A prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to generate highly detailed images of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. This advanced imaging technique is instrumental in detecting and assessing prostate conditions, including the presence, size, and location of tumors. For the scan to yield the most accurate results and to ensure patient safety, adhering to specific preparatory instructions before the procedure is important.
Dietary and Hydration Restrictions
Preparing for a prostate MRI often involves specific dietary and hydration adjustments to optimize image clarity. These restrictions aim to ensure the rectum is clear, as gas and stool can create artifacts that obscure the prostate gland and diminish the study’s ability to identify abnormalities.
Patients are advised to eat light meals the evening before the MRI, avoiding fiber-rich foods that can increase gas production, and on the day of the scan, consuming only clear fluids up to a few hours beforehand is suggested. A bowel preparation, such as a Fleet enema, may also be administered 1 to 3 hours before the exam to help clear the rectum. To further reduce gas, avoid carbonated drinks, chewing gum, and excessive talking while eating, as these activities can lead to swallowing air. Some facilities also advise refraining from sexual activity, particularly ejaculation, for 48 hours to three days prior to the scan, as this can affect seminal vesicle clarity. A muscle relaxant like Buscopan might be administered to minimize motion artifacts from bowel activity during the scan.
Medications and Supplements
Discuss all medications and supplements you are taking with your healthcare provider before your prostate MRI. Never discontinue any prescribed medication without explicit medical advice. While most medications can be taken as usual, some may require specific guidance.
Blood thinners typically do not pose a direct problem for the MRI scan itself. However, if the MRI is part of a workup that might involve a subsequent invasive procedure, like a prostate biopsy, your doctor might provide specific instructions regarding these medications. Iron supplements are also important, as iron is a ferromagnetic substance. If ingested too close to the scan, iron can cause significant artifacts by dephasing the MR signal, obscuring diagnostic images. Patients are often advised to avoid taking iron supplements for at least 24 hours prior to the MRI to prevent these image distortions, and certain dietary supplements, such as curcumin, which possess iron-chelating properties, may also contribute to iron accumulation in the bowel, potentially causing image artifacts.
Personal Items and Metal
The MRI environment utilizes a powerful magnetic field, requiring removal of all metal objects before entering the scanning room. Ferromagnetic materials can be strongly attracted to the magnet, posing a safety risk as dangerous projectiles. This “missile effect” can cause severe injury to patients or staff and damage the MRI equipment.
Beyond the projectile risk, metal objects can also distort MRI images, creating artifacts that compromise diagnostic quality. Metallic items can also heat up during the scan, potentially causing burns. Therefore, you will be asked to remove:
All jewelry
Watches
Hearing aids
Credit or debit cards (magnetic field can erase data)
Removable dentures
Hairpins
Glasses
Patients are required to change into a hospital gown, as personal clothing may contain metallic components like zippers or studs that could react with the magnetic field. Even makeup and some nail polishes can contain metallic particles, so their removal may be necessary if the scanned area includes the face or hands.
What to Discuss with Your Doctor
Discussing your medical history with your doctor or the MRI technologist before the scan is important to ensure both safety and imaging quality. Disclose any implanted medical devices you may have, such as pacemakers, cardiac defibrillators, certain aneurysm clips, or neurostimulators. While modern implants, including many titanium dental implants, are often MRI-safe, verify compatibility by providing any implant cards you possess.
Kidney function is important, especially if a contrast agent containing gadolinium will be used for the MRI; while newer gadolinium-based contrast agents are generally considered safer, impaired kidney function can increase the risk of rare but serious conditions like nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) with older agents. Therefore, kidney function tests may be performed before the scan. Inform your healthcare team about any known allergies, particularly to contrast dyes or other substances, as rare but severe allergic reactions can occur, and in some cases, pre-medication might be recommended for patients with a history of such reactions. If you experience claustrophobia, discuss this with your doctor; mild sedatives may be prescribed to help you relax during the procedure.