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MRI with cystic fibrosis
- Question
- We were advised to do an annual MRI for our son (9 years old, CF). What are the experiences with that and is this harmful to the body? We also want to add that our son does not have any lung problems and his lung function is always good.
Many thanks.
- Answer
- Hello,
The imaging of the lungs often shows pathological alterations long before the lung function shows suspicious findings or before clinical symptoms appear. Therefore, some CF centers started to do an CT or MRI of the lung on a regular basis in addition to the lung function test. The MRI shows structural alterations of the lung (i.e. alterations of the airway tissue) with an accuracy comparable to the CT imaging method. Compared to the CT method the advange of the MRI is that the patient is not exposed to radiation. The MRI is not harmful to the body. However, the duration to have an MRI done is longer (depending on the device type) and this can be a strain for children.
Best regards,
Prof. Helmut Ellemunter
- 14.09.2010
