{"id":2544,"date":"2025-12-10T17:21:56","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T17:21:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/?post_type=exames&#038;p=2544"},"modified":"2026-01-19T16:15:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T16:15:36","slug":"whole-body-magnetic-resonance-imaging","status":"publish","type":"exames","link":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/exams\/whole-body-magnetic-resonance-imaging","title":{"rendered":"Whole-Body MRI"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows the evaluation, in a single session, of multiple regions of the body \u2013 usually from the skull to the thighs. It is a non-invasive examination with no ionizing radiation, performed only with a medical prescription.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole-body MRI is a diagnostic imaging exam that systematically evaluates several regions of the body in the same session, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skull and brain;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spine;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mediastinum and part of the chest;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdomen and pelvis;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Axial skeleton and part of the appendicular skeleton (bone and bone marrow).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It uses specific MRI sequences, including techniques sensitive to changes in bone marrow and soft tissues, to detect inflammatory, infectious, tumoral, or other diffuse or multifocal lesions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In certain cases, whole-body MRI may be performed without intravenous contrast, using advanced sequences (for example, diffusion-weighted imaging) that allow the identification of suspicious lesions. In selected cases, the radiologist may recommend contrast for better characterization of specific areas or lesions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the price of a Whole-Body MRI?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The price of a whole-body MRI at NRD is <strong>500<\/strong><\/span><strong>\u20ac, when performed privately.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it may be carried out through several agreements, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ADSE:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When the whole-body MRI is performed under ADSE, the patient pays only the fee of <strong>60<\/strong><\/span><b>\u20ac<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insurance companies:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> M\u00e9dis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vit\u00f3ria, Una Seguros, among other insurers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Health Plans:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Medicare, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, among other health plans.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Protocols:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> NRD has protocols with several clinics and institutions that allow you to undergo the exam at very competitive prices. In the case of whole-body MRI, the price under a protocol is <strong>350<\/strong><\/span><b>\u20ac<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The price varies depending on the healthcare system or insurance you choose to use.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is it performed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The patient is positioned lying on their back inside the MRI scanner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exam is performed sequentially, usually from the skull to the thighs, allowing the evaluation of multiple regions of the body in the same procedure. Appropriate coils are used to capture high-definition images in each area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, intravenous contrast may be required for better characterization of certain findings. In these cases, it will be necessary to puncture the arm or hand to place a peripheral venous catheter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The MRI scanner is open at both ends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The duration of a whole-body MRI is approximately <\/span><b>60 minutes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. During this time, it is necessary to remain still and follow the instructions of the technical team.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earplugs are provided to reduce the perception of the scanner noise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1661\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica.jpg\" alt=\"resson\u00e2ncia magn\u00e9tica\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it detect?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole-body MRI can help detect and characterize various conditions, namely:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bone and bone marrow disease<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lesions related to multiple myeloma;<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bone metastases from various solid tumors;<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pathological fractures or diffuse inflammatory changes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lesions in internal organs<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nodules or masses in thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic organs (e.g., liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen);<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Muscle and soft tissue involvement<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soft tissue tumors;<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain inflammatory myopathies or extensive infections, in selected contexts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Overall assessment of oncological disease<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Initial staging in certain tumors;<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring treatment response or surveillance in specific diseases.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In which cases is it indicated?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole-body MRI should always be considered by a physician on a case-by-case basis. It is sometimes considered in situations such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Known oncological disease, to:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assess disease extent (staging);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Search for bone and visceral metastases;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitor treatment response in certain tumors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Multiple myeloma and other hematological diseases<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessment of the extent of bone and marrow infiltration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>High-risk oncological genetic syndromes<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In selected contexts, agreed upon between the attending physician and the radiologist, it may be considered for surveillance of certain high-risk hereditary syndromes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Suspicion of multifocal inflammatory or infectious disease<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example: suspicion of systemic rheumatic diseases with involvement of multiple joints or structures.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diffuse bone pain, laboratory abnormalities, or unexplained systemic symptoms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, when other exams have been inconclusive and the physician considers a global assessment useful.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among other cases.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation and guidance for whole-body MRI<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before having an MRI at NRD, please consider the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Topic<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Guidance<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exam Prescription (paper copy)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must bring the Exam Prescription in paper format.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, fasting is only necessary when contrast is used. In most cases, fasting is 3 hours (we confirm at the time of booking, as there are exceptions).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrive early<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may take important, non-deferrable medication with the minimum amount of water.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metal objects<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove all metal objects (e.g., earrings, bracelets, necklaces, piercings, hair clips, removable prostheses, etc.).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform the NRD healthcare professional if you are pregnant.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tests \/ analyses \/ clinical information<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring previous exams, relevant clinical information, and your latest lab results.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glucose monitoring implant<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not apply the implant, as it will have to be removed before the exam.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make-up<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not wear make-up, as some products may interfere with the exam.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valvular and\/or orthopedic prostheses<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have valvular and\/or orthopedic prostheses, bring proof describing the device and the material composition.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hearing aids<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform us if you use a hearing aid, as it must be removed before the exam.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dental prostheses<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform us if you use a dental prosthesis, as it must be removed before the exam. Also inform us if you have dental implants.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthodontic appliances<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let us know if you have orthodontic braces\/appliances. A test may be needed to assess compatibility with MRI.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pacemakers and implantable devices<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NRD does not perform MRI scans on people with pacemakers or implantable devices (e.g., cochlear implant). In these cases, it is recommended that the exam be done in a hospital setting.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Throughout the MRI exam, you will be continuously monitored by the NRD imaging technologist responsible for your exam. You will also have access to an alert system that you can activate if you need assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must remain still during the exam to ensure image quality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the exam, you can return to your usual routine, unless your doctor advises otherwise.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When and how will you receive the results?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will receive the MRI results within <\/span><b>7 days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after the exam, either by email or in paper format at the clinic. On the day of the exam, you will receive a CD with the images.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where can it be performed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole-body MRI can be performed at NRD, at the following address:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, n\u00ba 11-B, ground floor, 1070\u2013060 Lisbon (near Pra\u00e7a de Espanha).<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-2544","exames","type-exames","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames\/2544","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/exames"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2544"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}