MRI scan

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. In other words, a magnetic field is used to take pictures of the inside of your child’s body, as opposed to X-rays which are used in a CT scan. Your child is not allowed to have metal implants, earrings, or piercings when undergoing an MRI examination (the radiographer and radiologist will advise you on what materials/size/exceptions are acceptable).

The MRI scanner is a big hollow tube, which over the course of 20 minutes to 1 hour will take a detailed image of the inside of your child’s body.

If your child requires MRI without contrast (such as MRI brain), this can be arranged in our private hospital. If an MRI of the small bowel with iv contrast is required, this will be arranged in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and the radiologist will explain to you separately the logistics and risks of administering iv contrast substances.

For most children this is an uneventful procedure, however if you think your child will struggle to remain still for a period of time then there are things we can do to make it a more comfortable experience. For example, you may come with your child into the scanning room, for which we would need to know in advance if you are pregnant. Other things we can do to make the scan more comfortable for your child is to let your child watch a DVD during the scan.

Medicines given during an MRI scan

If we need give your child some medicine during the MRI scan to make the image clearer, the MRI will be performed at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital as a matter or precaution.

The radiographer will tell you which medicines your child has had in case of later side effects. The medicines most often used include:

·       Mannitol – This medicine is drunk and allows clear imaging of the wall of the bowel. A common side effect is loose or runny poo, so in the first few hours after the scan, your child should have access to a toilet. Dehydration may also occur, so ensure plenty of fluids in the hours following the scan.

·       Gadoteric acid (Dotarem®) – This is a dye that makes blood vessels and any inflammation show up more clearly on the pictures. It is given as an injection. A possible side effect is hypersensitivity, but this will normally be an immediate effect. There are no reported long term side effects of gadoteric acid.

Are there any risks?

An MRI scan is a completely safe procedure as the magnetic field will not cause your child any damage (provided there are no metal objects in your child’s body- Don’t worry; this will all be checked thoroughly before the scan).