Contrast MRI

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Kertie446

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Hi all

I was just wondering...

The one spine surgeon I saw did MRIs without contrast only and I asked another (neurologist) about getting a contrast MRI as I have heard and read that they may show things that plain MRI does not and he said he would not do a contrast MRI.

Is there any reasons why they have not bothered doing a contrast MRI? Why are contrast MRIs offered if doctors do not bother ordering them?

Just was wondering.

Many thanks for any help in answering this.

Kind regarRAB

Niad
 
Hi Niad -- I'm by no means an expert, BUT....I thought "contrast" was ordered when there's a lesion or possible malignancy. For example, I had an MRI of the brain with and without contrast when there was a suspicious lesion found (thank goodness it was nothing to worry about). When I've had MRIs of my spine (I have degenerative disk disease), I don't believe they've ever been ordered with contrast. Hope that helps, but you should ask your doctor if you have further questions, because as I said, I'm just speculating based on my experience as a patient.
 
Usually contrast spinal MRI's are ordered after you've had surgery to help differentiate scar tissue vs. disc material. They can be difficult to decipher without contrast.
 
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