MRI CERVICAL / CERVICO-DORSAL SPINE WITH CONTRAST
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
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About The Test
What Is MRI Cervical / Cervico-Dorsal Spine with Contrast?
A specialized magnetic-resonance scan that captures high-resolution images of the neck and upper-back spinal region after injecting a gadolinium contrast agent. The dye highlights blood vessels, inflammation, and abnormal tissue growth that might not show on a routine scan.
Key Differences from Non-Contrast MRI
- Enhanced detail: Tumors, infections, and nerve compression become more visible.
- Functional mapping: Shows how blood flows through spinal tissues.
- Early detection: Smaller lesions are caught sooner, leading to quicker treatment.
List of Parameters
- Spinal cord integrity (swelling, syrinx, compression)
- Disc height, hydration, and bulges
- Vertebral body alignment, fractures, or lesions
- Nerve roots & foramina narrowing
- Soft-tissue masses, abscesses, or vascular malformations
Why This Test
- Detecting tumors & infections (spinal cord tumors, TB, abscess)
- Evaluating nerve compression (herniated discs, spinal stenosis)
- Staging cancer to see if it has spread to the spine
- Post-operative assessment to differentiate scar tissue from new disease
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- High-resolution imaging without radiation exposure
- Early diagnosis reduces risk of permanent nerve damage
- Precision treatment planning for surgery, radiation, or medication
- Peace of mind when results rule out serious disease
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Cervical/Cervico-Dorsal Spine
- Herniated discs & spinal stenosis
- Spinal tumors (ependymoma, meningioma, metastasis)
- Spinal abscesses & osteomyelitis
- Inflammatory conditions (multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis)
Preparing for test
- Fasting: 4 hours if you will receive sedatives; 2 hours for contrast alone.
- Medications: Continue most drugs; skip metformin if eGFR < 45.
- Metal screening: Remove jewelry, hearing aids, hairpins.
- What to wear: Metal-free cotton clothes or hospital gown.
- Bring: Doctor’s prescription, ID, previous imaging CDs.
Pre-Requisites
- Kidney function test (eGFR): Within 4 weeks for adults > 60 yrs or anyone with diabetes/hypertension.
- Allergy history: Inform staff if prior gadolinium, iodine, or shellfish reactions.
Best Time to Take the MRI
- Morning slots simplify fasting for diabetics or anxious patients.
- Post-symptom onset: Ideally within 2–4 weeks of new neurological deficits to prevent irreversible damage.
Eligibility
- Age & weight: Infants to elderly; most machines handle up to 150–180 kg.
- Pregnancy: Generally avoided in 1st trimester; contrast only if benefits outweigh risks.
Procedure for Taking the Test
- Check-in & consent signature
- IV line placement in arm/hand
- Metal-detector screening & questionnaire
- Lie supine on MRI table with neck coil
- Initial non-contrast sequences (about 10 min)
- Gadolinium injection & brief saline flush
- Post-contrast sequences (additional 10–15 min)
- Monitoring for 5–10 min post-injection
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Inform staff about tattoos (some inks contain metal), implants, or pacemakers.
- Contrast reaction protocols: Crash cart and emergency medication on site; staff trained for rapid response.
- Excretion: Drink extra water after the scan to aid kidney clearance.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | No disc herniation, cord swelling, or masses | Reassurance & physiotherapy if pain persists |
| Disc bulge with nerve-root compression | Herniated disc | Neurologist or spine surgeon consult |
| Enhancing lesion in spinal cord | Possible tumor or demyelination | Further imaging or biopsy |
| Abscess with rim enhancement | Spinal infection | Urgent neurosurgery & antibiotics |
| No abnormal contrast enhancement observed | Normal post-contrast appearance with no unexpected bright (enhancing) areas. | A reassuring finding, suggesting no active inflammation, infection, or vascular tumors in the evaluated region. |
| Multifocal enhancing lesions in cervical cord | Multiple distinct regions of enhancement within the cervical spinal cord. | Highly suggestive of demyelinating disease such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), especially with typical lesion location, symmetry, and associated clinical features. |
| Enhancing epidural mass at D2-D3 compressing thecal sac | A contrast-enhancing lesion in the epidural space at D2-D3 compresses the dural sac. | Concerning for epidural neoplasm (e.g., metastasis, lymphoma), abscess, or hematoma. Requires urgent assessment to prevent spinal cord injury. |
Risks & Limitations
- Contrast allergy: Rare (0.07–2.4 %); usually mild rash or nausea.
- Kidney considerations: Gadolinium is avoided if eGFR < 30 mL/min.
- Claustrophobia: Open or wide-bore MRI options are available.
- Implant safety: Pacemakers, cochlear implants, or older aneurysm clips may be contraindicated.
FAQs
Is the contrast injection painful?
Most patients feel only a cool sensation; mild bruising can occur at the IV site.
How long does the scan take?
30–45 minutes total, including positioning and contrast wait time.
Can I drive after the scan?
Yes, unless you received sedatives—then arrange a companion.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
Open-bore MRI, music headsets, or mild sedation are available.
Are there alternatives to contrast?
Non-contrast high-field MRI or CT myelography exist, but they may miss subtle lesions.
Do I need to fast before an MRI of the neck and upper back with contrast?
Generally, fasting (not eating or drinking) is not required before an MRI Cervical/Cervico-Dorsal Spine with Contrast if you are not scheduled to receive any form of sedation. You can usually eat, drink, and take your medications as normal. However, if sedation is planned as part of your procedure (e.g., for claustrophobia), you will receive specific fasting instructions. It's always best to confirm any specific preparation instructions with the Cadabams Diagnostics staff when scheduling your appointment or during any pre-procedure calls.