Question 1

can spine mri preformed with and without contrast? why it's done this way?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Spine MRI can be done without contrast because disks and soft tissues can be distinguished from the nerves and bones.  We order MRI with and without contrast in patients with previous back surgery to distinguish scar tissue (which changes signal intensity on the MRI with the contrast) from disk material (which doesn't).  We also order contrast if there is concern for possible infection or tumors.

Question 2

when looking at mri photo of a spine with contrast is light or dark abnormal or how can you tell something's wrong?

Accepted Answer

It takes training to: Learn what is normal and not on a spine mri. Mri having bright and dark regions, is expected, but what exactly is going on, you will need to chat with your spinal specialist who will explain to you what is going on, and let you know if anything is abnormal.

Question 3

having an mri of spine. does it matter if its done without contrast? should i make sure its done with and without? what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

Depends...: For looking at degenerative changes, like disc herniations and degree of spinal canal or neural foramen narrowing, no contrast is needed.  If the exam is to look for any mass, infection, or if you have had back surgery before, then contrast would help.

Question 4

which organs would be seen or incidentally picked up during a mri w/o contrast of thoracic spine?

Accepted Answer

Spine mainly,: But depending on how tight it scan is windowed and how low the scan goes, you may see portions of your lungs, heart, great vessels, stomach, diaphragm, liver... But this will not be the way to adequately study these organs as they will not be well visualized.

Question 5

can having a mri w/contrast on the thoracic spine can determine whether or not i need facet injections?

Accepted Answer

Possibly,yes: If u are having upper back pain than this study would be very helpful to look at the discs and facet joints in your upper back.Thoracic facet joint problems(and disc)in my experience is quite unusual esp. In a 38 yr.Old.Best of luck!

Question 6

is an iv contrast die needed for a brain and cervical spine mri?

Accepted Answer

Depends on problem: Much can be learned from MRI without contrast but if a vascular anomaly or tumor is suspected the IV dye helps to  show the extent of the lesion and it's location in areas that are not well delineated without the dye. If your doctor recommended it, you should go ahead and have the dye injected. Avoid it if you are allergic to the dye.

Question 7

what is the best way ti figure out what these lumps are in my lower back close to my spine and on top of my siatic system e.g mri w/contrast, x-ray...?

Accepted Answer

Start with physician: Start with a visit to your physician for a complete history and physical. If your physician cannot make the diagnosis in the office, imaging may be appropriate.

 Spine radiographs would likely be of little use. Mri with contrast to include the area of concern would likely be the best 1st test. If cortical bone involvement is suspected, none contrast ct scan may be indicated as well.

Question 8

does mri contrast amounts differ depending on what is being examined? for example, would an image of the brain and spine use more contrast than just the brain? (i know weight matters) thanks?

Accepted Answer

: The amount only changes with your weight.

Question 9

can mri of the lumbosacral spine show infection without contrast?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MRI does not : Need contrast enhancement and is a great imaging device for making a diagnosis of infection inthe spine whether it involves bone ( osteomyelitis ), disc ( discitis) or an epidural abscess.

Question 10

i had an mri (no contrast) on my cervical spine. the findings report starts off saying, "on parasagittal mr imaging mild" what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

The information: Is incomplete.  Parasagittal just means a particular plane of imaging, in the case of the spine it means a lateral or sideways view.  But, "mild"......what?

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Doctor answers about:

MRI of entire spine with and without contrast

A member asked:

Can spine mri preformed with and without contrast? why it's done this way?

A member asked:

When looking at mri photo of a spine with contrast is light or dark abnormal or how can you tell something's wrong?

A member asked:

Having an mri of spine. does it matter if its done without contrast? should i make sure its done with and without? what's the difference?

A member asked:

Which organs would be seen or incidentally picked up during a mri w/o contrast of thoracic spine?

A member asked:

Can having a mri w/contrast on the thoracic spine can determine whether or not i need facet injections?

A member asked:

Is an iv contrast die needed for a brain and cervical spine mri?

A member asked:

What is the best way ti figure out what these lumps are in my lower back close to my spine and on top of my siatic system e.g mri w/contrast, x-ray...?

A member asked:

Does mri contrast amounts differ depending on what is being examined? for example, would an image of the brain and spine use more contrast than just the brain? (i know weight matters) thanks?

A member asked:

Can mri of the lumbosacral spine show infection without contrast?

A member asked:

I had an mri (no contrast) on my cervical spine. the findings report starts off saying, "on parasagittal mr imaging mild" what does that mean?

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