Question 1

which is the better way to determine the degree of cervical stenosis: mri or ct scan? where does a contrast dye fit in either approach?

Accepted Answer

Pluses and minuses: A ct myleogram gives great bony detail but is invasive, contrast placed in thecal sac MRI will give equivalent information without risk of intrathecal contrast and additional information about the state of spinal cord increased signal intensity within the cord   bad sign.

Question 2

am i more susceptible to having an mri dye reaction if i did for a ct scan?

Accepted Answer

No: The dyes are and work in entirely different ways.
However, even though not related to an allergic reaction, care must be taken in regard to both types if kidney function is impaired.

Question 3

can you tell me if i am likely to need dye for an mri and ct scan of my brain?

Accepted Answer

It helps: Contrast (dye) often adds additional information that is useful. In the setting of acute trauma to the head contrast is often not given. When looking for clues to other neurological problems the contrast can be very beneficial.

Question 4

just recently had a ct scan of the lungs with dye and now my doc has ordered mri of my spine with dye. what are the risk of too much dye in system?

Accepted Answer

No: The dye as it's called is gadolinium and it shows up and gives very good outline of the areas studied with no scatter artifact. It is excreted fairly rapidly. The tests may not be able 2 b done the same day, 2 allow the contrast 2 clear, but no risk that i know of.

Question 5

will a ct scan or mri show coronary arteries without the dye?

Accepted Answer

Yes sort of: The problem is that MRI using blow flow contrast and not dye only shows the main portion of the coronary arteries but not the smaller branches.  If you use ct is uses         contrast and lots of radiation.  Neither can replace a contrast angiogram.

Question 6

would anything show on mri that wouldn't show on xray or ct scan with no dye.swollen painful luq for 4 months. on and below ribs. clear ct and xray.

Accepted Answer

LUQ pain: There are many things that can cause left upper quadrant pain. If an x-ray and a CT scan have been negative, it is doubtful that the next test would be an MRI. It would be more likely that an endoscopy or some other way to visualize the upper digestive tract would be more appropriate. Talk to your doctor about the next step if your symptoms continue. Good luck.

Question 7

i am getting a mri of brain with and without dye.what can the dye show that no dye will not show?im afraid of the dye.last ct scan dye caused tremors.

Accepted Answer

Enhancement: Contrast helps the MRI study by determining if there is any abnormal contrast accumulation called "enhancement". Enhancement can occur in the presence of infection, inflammation, and tumors. The contrast is very safe in patients who have normally functioning kidneys. So, contrast helps the MRI give maximum information.

Question 8

can diverticulum that are not inflamed be seen on mri without contrast instead of a ct scan in non urgent setting?

Accepted Answer

MRI in non urgent st: Asymptomatic diverticulosis is commonly seen on  imaging studies. However, diagnostic imaging performed specifically for div. disease is essentially limited to imaging of suspected acute colonic diverticulitis. CT has replaced contrast enema as the imaging procedure of choice for diverticulitis. Ultrasound  also  successfully used ,MRI has significant potential as a radiation-free imaging test

Question 9

had a ct scan because of headaches. all good. said nothing to worry sbout.now they what a mri but expect to see nothing . im a worried to death. theyre doing with and without contrast. so worried. why both?

Accepted Answer

: Small intracranial lesions will not always show up on an MRI without contrast. If both tests have your physician saying "nothing to worry about", and you are still concerned, obtain a second opinion with another neurologist/neurosurgical physician.

Question 10

what is the difference between mri contrast and ct scan contrast ?

Accepted Answer

Not same: Mri contast gadolinium does not contain iodine while ct contrast contains iodine.  An allergic reaction to ct contrast does not mean that you will have a reaction to gadolinium during your MRI scan. True allergies to the MRI contrast are exrtremely rare; however, you may still experience some symptoms like feeling lightheaded or nauseated due to the injection. Good luck with the exam!

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Is an mri contrast the same as ct scan dye

A member asked:

Which is the better way to determine the degree of cervical stenosis: mri or ct scan? where does a contrast dye fit in either approach?

A member asked:

Am i more susceptible to having an mri dye reaction if i did for a ct scan?

A member asked:

Can you tell me if i am likely to need dye for an mri and ct scan of my brain?

A member asked:

Just recently had a ct scan of the lungs with dye and now my doc has ordered mri of my spine with dye. what are the risk of too much dye in system?

A member asked:

Will a ct scan or mri show coronary arteries without the dye?

A member asked:

Would anything show on mri that wouldn't show on xray or ct scan with no dye.swollen painful luq for 4 months. on and below ribs. clear ct and xray.

A member asked:

I am getting a mri of brain with and without dye.what can the dye show that no dye will not show?im afraid of the dye.last ct scan dye caused tremors.

A member asked:

Can diverticulum that are not inflamed be seen on mri without contrast instead of a ct scan in non urgent setting?

A member asked:

Had a ct scan because of headaches. all good. said nothing to worry sbout.now they what a mri but expect to see nothing . im a worried to death. theyre doing with and without contrast. so worried. why both?

A member asked:

What is the difference between mri contrast and ct scan contrast ?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?