What is the difference between having an mri with or without contrast? which is better?

Gadolinium in MRI: Contrast in mri, also known as gadolinium, is used to enhance the appearance of certain types of tissue on mri. Gadolinium may or may not be necessary for an mri, this determination should be made by your radiologist (the doctor responsible for looking at the images). Gadolinium is a liquid given through an intravenous line during an mri.

See below: Mri with contrast includes gadolinium dye injected in a vein. It depends on why you are having the test. Some things are seen without contrast. Others are better demonstrated with contrast. Your doctor will understand which study should be requested. If your kidney function is poor, you will not be able to receive IV contrast.