38. MRI and ultrasound PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR MEDICINE

PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR MEDICINE

38. MRI and ultrasound

A	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI is safer than X-rays because it does not use radiation. It provides more information than Computed Tomography about some head, neck and spinal disorders because the images are more detailed and have more contrast, meaning the differences between dark and light areas are stronger. Unlike CT, the images can be taken on any plane – any surface of the body seen from an angle. It is now used for imaging – taking images of – the brain and heart and in oncology. Contraindications, cases in which it should not be used, include patients with metallic foreign bodies in the orbits, and patients with pacemakers – electronic devices surgically implanted to regulate heartbeat. MRI is also not approved during the first trimester of pregnancy.
B	Ultrasound Ultrasound examination uses high-frequency sound waves to view organs and structures inside the body. The waves are generated and received by a hand-held device called a transducer. The reflected waves are processed by a computer which produces detailed images for display on a monitor. Ultrasound is safe as it does not employ ionizing radiation like X-rays. It is cheap, quick and non-invasive investigation – with no surgical procedure – for a wide range of referrals, although results can be unsatisfactory in obese (overweight) patients.
C	Preparing for medical imaging Preparing for an MRI scan You will need to have completed a safety questionnaire and have it with you(1). It is important that there is no metal on your clothing or person(2). Prior to the scan you can eat and drink normally(3). Your details and safety questionnaire will be checked with you by the radiographer, who will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have(4). You will be asked to remove any metallic objects, as well as credit cards(5). You will be asked to lie on the MRI scanner table and make yourself comfortable(6). The radiographer will position the part to be scanned carefully in the scanner(7). During the MRI scan you will not feel anything but you will be required to stay still to achieve the best possible images(8). The whole examination process takes approximately 45 minutes(9). You will not require any injections(10). Preparing for an ultrasound You will be asked to lie on an examining table(11). A special gel is applied to your skin(12). This ensures there are no air pockets between the transducer and your body(13). The transducer is moved over the area to be examined(14). You may feel some pressure and experience some discomfort, especially if the test requires you to have a full bladder(15). You may be asked to change your position for clearer pictures(16). When the radiologist is satisfied with the picture quality, the test is done and gel is wiped off(17). A typical test may take between 20 minutes and one hour(18).
D	Describing medical imaging An ultrasound scan of the liver revealed reduction of metastasis. An ultrasound scan of the abdomen demonstrated a small right renal tumour. An ultrasound scan showed an intra-abdominal abscess.

EXERCISES

38.1	Match the two parts of the sentences. Look at A above to help you. 1 MRI provides more detailed information than CT because 2 MRI is not approved for use in 3 MRI is safer than X-rays because
38.2	Match what the radiographer says during an MRI scan with a numbered point in C above. A You don’t need any injections. B I want you to lie down and just relax.
38.3	Match what the radiographer says during an ultrasound with a numbered point in C above. A I’m going to put some gel on your abdomen. You might find it a bit cold B That’s it. All done. I’ll just clean you up
38.4	Make word combinations using a word from each box. You may need to look at units 34 to 37. Then use some of the word combinations to complete the sentences. 1 I’m going to give you a ____________ so that you won’t feel any pain. 2 With an MRI, It’s important there are no metallic ____________ in the eye.

Answer key