What will the MRI of the thoracic spine show?

MRI - magnetic resonance imaging, a method of examining internal organs and tissues, widely used for diagnostic purposes.

Indications for MRI of the thoracic spine

It is expedient to carry out the research if there are:

• osteochondrosis of the thoracic region ;
• presence of spinal injuries in this area;
• pain of an unknown cause in the thoracic region;
• suspicion of displacement of vertebrae, intervertebral hernia, protrusion;
• Inflammatory diseases of the thoracic region, not diagnosed by other methods.
• abnormalities of blood vessels and circulatory disorders in the region of the spinal cord;
• multiple sclerosis;
• osteomyelitis;
• encephalomyelitis.

The MRI also shows:

• for the diagnosis of intercostal neuralgia ;
• with suspicions of a tumor (both malignant and benign);
• before surgery and to monitor the patient's postoperative state.

What will the MRI of the thoracic spine show?

The advantage of MRI is that with this method you can get pictures of not only the vertebrae, but also the soft tissues surrounding the spine, the spinal cord itself, the nerve endings and blood vessels. With the help of MRI it is possible to determine the presence of tumors, displacement of the vertebrae, changes in the structure of the cartilaginous tissue, various developmental anomalies, and blood flow disorders.

How do MRI of the thoracic spine?

Preliminary preparation procedure does not usually require. The exception is the case of MRI of the thoracic spine with contrast - when the patient is injected with intravenous contrast medium, which settles in the tissues and allows more accurate localization of the focus. MRI with contrast is performed either on an empty stomach, or 5-7 hours after the last meal.

Before conducting a survey, you must remove all items containing metal (earrings, rings, bracelets, dentures, clothes with zippers and metal buttons, etc.). During the examination, the patient must be absolutely is immobile, therefore before placing in the device for MRT it is fixed on a table by special belts. The procedure itself, depending on the necessary detail and size of the survey area, can take from 20 to 60 minutes. The processed images that need to be shown to the treating doctor are usually ready within an hour after the MRI.

Patients with the presence of implants with metal elements, pacemakers or nerve stimulators, as well as suffering from claustrophobia, the procedure is contraindicated. In the case of contrast, contraindications are allergy to the drug and pregnancy.