Whole-body MRI
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Whole-body MRI

Whole-body MRI in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Whole-body MRI in Tunis: head-to-thigh scan in one session, prescribed by a doctor to detect or monitor certain diseases, without X-rays.

What is it?

A whole-body MRI examines a large part of the body in a single session, usually from the head down to the thighs (sometimes down to the feet). It uses fast sequences and involves no X-rays. It is a medical examination prescribed by a doctor, most often an oncologist, a haematologist or a rheumatologist. It is used, for example, to look for bone lesions (assessment of certain cancers or of myeloma), to follow a disease affecting several regions, or to monitor people with certain genetic predispositions, without multiplying tests that involve radiation. It is most often performed without a contrast agent injection. Like any MRI, it answers a specific question asked by the referring doctor.

When is it indicated?

Search for bone lesions in certain cancers

It examines the whole skeleton in one go, without X-rays.

Assessment and follow-up of myeloma

It shows bone marrow involvement and helps follow the effect of treatment.

Monitoring of genetic predispositions

In some people at high risk of cancer, it allows regular monitoring without radiation, on the doctor's advice.

Widespread inflammatory diseases

It looks for inflammation of muscles or joints affecting several regions of the body.

Preparation

1Remove jewellery, watch, piercings, hair clips, bank cards and any metal object before entering the scanner room
2Tell us in advance about any pacemaker or defibrillator, implant (cochlear implant, neurostimulator, pump), surgical clip, heart valve, prosthesis or metal fragment: some are MRI-compatible, others are not
3Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be
4Let us know if you are afraid of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia): the team will support you and your doctor can prescribe a mild sedative
5Fasting for a few hours may be requested; go to the toilet just before the examination
6Bring your referral, previous imaging (MRI, CT scan, ultrasound) and any relevant reports

Procedure

1

You change in a cubicle and put your metal objects in a locker

2

You lie on your back; several coils are placed on your body, from head to legs

3

The table moves forward in stages to cover the different regions one after another

4

Some series are taken while you hold your breath for a few seconds

5

The scanner makes loud, repetitive noises while the images are being taken: headphones or earplugs are provided

6

You stay in contact with the team through a microphone and a call bell that you hold in your hand

7

After the examination, you can return to your usual activities straight away

Duration

About 45 to 60 minutes

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Precautions and contraindications

No X-rays: MRI does not use ionising radiation
Not possible with a pacemaker, defibrillator or implant that is not MRI-compatible, or with a metal foreign body in the eye
Long examination: tell the team if you are in pain or find it hard to stay lying down
During pregnancy, MRI is only performed if it is really useful, and usually without an injection
You may feel enclosed inside the tunnel; the examination can be stopped at any time

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.

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