Why MRI Dorsal / Dorso Lumbar Spine – With Contrast is Important
The dorsal spine (thoracic) and lumbar region are critical for supporting the body’s weight and enabling movement. An MRI of these sections helps diagnose several spinal conditions, especially when contrast is added for clearer differentiation between normal and abnormal tissue.
Doctors commonly recommend MRI Dorsal or Dorso Lumbar Spine With Contrast for:
-
Evaluation of spinal cord lesions or demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
-
Identifying infections, tumors, or abscesses in the spine.
-
Detecting postoperative scar tissue or recurrent disc herniation.
-
Assessing vascular abnormalities and compression fractures.
-
Investigating unexplained back pain, paralysis, or nerve-related symptoms.
This test is particularly valuable when non-contrast MRI or CT scans fail to give enough diagnostic information.
Benefits of MRI Dorsal / Dorso Lumbar Spine – With Contrast
MRI With Contrast provides a clearer, enhanced visualization of spinal tissues, offering multiple diagnostic and clinical advantages:
-
Improved Accuracy: Contrast highlights subtle lesions, inflammation, or neoplastic growths that might remain unseen on a plain MRI.
-
Better Soft Tissue Differentiation: Enables clear distinction between spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding tissues.
-
Early Detection: Facilitates early diagnosis of infections, cancers, and inflammatory diseases.
-
Non-Invasive and Painless: No exposure to ionizing radiation, making it a safer option for repeated scans.
-
Pre and Post-Treatment Evaluation: Helps monitor therapy outcomes, tumor progression, or post-surgical changes with precision.
By combining high-definition imaging with advanced MRI contrast techniques, Diagnopein ensures reliable and comprehensive spine assessments.
How MRI Dorsal / Dorso Lumbar Spine – With Contrast is Done
Patient Preparation
Before the scan, the patient is asked to remove all metallic items and wear a hospital gown. It’s important to inform the radiologist about any allergies, kidney disorders, or implanted medical devices, as gadolinium contrast is processed through the kidneys.
Procedure Steps
-
The patient lies on the MRI table, positioned comfortably.
-
A vein in the arm is accessed for injecting the contrast dye during the scan.
-
The MRI machine captures multiple images of the dorsal and lumbar spine before and after the contrast injection.
-
The entire scan typically takes around 30–45 minutes.
After the Test
Normal hydration is advised post-scan to help flush out the contrast dye. The images are reviewed by an expert radiologist, and the report is usually available within 24 hours at Diagnopein.
Key Parameters and Protocol
The MRI Dorsal/ Dorso Lumbar Spine with Contrast protocol at Diagnopein involves:
-
MRI Strength: 1.5T or 3T MRI system for optimal clarity.
-
Sequences: T1, T2, STIR, and post-contrast T1-weighted sequences in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes.
-
Slice thickness: 3–4 mm for detailed visualization.
-
Contrast agent: Gadolinium-based contrast administered intravenously.
-
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes depending on study complexity.
These parameters ensure high-quality imaging, enabling accurate detection and evaluation of spinal conditions.
When to Consult a Doctor
If you experience chronic upper or lower back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your limbs, or have a known spinal condition requiring follow-up, your doctor may recommend an MRI Dorsal / Dorso Lumbar Spine – With Contrast. The results help in planning targeted treatments such as physiotherapy, medication, or surgery.