Whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows the evaluation, in a single session, of multiple regions of the body – usually from the skull to the thighs. It is a non-invasive examination with no ionizing radiation, performed only with a medical prescription.
What is Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
Whole-body MRI is a diagnostic imaging exam that systematically evaluates several regions of the body in the same session, such as:
- Skull and brain;
- Spine;
- Mediastinum and part of the chest;
- Abdomen and pelvis;
- Axial skeleton and part of the appendicular skeleton (bone and bone marrow).
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.
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.
What is the price of a Whole-Body MRI?
The price of a whole-body MRI at NRD is 500€, when performed privately.
However, it may be carried out through several agreements, including:
- ADSE: When the whole-body MRI is performed under ADSE, the patient pays only the fee of 60€.
- IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP.
- Insurance companies: Médis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vitória, Una Seguros, among other insurers.
- Health Plans: Medicare, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, among other health plans.
- Protocols: 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 350€.
The price varies depending on the healthcare system or insurance you choose to use.
How is it performed?
The patient is positioned lying on their back inside the MRI scanner.
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.
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.
The MRI scanner is open at both ends.
The duration of a whole-body MRI is approximately 60 minutes. During this time, it is necessary to remain still and follow the instructions of the technical team.
Earplugs are provided to reduce the perception of the scanner noise.
What does it detect?
Whole-body MRI can help detect and characterize various conditions, namely:
- Bone and bone marrow disease
- Lesions related to multiple myeloma;
- Bone metastases from various solid tumors;
- Pathological fractures or diffuse inflammatory changes.
- Lesions in internal organs
- Nodules or masses in thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic organs (e.g., liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen);
- Enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy).
- Muscle and soft tissue involvement
- Soft tissue tumors;
- Certain inflammatory myopathies or extensive infections, in selected contexts.
- Overall assessment of oncological disease
- Initial staging in certain tumors;
- Monitoring treatment response or surveillance in specific diseases.
In which cases is it indicated?
Whole-body MRI should always be considered by a physician on a case-by-case basis. It is sometimes considered in situations such as:
- Known oncological disease, to:
- Assess disease extent (staging);
- Search for bone and visceral metastases;
- Monitor treatment response in certain tumors.
- Multiple myeloma and other hematological diseases
- Assessment of the extent of bone and marrow infiltration.
- High-risk oncological genetic syndromes
- In selected contexts, agreed upon between the attending physician and the radiologist, it may be considered for surveillance of certain high-risk hereditary syndromes.
- Suspicion of multifocal inflammatory or infectious disease
- Example: suspicion of systemic rheumatic diseases with involvement of multiple joints or structures.
- Diffuse bone pain, laboratory abnormalities, or unexplained systemic symptoms, when other exams have been inconclusive and the physician considers a global assessment useful.
- Among other cases.
Preparation and guidance for whole-body MRI
Before having an MRI at NRD, please consider the following:
| Topic | Guidance |
| Exam Prescription (paper copy) | You must bring the Exam Prescription in paper format. |
| Fasting | 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). |
| Arrive early | Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time. |
| Medication | You may take important, non-deferrable medication with the minimum amount of water. |
| Metal objects | Remove all metal objects (e.g., earrings, bracelets, necklaces, piercings, hair clips, removable prostheses, etc.). |
| Pregnancy | Inform the NRD healthcare professional if you are pregnant. |
| Tests / analyses / clinical information | Bring previous exams, relevant clinical information, and your latest lab results. |
| Glucose monitoring implant | Do not apply the implant, as it will have to be removed before the exam. |
| Make-up | Do not wear make-up, as some products may interfere with the exam. |
| Valvular and/or orthopedic prostheses | If you have valvular and/or orthopedic prostheses, bring proof describing the device and the material composition. |
| Hearing aids | Inform us if you use a hearing aid, as it must be removed before the exam. |
| Dental prostheses | Inform us if you use a dental prosthesis, as it must be removed before the exam. Also inform us if you have dental implants. |
| Orthodontic appliances | Let us know if you have orthodontic braces/appliances. A test may be needed to assess compatibility with MRI. |
| Pacemakers and implantable devices | 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. |
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.
You must remain still during the exam to ensure image quality.
After the exam, you can return to your usual routine, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
When and how will you receive the results?
You will receive the MRI results within 7 days 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.
Where can it be performed?
Whole-body MRI can be performed at NRD, at the following address:
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 11-B, ground floor, 1070–060 Lisbon (near Praça de Espanha).