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1545021 tn?1322477485

MRI with and without contrast?

What more can you see on and MRI with contrast vs. an MRI without contrast?
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi there. MRI with contrast is required since it provides more detailed images of tissue. It is more sensitive to detect tumors since tumors absorb the contrast agent and glow. Abnormalities would be picked in a non-contrast enhanced scan as well and a contrast scan is done if an abnormality is picked up in a non-contrast scan.  Usually contrast is given if there is a history of tumor, cancer or surgery, infection or inflammation, to evaluate blood vessels and to investigate a finding on the pre contrast part of the scan. Though MRI contrast is safer than that of CT, the common side effects possible are allergic reactions, flushing, hives, shortness of breath etc. Hope this helps. Take care.

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1545021 tn?1322477485
Thank you! I was wondering why my neurologist hasn't ordered an MRI with contrast since he's trying to rule out inflammatory disease and MS.
I also was just recently diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and was wondering if a small tumor was missed on my brain MRI because it was done w/o contrast.
Anyways, thank you for the reply. Maybe I'll ask my neurologist if he thinks I need one.
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