Why do we use pineapple juice? During the MRCP, the pancreatobiliary ducts can be obscured by the high-intensity signal from the stomach and duodenum. Pineapple juice has a high natural manganese content that increase T1- and decreasing T2- signal intensity.
The pineapple juice contains manganese which will help produce clearer images during your scan. An MRI scanner is a short cylinder that is open at both ends.
You need to stop eating and drinking a couple of hours before an MRCP scan. This is usually 4 to 8 hours beforehand. Talk to your doctor if this could be a problem, for example if you're diabetic. You can usually take all your medicines as normal.
Just make sure you don't drink more than 8 ounces. You need to arrive 2.5 hours before the actual MRI Enterography exam in order to drink an oral contrast called VoLumen. MRI staff will begin giving you this oral contrast in 30-minute intervals. As you drink, you may feel full and have to go to the bathroom.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a special type of MRI that uses computer software to image the pancreatic and bile ducts, areas where tumors often form. MRCP is also used to see pancreatic cysts and blockages in the ducts. A MRCP can happen at the same time as an MRI.
MRCP is used to diagnose or assess conditions such as: Stones in the biliary or pancreatic ducts. Tumors. Inflammation of the gallbladder, bile duct, liver, pancreatic duct, or pancreas (pancreatitis)
The magnetic fields that change with time create loud knocking noises which may harm hearing if adequate ear protection is not used. They may also cause peripheral muscle or nerve stimulation that may feel like a twitching sensation. The radiofrequency energy used during the MRI scan could lead to heating of the body.
If you have to go to the bathroom, then go to the bathroom. On the other hand, do not go to the bathroom unless you must. There is a chance that you may be asked to drink some contrast material before the scan. You do not want this contrast material to mistakenly leave your body because you went to the bathroom.
Since the MRI machines are magnets, it is best to not apply deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, or body lotions before the examination. These items contain metals that might interfere with the magnetic field inside the MRI machine and cause you to have distorted images and wrong results.
Before the exam you will be asked to drink approximately 1 liter (3 bottles) of a liquid called Volumen. This will help distend the bowel so it can be better visualized during the MRI. During the exam you will be given an injection of contrast fluid called gadolinium.
MRCP doesn't require numbing, sedatives or anesthesia, unlike ERCP and PTC. MRCP comes with minimal risk, while ERCP or PTC may cause perforating (a hole in) the ducts or intestine, pancreatitis and possible sedation-related side effects.
MRCP can show gallstones, narrowing or blockages in the bile duct or the pancreatic duct, tumours, and evidence of inflammation. MRCP may be used to help determine the cause of: jaundice; pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas);
These may include nausea, headache, and pain at the site of injection. It is very rare that patients experience hives, itchy eyes, or other allergic reactions to the contrast material. If you have allergic symptoms, tell the technologist. A radiologist or other doctor will be available for immediate assistance.
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects.
Even a banana right before your test can work wonders.
What Should I Do Before My MRI? It's important not to drink a lot of caffeine before your MRI because caffeine will make your blood vessels constrict. If your scan is monitoring blood flow, constricted blood vessels will give you inaccurate results.
Can a subject wear deodorant for an MRI scan? It is recommended to refrain from wearing any powder, perfumes, deodorant and/or lotions on your underarms and chest area prior to the procedure. This is to prevent the possibility of localized burns because these items may have metal in them.
The Morning of Your MRI
You can brush your teeth in the morning, just be sure to spit the water out!
After the scan, you can resume normal activities immediately. But if you have had a sedative, a friend or relative will need to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. It's not safe to drive, operate heavy machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours after having a sedative.
You will need to hold urine in your bladder for 30 minutes before your scan. Your doctor will talk with you about the scan and answer your questions.
It's important that patients remove all clothing prior to their MRI exam. We ask patients to remove: All outer clothing, including shoes. Bras or any undergarment that could have metal in it.
Unless you're told otherwise, you can shower and wash your hair the morning of your MRI. Don't use any hair products (such as hair spray or hair gel). Don't wear any metal objects. Remove all jewelry, including body piercings.
There aren't any side-effects from the MRI scan itself. However, if you've had an injection of contrast medium (dye) as part of the investigation, you may have some side-effects which might include a skin rash, dizziness, a headache, and nausea.
How long does an MRI scan take? A single scan may take a few seconds or 3 to 8 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath during short scans. The total scan lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are needed.
Drawbacks of MRI scans include their much higher cost, and patient discomfort with the procedure. The MRI scanner subjects the patient to such powerful electromagnets that the scan room must be shielded.