Spinal MRi and lesions

[NicoleHope]

Would MS spinal lesions show up an an MRi only if the patient had contrast dye? Or could they show up on a regular MRI that the majority of folks get. Thanks

[NicoleHope]

Thanks! I had one spinal MRI done with no contrast. I have had a brain MRI with contrast and that did not show lesions. I have had really unusual neuro symptoms, and wanted to make sure they were not a precursor for MS.

[Quixotic1]

Hi, Welcome to the forum!  I'll answer your question, but I also invite you to tell us what you are going through that prompted the question and the need for an MRI of the spine.

An MRI of the spine will show older lesions without contrast.  These would be lesions that are older than 4 to 6 weeks or so.  The contrast will show new lesions that have active inflammation.  So if the only lesions in the spine were very new, an MRI without contrast might miss them entirely.

The spine is notoriously difficult to get good images of.  The best results are obtained from the newer, higher power MRI machines, like the 3T.

I gather you are in the middle of a work up.  If so, you have lots of company here.  I was a physician in a former life and spend time here unofficially to help answer questions.

Quix