MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MEDICON RDG Budějovická's MRI service provides soft-tissue, neurological, vascular, and musculoskeletal imaging without ionising radiation. The centre performs brain, spine, joint, breast, and bowel MRI as well as MR angiography of cerebral arteries, the aortic arch, and peripheral vessels. Gadolinium contrast (not iodine-based) is used where indicated, making this option suitable for patients with iodine contrast allergies. Every examination is reported by a specialist radiologist and imaging is supplied on CD; results are also accessible by referring physicians via the ePACS inter-hospital digital network. Weekend appointments are available for scheduled patients. The centre is in the yellow building (žlutá budova), entrance 6, basement, a one-minute walk from Budějovická metro station on line C.

The MRI service at MEDICON — RDG Budějovická operates from the radiodiagnostic centre in the basement of the yellow building (žlutá budova, vchod č. 6, suterén) on the Poliklinika Budějovická campus. The facility is fully digitalised and integrated into the ePACS inter-hospital imaging network, so referring GPs and specialists can retrieve images and radiologist reports without requiring a physical CD. The centre offers a comprehensive scope of MRI examinations. Neurological studies cover the brain (including hypophysis and orbits), spinal cord, and all segments of the vertebral column. Musculoskeletal studies include shoulders, knees, sacroiliac joints, and other peripheral joints with full soft-tissue assessment. Abdominal and pelvic MRI is available, as is specialised MR enterography for detailed small-bowel imaging — useful in Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel conditions. MR breast imaging (MR prsů) is available as a supplement to standard mammography for high-risk patients. Vascular studies include MR angiography of the cerebral arteries, the aortic arch and extracranial carotid arteries, and the lower limb arteries. Gadolinium-based contrast is used where clinically required. Gadolinium is not iodine-based, so it represents a safe alternative for patients with iodine contrast allergy who require CT contrast for other indications. No fasting is required before gadolinium contrast, unlike CT contrast protocols. Preparation is minimal for most examinations. Enterography and cholangiopancreatography studies require specific preparation that staff communicate at the time of booking. Patients with claustrophobia should come fasting with an escort; mild sedation is available, but they cannot drive afterwards. All patients must declare any metal or electronic implants before the examination — the radiologist performs an MRI compatibility assessment based on the implant type and manufacturer documentation. Absolute contraindications include cardiac pacemakers, implanted defibrillators (ICD), cochlear implants, and some foreign metallic bodies. Patients with vascular stents, vein filters, or aneurysm clips in the brain or orbit require an MRI compatibility certificate from the implant manufacturer. Each study is interpreted by a specialist radiologist and a written report (nález) is produced for every examination. Imaging is provided on CD, and all data are simultaneously accessible via the ePACS network. MRI appointments are available Monday through Friday 07:00–19:00 and, uniquely for a Prague outpatient facility, scheduled weekend examinations are also possible. Most MRI studies are covered by Czech public health insurance with a valid referral. International self-pay patients should contact the booking line (+420 222 534 634) or email [email protected] to confirm current pricing and availability before travelling.