C Spine MRI finally booked

[Wobbly]

Hi everyone, I finally have my date booked for the C Spine MRI.. it's April 20th.  I also asked if they will use contrast, the assistant said NO...is this going to be a waste of time if they don't use contrast to do this?  Should I ask my Dr to request the contrast?  Thanks for any info..
Hope you are all well...

andie

[Wobbly]

Yes, I see my GP next week and will ask him about this...I do want with and w/o contrast and will find out if they can do it for me and not have to change the date of the procedure.  

We asked for it last Sept...finally I have a date for it....thanks for all your help and I will keep you all informed as to what my Dr says..

andie

[doublevision1]

When I look back on my two MRI's done in 2006, first of C-spine then of brain, the reports say the technique used was "routine cervical spine protocol" and "standard head protocol" respectively. I guess "standard" and "routine" techniques are done without contrast, as I had none. Had I known then what I know now, I would have inquired why "MS protocol" was not being used, since by the time I had the brain MRI done, MS was suspected.  No evidence of demyelination was found at that time.

Fast forward to Sept 2007 when new symptoms surfaced, and I had another MRI of both brain and c-spine.  MS protocol was indicated; test was done with and w/o contrast.  2 lesions now evident, with partial enhancement noted, post gadolinium injection.

It makes me wonder why contrast was not used previously, and if it had been, whether these lesions would have been evident sooner.

I recently had a fourth MRI done, at my request, at the start of my MS treatment (Rebif).  My PCP and I agreed it would be valuable to serve as a baseline in terms of determining the efficacy of treatment over time.   As with my last MRI, the referral was for brain and c-spine, MS protocol.  However this time they did NOT use contrast.  I asked about it; the technicians said they asked the radiologist and he indicated it was not necessary.  I was puzzled by this, as I just assumed that in order to compare apples to apples as time goes on, the test should be administered consistently each time.

This is yet another question on the list for my neurologist when I see him again, but in the meantime if anyone has any knowledge on this I would appreciate your opinion.

Sorry Wobbly, went off track there.  Short answer based on my humble understanding and my own experience: yes, I think you ought to do what you can in advance to try to ensure your MRI is as comprehensive as possible.  If you learn anything more on this from your discussion with your doctor, could you please share it here?  Thank you!

db1

[spastic]

Please get the dr to change his orders and do it with and without the contrast.  When they use contrast and you have active lesions it will show up a lot better.  Good luck with this Hon.

Big Hugs,

Ada

[angel677]

I have always heard that it is better with contrast.My M.R.I. is march 28. My doctor requested with and without contrast, on his own. I would at least call and see if your will do the same. It is better safe than sorry.

I hope this will help. I can only share what my doctor thinks.

Good Luck
Angel