POSTER SECTIONS Coverpage Learning objectives Background Findings and procedure details Conclusion Personal information References

ECR 2014 / C-0549

MRI scanning of the claustrophobic patients

This poster is published under an open license. Please read the disclaimer for further details.

Congress:

ECR 2014

Poster Number:

C-0549

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

Education and training, Safety, MR, MR physics

Authors:

M. Minov¹, A. Doreski², M. Popovska², G. Markoski², S. Jovanoska³, I. miladinovski²; ¹Stip/MK, ²Skopje/MK, ³MK

DOI:

10.1594/ecr2014/C-0549

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.1594/ecr2014/C-0549

Fig. 3: Open MRI systems up to 3T and environment with windows and sky pictures giving...

Fig. 4: Alarm pump and device for communication with patient

Fig. 5: Medications in control dose could be helpful during examination.

Fig. 6: Video systems as cinema-vision are very helpful especially in younger patients...

Fig. 7: In some cases company from member of the family help patient to fill relax

Fig. 8: Hypnosis is one of the unconventional methods in dealing with claustrophobia

Fig. 9: MRI up to 0.2T suitable for examination of the joints

Fig. 10: Open up-right MRI systems up to 1.2T

Findings and procedure details

Solutions to deal with claustrophobia:

1. Optimizing the MRI exam

- Reducing the exam time by choosing the most important and shorter sequences

- Using parallel acquisition techniques (IPAT)

- Using BLADE Motion Compensation sequences. BLADE uses special algorithms and advanced pulse sequences to decrase or eliminate motion artefact and also reduce MRI examination time.

- Optimal reducing of the FoV in phase encoding directions (this will decrease acquisition time but not affect to much image quality).

2. Open MRI systems

They are usually up to 0.5T and have benefits and limitations.

- Benefits: greatly reduces the feeling of claustrophobia

- Limitations: limited use in advanced clinical studies

3. Preparing the patient for the exam

- Explaining all the procedure details telling that have the control by giving him the panic button

- Having constant verbal interaction through the whole exam

- Medications – level of sedation appropriate for the patient

- Offer him company by family member in MRI room

- Small towel placed over the eyes

4. Environment

- Windows within the MRI suite that provides natural light and enhances the sense of openness,

- Creating sky with stars and dim ambient light that increases the sense of comfort

- Using system of mirrors above the patient head, and enabling them a wider field of view

MRI audio and video systems, 3D options like cinema-vision

5. Unconventional techniques

- Hypnosis - a possibility in dealing with claustrophobia?

- Meditation – reducing the stress and anxiety should improve the exam?

6. Future solutions

- New MRI systems - with its large bore and high magnetic field (even 3T available)

- New design of coils (with direct digital signal coding accelerate the acquisition time)

- Specialized extremity MRI systems - smaller compact systems for scanning arms, hands, wrists, knees, ankles, etc.

- New open “upright” systems that claim effective field up to 1.2T