The Proton Therapy Center in Prague offers magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography in combination with computed tomography (PET/CT). The wait time is typically short. We offer examinations not only to our cancer patients, but also to those who have a referral from other clinics or hospitals.

We perform the following examinations:

• MRI of the head (for example brain including MRI angiography, brain spectroscopy);
• MRI of the limbs, joints, spine (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar);
• MRI of soft tissues;
• MRI imaging of the neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis;
• MRI angiography;
• MRI spectroscopy;
• MRI biliary and pancreatic ducts without endoscopic intervention (cholangiopancreaticography);
• MRI of the breast.

The wait time is typically short, ranging from 2 to 4 weeks. We will be happy to help you arrange the date most suitable to your patient's needs.

1. How to Schedule Your Patient's MRI

Please send the referral for the MRI examination with data about the patient, including the reason for requesting the examination, detailed specifications, physician's stamp and signature, to the e-mail address: zadanky@ptc.cz.

Another option is to fill out the application form online. After clicking on the link, please fill in the required information and press the "Submit request".

We will inform you of the nearest examination date no later than the next working day.

For some types of MRI examinations, the administration of a contrast agent is typically necessary. Therefore, we require prior laboratory control of a patient's renal function (creatinine, urea). Alternatively, it is possible to perform only a native, less extensive, examination. We can arrange this blood work at our facility. However, please let us know in advance so that we can arrange your appointments accordingly.

We are also able to provide MRI examinations in general anesthesia of pediatric patients and adult patients with specific problems (claustrophobia).

Note: For patients with a valid Czech health insurance, the MRI examination at PTC is paid for by health insurance company, with the exception of ZP 213 (Revírní bratrská pokladna).

2. MRI - Information to Download

• Patient Instructions - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (download PDF)

In order to save your patient any worries about the examination, we have prepared basic information about the MRI.

• Informed Consent - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (download)

The patient does not need print this document or sign it at this point, it is mainly for them to review from the comfort of their home. We can print the informed consent and give it to them to sign when they come to PTC for their appointment.

3. MRI of the Breast

Breast MRI is increasingly being used to better visualize focal breast lesions. The MRI examinations should be performed primarily in women with an increased risk of breast cancer. These are women whose mother or grandmother had breast cancer, have a genetic predisposition, are 30 or more years after irradiation of the chest or mediastinum, or are being monitored for benign breast cancer.

Breast MRI allows better detection of the extent of the tumor before surgery or irradiation. Examinations may also be performed on women who have breast implants and for whom ultrasound has not provided sufficient information, as well as women after cosmetic procedures.

In the case of oncological disease, breast MRI can provide information on the response to radiation or chemotherapy, or it is used for further monitoring and control after the disease. The examination can also be performed in patients with enlarged nodules in the armpit (axillae), where the primary source is not known, or in patients with suspected tumor on a previous mammographic examination. The dynamic sequences that are acquired during the MRI help to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant lesions according to the type of saturation of these lesions, therefore the MRI examination in the diagnosis of breast cancer is very beneficial and has a significant yield.

The Proton Therapy Center in Prague offers magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography in combination with computed tomography (PET/CT). The wait time is typically short. We offer examinations not only to our cancer patients, but also to those who have a referral from other clinics or hospitals.

We perform the following examinations:

• MRI of the head (for example brain including MRI angiography, brain spectroscopy);
• MRI of the limbs, joints, spine (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar);
• MRI of soft tissues;
• MRI imaging of the neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis;
• MRI angiography;
• MRI spectroscopy;
• MRI biliary and pancreatic ducts without endoscopic intervention (cholangiopancreaticography);
• MRI of the breast.

The wait time is typically short, ranging from 2 to 4 weeks. We will be happy to help you arrange the date most suitable to your needs.

1. How to Schedule Your MRI

• Please send your doctor's referral for the examination to zadanky@ptc.cz.

The referral must be signed and stamped by the doctor who ordered it. In your email, please also state your contact details (preferably your phone number). If you send the request via email in advance, scheduling your examination will be faster. 

• If you cannot send your doctor's referral via e-mail, please contact the reception of the Radiodiagnostics Department at +420 222 999 070, and they will advise you on how to proceed.

On the day of your examination, you need to bring the original referral for the MRI, signed and stamped by your doctor who ordered it.

2. What You Will Need for the MRI

• The original referral issued by the attending physician (general practitioner or specialist physician - oncologist, orthopedist, etc.).
• Your passport or another valid ID.
• If you have a Czech health insurance, your valid insurance card.

Note: For patients with a valid Czech health insurance, the MRI examination at PTC is paid for by health insurance company, with the exception of ZP 213 (Revírní bratrská pokladna).

3. Information to Download

• Patient Instructions - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (download PDF)

Based on your clinical findings, your doctor has recommended the MRI. In order to save you from possible worries about the examination, we have prepared some basic information about MRI examinations at PTC. You will learn what the MRI is, what awaits you, how long the examination lasts, and whether there are any restrictions.

• Informed Consent - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (download)

You do not need to print this document or sign it at this point, it is mainly for you to review from the comfort of your home. We can print the informed consent and give it to you to sign when you come to PTC for your appointment.

4. MRI Restrictions

The MRI examination CANNOT be done in patients with:

• implanted pacemaker or defibrillator;
• cochlear implant.

If you have any electronic or metal implant, or another foreign body, it does not automatically mean that you cannot undergo the MRI. However, you MUST ALWAYS report such fact IN ADVANCE to the reception staff and subsequently to the MRI operator before scheduling your examination. They will make a qualified decision on whether or not you can undergo the examination safely.

5. MRI of the Breast

Breast MRI is increasingly being used to better visualize focal breast lesions. The MRI examinations should be performed primarily in women with an increased risk of breast cancer. These are women whose mother or grandmother had breast cancer, have a genetic predisposition, are 30 or more years after irradiation of the chest or mediastinum, or are being monitored for benign breast cancer.

Breast MRI allows better detection of the extent of the tumor before surgery or irradiation. Examinations may also be performed on women who have breast implants and for whom ultrasound has not provided sufficient information, as well as women after cosmetic procedures.

In the case of oncological disease, breast MRI can provide information on the response to radiation or chemotherapy, or it is used for further monitoring and control after the disease. The examination can also be performed in patients with enlarged nodules in the armpit (axillae), where the primary source is not known, or in patients with suspected tumor on a previous mammographic examination. The dynamic sequences that are acquired during the MRI help to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant lesions according to the type of saturation of these lesions, therefore the MRI examination in the diagnosis of breast cancer is very beneficial and has a significant yield.

The Proton Therapy Center in Prague offers magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography in combination with computed tomography (PET/CT). The wait time is typically short. We offer examinations not only to our cancer patients, but also to those who have a referral from other clinics or hospitals.

We perform the following examinations:

• PET/CT using the radiopharmaceutical fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), administered intravenously;
• PET/CT using the radiopharmaceutical fluorocholine (FCh);
• PET/CT using radiopharmaceutical 18F-fluciclovin (Axumin);
• PET/CT of the brain using the radiopharmaceutical fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG);
• PET/CT for radiotherapy planning.

The wait time is typically short, ranging from 2 to 3 weeks. We will be happy to help you arrange the date most suitable to your needs.

1. How to Schedule Your Patient's PET/CT

You can schedule a PET/CT, which combines the benefits of the positron emission tomography (PET) and the computed tomography (CT) in one examination, for your patient by calling +420 222 999 046. Then, send the referral to the email address: zadanky@ptc.cz. This is the fastest and simplest way to schedule the examination.

We are also able to provide PET/CT examinations in general anesthesia of pediatric patients and adult patients with specific problems (claustrophobia).

Note: For patients with a valid Czech health insurance, the PET/CT examination at PTC is paid for by health insurance company, with the exception of ZP 213 (Revírní bratrská pokladna).

2. PET/CT - Information to Download

• Patient Instructions - PET/CT (download PDF)

In order to save your patient any worries about the examination, we have prepared basic information about the PET/CT.

• Informed Consent - PET/CT (download)

The patient does not need print this document or sign it at this point, it is maily for them to review from the comfort of their home. We can print the informed consent and give it to them to sign when they come to PTC for their appointment.

3. What is the PET/CT

The PET/CT is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging method. It combines the benefits of the PET (positron emission tomography) and the CT (computed tomography) in one examination. A prerequisite is the administration of a radioactive substance (for the PET) and the possible administration of iodinated contrast agent (for the display of morphological CT). Thanks to this, it makes it possible to determine the exact anatomical location of the pathological finding and, at the same time, to clarify unclear structural changes. This significantly increases the yield of both methods. The simultaneous performance of both examinations simplifies the otherwise often lengthy, patient-demanding examination process.

• This method is most often used in oncology, in patients with suspected cancer or with already confirmed cancer. In this case, the examination is performed before the start of treatment (based on this examination, the treatment procedure is changed in up to 25% of cases).
• However, the examination is also often performed as a control after the performed treatment (evaluation of the effect of the treatment and for its possible adjustment) or for the planning of radiotherapy.
• The PET/CT is also used in the diagnosis of inflammatory, autoimmune diseases, in neurology, and cardiology.

4. Radiopharmaceuticals

Intravenous administration of special radioactive substances, called radiopharmaceuticals (most commonly F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and F-choline (FCH), is required to produce a metabolic picture. The radiopharmaceuticals are rapidly expelled from the patient's body in the urine. They do not cause allergies and do not affect a patient's ability to drive a vehicle. If the patient is given additional medicines, they need to consult with the doctor if they can drive.

We obtain the morphological picture with the help of a full-fledged CT examination, with the application of iodine contrast (if it is not contraindicated). The examination is time consuming, it takes about 3 hours, because a large body is scanned as standard (called a whole-body examination).

The PET/CT is a diagnostic imaging method which is mainly used for the diagnosis of cancer or inflammation by using a combination of functional (metabolic) and anatomical (morphological) images.

We perform the following examinations:

• PET/CT using the radiopharmaceutical fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), administered intravenously;
• PET/CT using the radiopharmaceutical fluorocholine (FCh);
• PET/CT using radiopharmaceutical 18F-fluciclovin (Axumin);
• PET/CT of the brain using the radiopharmaceutical fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG);
• PET/CT for radiotherapy planning.

The wait time is typically short, ranging from 2 to 3 weeks. We will be happy to help you arrange the date most suitable to your needs.

The PET/CT is among the most modern in imaging methods. It combines the benefits of the positron emission tomography (PET) and the computed tomography (CT) in one examination. A prerequisite is the administration of a radioactive substance (for the PET) and the possible administration of iodinated contrast agent (for the display of morphological CT). Thanks to this, it makes it possible to determine the exact anatomical location of the pathological finding and, at the same time, to clarify unclear structural changes. This significantly increases the yield of both methods. The simultaneous performance of both examinations simplifies the otherwise often lengthy, patient-demanding examination process.

• This method is most often used in oncology, in patients with suspected cancer or with already confirmed cancer. In this case, the examination is performed before the start of treatment (based on this examination, the treatment procedure is changed in up to 25% of cases).
• However, the examination is also often performed as a control after the performed treatment (evaluation of the effect of the treatment and for its possible adjustment) or for the planning of radiotherapy.
• The PET/CT is also used in the diagnosis of inflammatory, autoimmune diseases, in neurology, and cardiology.

Radiopharmaceuticals

Intravenous administration of special radioactive substances, called radiopharmaceuticals (most commonly F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and F-choline (FCH), is required to produce a metabolic picture. The radiopharmaceuticals are rapidly expelled from the patient's body in the urine. They do not cause allergies and do not affect your ability to drive a vehicle. If you have been given additional medicines, please consult with your doctor if you can drive.

We obtain the morphological picture with the help of a full-fledged CT examination, with the application of iodine contrast (if it is not contraindicated). The examination is time consuming, it takes about 3 hours, because a large body is scanned as standard (called a whole-body examination).

1. How to Schedule Your PET/CT

You can schedule a PET/CT, which combines the benefits of the positron emission tomography (PET) and the computed tomography (CT) in one examination, by calling +420 222 999 046. Then, send the referral to the email address: zadanky@ptc.cz. This is the fastest and simplest way to schedule the examination.

2. What You Will Need for the PET/CT

• The original referral issued by the attending physician (general practitioner or specialist physician - oncologist, pulmonologist, rheumatologist, surgeon, hematologist, neurologist, cardiologist…, etc.).
• Your passport or another valid ID.
• If you have a Czech health insurance, your valid insurance card.

Note: For patients with a valid Czech health insurance, the PET/CT examination at PTC is paid for by health insurance company, with the exception of ZP 213 (Revírní bratrská pokladna).

3. Information to Download

• Patient Instructions - PET/CT (download PDF)

Based on your clinical findings, your doctor has recommended the PET/CT. In order to save you from possible worries about the examination, we have prepared some basic information about PET/CT examinations at PTC. You will learn what the PET/CT is, what awaits you, how long the examination lasts, and whether there are any restrictions.

• Informed Consent - PET/CT (download)

You do not need to print this document or sign it at this point, it is mainly for you to review from the comfort of your home. We can print the informed consent and give it to you to sign when you come to PTC for your appointment.