan to make sure your
kidneys are working well.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should only have
the scan in an emergency. There’s a risk
that the radiation could harm the
developing baby. Contact
department beforehand if you are or
think you might be pregnant.
Possible
Risk
the
Allergic reaction
Rarely, people have an allergic reaction
to the contrast medium. This can start with a
rash, weakness, sweating and difficulty
breathing. Tell your radiographer immediately if
you feel unwell so they can give you medicine to
help. Or tell them before you have the contrast if
you have had an allergic reaction to it before.
Bruising and swelling
You might get a small
bruise around the area
where your radiographer
puts the cannula in. There
is a risk that the radioactive
tracer or contrast will leak
outside the vein.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, let the
department know a few days
before your appointment. They
will let you know if you need to
stop breastfeeding for a length of
time after having the radioactive
drug. You might need to store
enough expressed milk for at
least one feed.
 Benefits of PET/MRI scans

More accurate diagnosis and treatment options:

PET/MRI scans of the brain can detect abnormal
findings that PET/CT misses in more than 50%
of patients scanned

Improved safety from significantly reduced

radiation exposure: Compared to PET/CT scans,
PET/MRI exposes patients to about 50%
less radiation.

Convenience of two scans in one:

PET/MRI eliminates the need for separate
appointments.