MRI with contrast and without

[molliebe]

what is the difference between a MRI with contrast and without for spine and hip injury?


This discussion is related to MRI's with and without contrast.

[caregiver222]

The MRI with contrast provides a clearer image, albeit at some risk due to dye toxicity and adverse reactions to the dye. It's a matter of risk benefit. For most diagnostic purposes an MRI without dye contrast is sufficient, however if your physician suggests such a procedure he has good reason.

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
Contrast dye is a solution that is used to highlight specific structures when looking at an image. The dye is injected in the blood vessels or taken orally. MRI contrast accentuates the differences between normal and abnormal tissues. The MRI contrast alters the magnetic properties of tissue. The altered properties differentiate tissue types on the MRI image. Unfortunately, MRI contrast dye containing the heavy metal gadolinium has been the cause of a disease called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermotherapy (NFD), a serious condition that starts in the skin of the arms and legs and spreads to other parts of the body. People who undergo an MRI, especially those with kidney disease–in which this contrast dye is used are particularly at risk for developing this disease. Plain MRI images are taken without injecting the dye. Please consult a neurologist and discuss the side effects of contrast dyes. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!

[caregiver222]

An excellent and thorough explanation.