Our institute is currently the only facility in Hungary performing PET/MR examinations. The combination of PET diagnostics and MR represents a revolution in 3D diagnostics. PET/MR is a hybrid imaging technology capable of simultaneously acquiring and evaluating MR morphological and functional data together with the metabolic information provided by PET. The radiopharmaceuticals used for PET/MR examinations are produced on-site in our own radiochemistry laboratory.

What You Need to Know About PET/MR Examination

MR: Digital imaging based on magnetic resonance
PET: Positron Emission Tomography

MR examination uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to obtain highly detailed images with excellent tissue resolution in any plane of the examined body region. Certain structures and pathological abnormalities can be distinguished more effectively than with other imaging methods. Therefore, MR examinations are widely used in the diagnosis of tumors, inflammatory diseases, circulatory disorders, injuries, neurological conditions, and for examining almost every part of the body.

PET examination assesses the distribution and abnormal accumulation of intravenously administered radiopharmaceuticals and provides information about tissue metabolism. Cells and tissues with accelerated metabolism accumulate increased amounts of radiopharmaceuticals, which may indicate specific diseases. The administered radiopharmaceutical exposes both the patient and the environment to radiation. The radiopharmaceuticals used in PET examinations have a short half-life and are completely broken down and eliminated from the body within 24 hours.

The combination of PET diagnostics and MR represents a revolution in 3D diagnostics. PET/MR is a hybrid imaging technology that enables the simultaneous acquisition and joint evaluation of MR morphological and functional data together with PET metabolic information.

The PET/MR system operating at our institute has a magnetic field strength of 3 Tesla, which is twice as high as equipment commonly used in routine human diagnostics in Hungary. This allows the acquisition of higher-resolution images with finer structural detail, better contrast, and a higher signal-to-noise ratio without increasing examination time.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE A PET/MR EXAMINATION!

Please note that a constant magnetic field is present in the MR scanner and examination room; therefore, examinations can only be performed under certain conditions. Please read our MR information leaflet carefully before your examination.

The MR scanner contains a very strong magnetic field. As a result, the examination may be contraindicated for individuals with certain metallic, electrical, magnetic, or mechanical implants or devices. Examples include pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, aneurysm clips, artificial eyes, implanted hearing devices, bullets, pellets, metal fragments, prosthetic heart valves, joint prostheses, artificial limbs, and orthopedic metal implants.

What Is Required for a PET/MR Examination

Referral

A privately financed PET/MR examination can be initiated by completing and returning our private examination request form.

How to Prepare for a PET/MR Examination

General instructions:

• Do not eat for 6 hours before the examination, but drink plenty of sugar-free and sweetener-free fluids.
• You may take your medications as usual; please inform our staff about all medications you take.
• Metal objects on your body or clothing may interfere with the examination and may also pose a safety risk. Remove all metal items before entering the MR examination room.

In case of diabetes:

If you have diabetes, please inform our staff when booking your appointment.

• For FDG examinations, blood glucose levels should be maintained between 4 and 11 mmol/L. Elevated blood glucose levels may cause inaccurate results and may require rescheduling of the examination.
• Patients treated with insulin may administer insulin as usual and may eat. You must attend the examination within 3 hours after insulin administration.
• If diabetes is treated with oral medication, medications may be taken as usual, but no food may be consumed during the 6 hours preceding the examination.

In case of pregnancy:

• The examination cannot be performed during pregnancy or if pregnancy is suspected, except in special cases approved after consultation with the specialist team.

During the 48 hours before the examination:

• Avoid heavy physical work and intensive sporting activities.

On the day of the examination:

• Layered clothing is recommended.
• Avoid clothing containing metal elements.
• Do not bring valuables or jewelry; remove piercings and body jewelry.
• Remove dentures containing metal.
• Avoid smoking.
• A mild sedative may be used in cases of claustrophobia.
• Breastfeeding mothers should prepare enough milk for one day, as breastfeeding must be suspended for 24 hours after the examination.
• If you have a stoma, empty the stoma bag immediately before the examination and bring a spare bag.
• If you use a catheter, urine bag, diaper, or pad, please empty or replace it immediately before the examination and bring spare supplies.

Risks and possible side effects of the PET/MR examination:

• The PET/MR examination itself is completely painless.
• The radiopharmaceutical used has no pharmacological effect on the body and the procedure is considered safe with regard to allergic reactions.

What Happens During the PET/MR Examination

Upon arrival, please report to reception for registration, verification of personal data, and completion of the PET/MR consent form. Please arrive on time, otherwise the examination may not be possible.

Please bring the following documents:

• Personal identification card
• Address card
• TAJ card
• Previous medical reports related to the examination, including CT, MR, ultrasound images, laboratory results, and discharge summaries
• Any documentation relating to implanted metal devices or implants

Your current condition will be assessed by a qualified staff member. Medical history will be reviewed, weight and height measured, and blood glucose checked before radiopharmaceutical administration. For FDG examinations, blood glucose above 11 mmol/L may require rescheduling.

Following assessment, the radiopharmaceutical required for the PET examination will be administered intravenously.

After injection, close contact with staff will be minimized for radiation protection purposes, although assistance will always be available if needed.

After the injection, you must wait quietly for 10–120 minutes to allow the radiopharmaceutical to distribute throughout the body. During this period, physical and mental activity should be avoided.

During the waiting period, restroom facilities may be used. Before the scan begins, you will be asked to empty your bladder and, if necessary, change pads or empty a stoma bag.

Please take special care not to contaminate yourself or the environment with urine.

You will be called by name by the radiographer, who will review the consent form with you and assist you throughout the examination.

The PET/MR examination lasts approximately 15–60 minutes depending on the type of examination. Loud noises are normal during scanning. The patient is monitored throughout the procedure and may alert staff at any time using the alarm device provided.

Instructions After the PET/MR Examination

• Avoid close physical contact, including hugging and sleeping together, for 24 hours after the examination.
• Take particular care around pregnant women and small children.
• If breastfeeding, discard expressed breast milk for 24 hours after the examination.
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least 2–3 litres) and urinate frequently.
• Avoid contaminating yourself or your surroundings with urine.
• Avoid close contact with pregnant women and young children for one day.
• The radiopharmaceutical used for the PET/MR examination is completely broken down and eliminated from the body within one day.

PET/MR Examination Results

• Results and reports will be sent to the patient by post.
• Reports may also be collected personally or by an authorized representative.
• Please keep your report and bring it with you for future examinations.
• For privately financed examinations, reports will be sent electronically within 5 working days or may be collected in person.

For a more accurate diagnosis, it may be necessary to administer an MR contrast agent intravenously. This helps detect abnormalities that may not be visible on non-contrast images and allows more accurate assessment of certain conditions.

The contrast agent carries a small risk and may cause allergic symptoms such as a bitter or metallic taste or temporary itching. Serious reactions are very rare, and we are fully prepared to manage them.

If you experience any of the symptoms described above, please inform our staff immediately so we can assist you.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us perform our work in support of your recovery.