Magnetic resonance imaging
A scan without ionising radiation, on a Siemens Symphony 1.5 T Tim system at our Sarajevo clinic. The report is normally ready within 24 hours.
What an MRI is
Magnetic resonance imaging uses no X-rays. The image is produced by a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses acting on hydrogen atoms in the body — and hydrogen is most abundant in water and fat. That is why MRI shows soft tissue so well: the brain and spinal cord, cartilage, ligaments, menisci, muscles and internal organs.
Where X-ray and CT show bone and tissue density above all, magnetic resonance shows the structure and condition of soft tissue. The two examinations therefore do not replace one another but complement each other, and which one you need is decided by a doctor on the basis of your symptoms.
The scanner at our clinic also performs spectroscopy — a method that allows tumorous and non-tumorous changes to be distinguished without a biopsy.
When it is usually done
In practice an MRI is most often requested when symptoms have lasted a while and basic examinations have not answered the question. Typical situations:
- Persistent headaches, dizziness, disturbances of vision or speech — MRI of the brain.
- Pain spreading from the spine into an arm or leg, tingling and weakness — MRI of the cervical or lumbosacral spine.
- Pain and instability of the knee, hip or shoulder, suspected damage to a meniscus, ligament or tendon.
- Following up a change that is already known — when it matters whether and how much it has altered.
- Examining blood vessels without catheterisation — MR angiography.
- Examining the small bowel — MR enterography.
An MRI is an examination a doctor refers you for after an examination. If you are not sure which specialist you need, work through the symptom guide.
Preparation
Most scans need no special preparation — come at a time that suits you and bring any earlier medical records and images you have. For scans of the abdomen and pelvis the doctor may ask you not to eat for a few hours beforehand; this is agreed when you book.
Jewellery, watches and glasses are removed before you enter the room. Bank cards and anything else with a magnetic stripe stay outside — the magnetic field erases them.
Do tell us in advance if you have a pacemaker, metal implants, vascular clips, an insulin pump or a hearing implant. Some of these devices are not compatible with the magnetic field and some are compatible under conditions — that is checked before the appointment, not on the day.
What the scan is like
You lie on a moving table that slides into the cylindrical opening of the scanner. The scan is painless but loud — the machine produces rhythmic knocking while it works, so you are given ear protection. Lying still matters: any movement blurs the images and part of the series has to be repeated.
Duration depends on the region: usually between 15 and 55 minutes. For some scans a contrast agent is given into a vein, which helps to assess blood supply and the borders of a finding.
If enclosed spaces are difficult for you, say so when booking. For people with marked claustrophobia the scan is planned differently or another method is chosen.
The report
The report is normally ready within 24 hours, sometimes sooner. Images can be issued digitally in DICOM format, so any doctor or hospital can open them.
On request the report is issued in English or German — useful for patients continuing treatment outside Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Prices
| Service | Price, KM |
|---|---|
| MRI of the orbits | 239 |
| MRI of the cervical spine | 239 |
| MRI of the lumbosacral spine | 239 |
| MRI of the hip joints | 249 |
| MRI of the knee joint | 330 |
| MRI of the whole spine | 450 – 480 |
| MR angiography | 420 |
| MRI of the heart | 550 |
| MR enterography | 450 |
| Whole-body MRI | 999 |
| Contrast agent | 80 |
Prices are shown in convertible marks (KM). The full list is in the price list, and you can add several services up in the cost estimator.
Frequently asked questions
Is an MRI harmful?
Do I need a referral?
How long does it take?
Can I have an MRI with a pacemaker?
When do I get the images?
Book an appointment
Booking is direct, no referral needed. Call whichever clinic is closest to you, or leave a request on the contact page.