MRI Scan (Magnetická rezonance)

Diagnostic MRI at Multiscan Pardubice is performed on two Siemens scanners — a 1.5T Magnetom Avanto Fit and a premium 3T Magnetom Skyra with a wide 70 cm bore — covering brain and neurological studies, abdominal organs, prostate, breast, enterography and spine examinations. The 3T scanner delivers superior soft-tissue contrast compared with standard 1.5T units, making it particularly valuable for complex neurological, oncological and prostate imaging. Self-pay and international patients are coordinated through Altoa Medical Tourism, the centre's dedicated partner for non-insured visitors. Scans run 20–50 minutes depending on the protocol, with results forwarded directly to the referring physician and a free printed copy available at reception with ID.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to create detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissue, organs and the nervous system without ionising radiation. Unlike CT or X-ray, it provides exceptional contrast between different soft-tissue types — distinguishing white matter from grey matter, identifying joint cartilage damage, detecting small tumours within the liver or prostate, or mapping the extent of bowel disease — which makes it the first-choice modality for a wide range of diagnostic questions. Multiscan Pardubice operates two Siemens MRI scanners from distinct product tiers. The Magnetom Avanto Fit (1.5 Tesla, 60 cm bore, maximum patient weight 160 kg) is the workhorse for standard brain, spine and abdominal protocols. The Magnetom Skyra (3 Tesla, 70 cm wide bore, 250 kg limit) is the premium system: the higher field strength doubles the signal-to-noise ratio compared with 1.5T, enabling higher-resolution acquisitions, shorter scan times for equivalent quality, or both simultaneously. The 70 cm bore is also more comfortable for larger patients or those with claustrophobia who may struggle in narrower 60 cm units. At 3T, prostate MRI achieves the image quality required for PI-RADS scoring used in prostate cancer diagnosis and staging; brain studies can resolve sub-millimetre structures relevant to neurosurgical planning. Exam types offered include brain and neurological (including MS, stroke, tumour), abdominal (liver, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands), prostate (including multi-parametric mpMRI for cancer staging), breast MRI, enterography (bowel and small intestine), and full spine studies. Cardiac MRI, arthrography, procedures requiring general anaesthesia and paediatric patients under 4 years are not performed at this facility. Preparation varies by exam type. For standard brain and spine studies, patients arrive normally hydrated with no special preparation. Abdominal studies require a 4-hour food fast and 2-hour fluid fast. Prostate studies require 2–3 days of low-fibre diet, bowel evacuation the evening before and morning of the scan, and a 4-hour fast on the day. Enterography is the most preparation-intensive: light diet the day before, consumption of 1.5–2 L of fluids through the previous afternoon, a full fast on examination day, arrival 1 hour early and consumption of 1.5 L sorbitol solution before the scan; patients should bring an escort as transient visual impairment may persist up to 12 hours after the contrast agent. Contraindications include pacemakers and active electronic implants (neurostimulators, cochlear implants), vascular clips in the brain unless confirmed MR-compatible by a neurosurgeon, metal foreign bodies in the eye, insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, and first-trimester pregnancy (not recommended). The department screens all patients for implants before booking. Results are transmitted electronically to the referring physician via the ePACS system; a free first copy in printed form is available at the Rokycanova reception desk with a valid ID. Booking is by appointment via the online form at multiscan.cz or phone +420 466 686 500 (Monday–Friday 07:00–21:00).