Thoracic spine MRI with dye
Description
MRI is magnetic resonance imaging, a special imaging test that does not use xrays. The bones of the middle back make up the thoracic spine. A MRI of the thoracic spine can identify ligaments, muscles, nerves, discs, bones, and the spinal cord. It is the best test to detect arthritis, herniated discs, spinal infections, spinal cord damage, nerve injuries, and cancers of the back and spinal cord. A dye named gadolinium is used that can provide more information. Gadolinium is sometimes used to help detect the difference between inflammation, traumatic injury or cancer.
Cost
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Common Complications
Gadolinium has been associated with a serious skin and connective tissue disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). It appears patients with kidney disease are at increased risk of developing NSF after gadolinium. More information can be found at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugSafetyNewsletter/ucm1428
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Research
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Radiology
- Radiology
- Spine Surgery
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