ARE MRI'S SAFE?

[eyetech97922]

MY PODIATRIST HAS ORDERED A CAT SCAN OF MY FOOT TO RULE OUT BONE INFECTION.  I AM CONCERNED ABOUT REPORTS OF DELAYED CANCERS DUE TO EXCESSIVE RADIATION.  CAN THE SAME DIAGNOSIS BE OBTAINED USING MRI?  ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MRI?  I HAVE HEARD REPORTS THAT CONTRAST SENSITIVITY DYE GADOLINIUM CAN CAUSE SERIOUS KIDNEY DAMAGE.
THANK YOU,

DENNIS

[ggreg]

Keep in mind, too, the CAT scan is several hundred dollars cheaper than an MRI.  Also, depending on which way they send you through the tube, MRI is somewhat claustrophobic.  And don't wear any toe rings in the MRI.  Smile.

[eyetech97922]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSIGHTFUL AND INFORMATIVE RESPONSE TO MY POSTING.  YOU HAVE CONFIRMED MY SUSPICIONS.  I WILL INVESTIGATE AVAILABILITY OF 3T FACILITIES IN MY AREA.  I AM GIVEN TO UNDERSTAND THAT AN MRI STUDY CAN BE DIAGNOSTIC WITHOUT CONTRAST SENSITIVITY.  IF THAT IS THE CASE, I WILL CONSENT TO THE PROCEDURE, ABSENT ANY OTHER EQUALLY EFFECTIVE OR SAFER TEST.

[caregiver222]

Yes, the same diagnosis can be obtained with an MRI, specifically a 3T MRI.

MRI machines come in various models.  Many in use are only 1 T.

Yes, the dye contrast medium used in the CT scans is hazardous and moreso that that used in a dye contrast MRI scan.

There are minimal risks associated with an MRI.

There is very little justification for a CT except for the fact that hospitals and private practices purchased the expensive equipment with long-term loans that have to be serviced and want the investment amortized.

In certain jurisdictions only a CT is available. It makes sense for a person with a potential subdural hematoma to have such a scan if no MRI is available. The benefit outweighs the risk.

Otherwise, for an elective investigation, the 3T MRI is preferable.