During the Cervical soft tissue MRI scan, it's essential to remove any jewellery, piercings, removable dentures, hearing aids, and other metallic devices. Non-removable devices made of MRI-compatible materials such as migraine piercings, braces, dental bridges, dental crowns, and amalgam fillings can be scanned, but their presence might affect image quality. Patients may need to remove bras with metal braces or clasps at the back. It's also advisable to remove makeup and eye makeup to avoid artefacts caused by metal particles in the products. Additionally, ensure that no metal coins, phones, credit cards, or other magnetisable objects are left in pockets.
During the scan, the patient will lie supine on the examination table while holding a „panic button” that can be pressed to signal the radiographer in case of any problems. Ear protection is provided to reduce the loud clicking noises during the scan. The examining radiographer will place a cranial coil over the patient's head, along with a mirror on top so the patient can see outside the machine. This significantly reduces the feeling of confinement and allows the patient to see a companion or relative during the scan. To ensure a comfortable position, a pillow can be placed under the knees. The native cervical soft tissue examination lasts approximately 16 minutes and 19 minutes using a contrast agent.
If you are scheduled for a contrast-enhanced MRI scan and have had a contrast-enhanced CT scan previously, it's important to wait at least 1-2 weeks between the two scans. For breastfeeding individuals scheduled for a contrast-enhanced MRI scan, it's recommended to stop breastfeeding for 48 hours after the contrast agent has been injected.