MRI CHEST WITHOUT CONTRAST

Overview

An MRI Chest Without Contrast is a specialized diagnostic imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the structures within your chest. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we utilize this advanced technology to help your doctor assess various conditions affecting the chest region. The primary purpose of an MRI Chest Without Contrast is to examine chest structures such as the lungs (though CT is often primary for lung parenchyma), heart (for general morphology), airways, mediastinum (the area between the lungs), and the chest wall itself, all without the use of intravenous contrast agents (dyes).

This examination is renowned for its non-invasive nature. Instead of radiation, it employs powerful magnetic fields, radio waves, and sophisticated computer processing to create cross-sectional images from multiple angles. This makes the MRI Chest Without Contrast a safe and effective tool for many patients seeking detailed insights into their thoracic health. Understanding this test can help alleviate concerns and prepare you for your appointment at Cadabams Diagnostics.

What is an MRI Chest Without Contrast?

Definition

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a sophisticated medical imaging technique. In simple terms, an MRI machine uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer to generate highly detailed images of the inside of your body. For an MRI Chest Without Contrast, the focus is specifically on the thoracic region.

The "Without Contrast" Distinction

The "without contrast" part is a key distinction. In many MRI procedures, a contrast dye (most commonly gadolinium-based) is injected into a vein to enhance the visibility of certain tissues, blood vessels, or abnormalities. However, an MRI Chest Without Contrast is performed without this IV dye. This approach is chosen for several reasons:

• It may be safer for individuals with certain health conditions, such as severe kidney disease or known allergies to contrast media.
• The specific diagnostic question your doctor has may not require the enhancement provided by contrast.
• It focuses on the inherent signal characteristics of the tissues themselves.

This type of thoracic MRI scan without gadolinium excels at providing excellent visualisation of soft tissues within the chest. It can differentiate between various types of tissue, such as fat, muscle, and fluid, helping to identify and characterise abnormalities. Knowing what non-contrast chest MRI shows is crucial for understanding its diagnostic value in specific clinical scenarios.

Types of MRI Chest Without Contrast

The primary "type" distinction in this context is that it is an MRI CHEST WITHOUT CONTRAST, setting it apart from an "MRI Chest WITH Contrast." Within the category of a non-contrast chest MRI, radiologists use various specific imaging sequences. These sequences are programmed into the MRI machine to highlight different characteristics of body tissues. Common sequences include:

• T1-weighted images: These provide good anatomical detail and are particularly useful for visualizing fat.
• T2-weighted images: These are excellent for detecting fluid and inflammation, making abnormalities like cysts or areas of edema (swelling) appear bright.
• STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery) images: This sequence suppresses the signal from fat, making fluid and pathology more conspicuous, especially in areas with a lot of fatty tissue like the chest wall or bone marrow.
• Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI): While less standard for all non-contrast chest MRIs, it can sometimes be employed to assess cellularity, which can be helpful in characterizing lesions.

All these sequences are performed without the injection of gadolinium contrast. The MRI Chest Without Contrast is therefore a specific type of thoracic MRI scan without gadolinium, tailored for situations where contrast is either unnecessary or contraindicated. The combination of these sequences allows the radiologist at Cadabams Diagnostics to build a comprehensive picture of your chest structures.

When a radiologist at Cadabams Diagnostics reviews your MRI Chest Without Contrast images, they are meticulously looking for a range of features and potential abnormalities. Here are some key parameters they consider:

• Morphology, Size, and Signal Characteristics of Masses or Lesions:
  • Location: In the chest wall (muscles, fat, bones), mediastinum (area between lungs containing heart, major vessels, esophagus, trachea, lymph nodes), pleura (lining of the lungs), or (to a lesser extent for detailed assessment) within the lungs.
  • Size and Shape: Precise measurements, regular or irregular borders.
  • Signal Intensity: How bright or dark the lesion appears on different MRI sequences (T1, T2, STIR). This helps infer tissue composition (e.g., fatty like a lipoma, fluid-filled like a cyst, or solid).
  • Effect on Adjacent Structures: Is the lesion pushing, invading, or displacing nearby organs or tissues?
• Presence and Characteristics of Fluid Collections:
  • For example, pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs) – its amount, location, and signal characteristics can provide clues to its cause.
  • Pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart) may also be visible.
• Abnormalities in Bones (Visible Portions):
  • Ribs, sternum (breastbone), and portions of the thoracic spine that fall within the scanned area are evaluated for:
    • Signal changes in the bone marrow (could indicate inflammation, infection, tumour infiltration, or post-traumatic changes).
    • Fractures (acute or old).
    • Destructive lesions.
• Changes in Soft Tissues, Muscles, and Fat Planes:
  • Assessment for inflammation, infection (e.g., abscess), hematoma (blood collection), or tumours within the muscles and soft tissues of the chest wall.
  • Evaluation of fat planes for any signs of infiltration or disruption.
• Gross Evaluation of Visible Portions of the Heart and Major Blood Vessels:
  • While a dedicated cardiac MRI or a contrast-enhanced MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) is superior for detailed cardiac and vascular assessment, a non-contrast chest MRI can provide a general overview of heart size, gross morphology, and the appearance of major vessels like the aorta and pulmonary artery.
• Mediastinal Structures:
  • Assessment of lymph node size and appearance.
  • Presence of masses (e.g., thymoma, lymphoma, cysts), which may sometimes be characterised without contrast but often benefit from it for full evaluation.
  • Position of the trachea and esophagus.
• Diaphragm: Position and gross integrity of the visible portions of the diaphragm.

This detailed scrutiny helps piece together what non-contrast chest MRI shows, contributing to an accurate diagnosis or assessment of your condition.

Your physician may recommend an MRI Chest Without Contrast based on a variety of symptoms you might be experiencing or specific conditions they suspect. Here’s a more detailed list of reasons:

• Persistent or Unexplained Chest Pain, Particularly Related to the Chest Wall: If you have ongoing chest pain that doesn’t seem to be heart-related, especially if it’s localized, tender to touch, or worsens with movement, an MRI can investigate the muscles, ribs, sternum, cartilage, and soft tissues of the chest wall for causes like inflammation, injury, or tumors.
• Palpable Lumps or Masses in the Chest Area: If you or your doctor discover a new lump or swelling in your chest wall, breast (though mammography/ultrasound are primary for breast), or axilla (armpit, if included in the scan field), an MRI can help characterize its nature (e.g., solid, cystic, fatty).
• To Further Evaluate Abnormalities Found on X-rays or CT Scans When Contrast is to be Avoided:
  • If an X-ray shows a shadow or opacity, or a CT scan reveals a lesion, but you have contraindications to IV contrast (like kidney disease or allergy), an MRI Chest Without Contrast can provide additional information about the soft tissue components of the finding.
• Suspected Non-Vascular Mediastinal Abnormalities: For evaluation of certain masses or cysts within the mediastinum where contrast enhancement is not deemed critical for initial assessment or is contraindicated.
• Assessment of Certain Congenital Chest Anomalies: Some structural abnormalities present from birth affecting the chest wall or mediastinum can be evaluated.
• For Patients Where Avoiding Gadolinium is a Priority: This includes:
  • Patients with severe renal impairment (low kidney function).
  • Patients with a history of severe allergic reaction to gadolinium-based contrast agents.
  • Pregnant patients, where contrast is generally avoided unless essential.
• Suspicion of Brachial Plexus Involvement (if upper chest/apex is the focus): Sometimes, an MRI of the chest may be extended or specifically targeted to assess the brachial plexus (nerves running from the neck into the arm) if symptoms suggest involvement.
• Assessment of Suspected Infections or Inflammatory Conditions: Such as osteomyelitis of the ribs/sternum, or cellulitis/abscess of the chest wall. MRI’s excellent soft tissue contrast can highlight these issues.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Opting for an **MRI Chest Without Contrast** at Cadabams Diagnostics offers several significant advantages, making it a valuable diagnostic tool: * **Detailed Images of Soft Tissues:** This is a prime benefit. MRI excels at visualizing soft tissues like muscles, fat, connective tissue, and certain organs within the chest with remarkable clarity, often superior to other imaging modalities for these specific structures without contrast. This is a key aspect of the `benefits of plain chest MRI`. * **No Ionizing Radiation:** Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation. This makes it a particularly safe option, especially for patients who may require multiple imaging studies over time, or for children and pregnant women (though use in pregnancy is always carefully considered). * **Avoids Risks Associated with Intravenous Contrast Media:** Since no contrast dye is injected, you avoid potential risks such as: * **Allergic Reactions:** While rare with modern contrast agents, allergic-like reactions can range from mild (hives, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis). * **Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF):** A rare but serious complication that can occur in patients with severe kidney disease who receive gadolinium-based contrast agents. An **MRI Chest Without Contrast** entirely bypasses this risk. * **Suitable for Patients with Contraindications to Contrast Agents:** This is a major advantage. The test is an excellent alternative for: * Patients with severe renal impairment/kidney failure. * Individuals with a history of a previous severe allergic reaction to gadolinium. * **Can Help in Diagnosing a Range of Conditions:** It aids in identifying and characterizing various conditions, from benign and malignant tumors of the chest wall or mediastinum, to inflammatory changes, infections, and certain musculoskeletal issues affecting the ribs or sternum. * **Aids in Surgical Planning or Guiding Further Diagnostic Procedures:** The detailed anatomical information obtained from an **MRI Chest Without Contrast** can be invaluable for surgeons planning an operation or for interventional radiologists guiding biopsies or other procedures, even if contrast isn’t used for the MRI itself. * **Non-Invasive:** The procedure itself is non-invasive, meaning nothing enters the body (no needles for contrast, no surgical incisions). These `benefits of plain chest MRI` make it a preferred choice in many clinical situations where detailed soft tissue imaging of the chest is required without exposure to radiation or contrast agents.

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Chest Without Contrast

An **MRI Chest Without Contrast** is instrumental in diagnosing or characterizing a variety of conditions affecting the thoracic region. While it may sometimes be part of a larger diagnostic puzzle, it can specifically help identify: * **Benign and Malignant Tumors of the Chest Wall:** * **Benign:** Lipomas (fatty tumors), fibromas, neurofibromas, hemangiomas (though contrast is better for vascular lesions). * **Malignant:** Sarcomas (e.g., chondrosarcoma arising from cartilage, osteosarcoma from bone, soft tissue sarcomas), metastases (cancer spread from elsewhere). The scan helps show `what non-contrast chest MRI shows` regarding tumor size, extent, and involvement of adjacent structures. * **Mediastinal Masses:** * Thymomas (tumors of the thymus gland). * Lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system) – MRI can show enlarged lymph nodes. * Germ cell tumors. * Mediastinal cysts (e.g., bronchogenic, pericardial, esophageal duplication cysts). * *Note: Full characterization of mediastinal masses often benefits from contrast, but a non-contrast study can provide significant initial information or be sufficient in certain cases.* * **Pleural Diseases:** * Some types of pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs) – MRI can help characterize the nature of the fluid. * Non-enhancing pleural thickening or masses (e.g., some fibrous tumors or chronic inflammation). * **Infections or Inflammatory Conditions of the Chest Wall:** * Osteomyelitis (bone infection) of the ribs or sternum. * Costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the sternum), particularly if severe or atypical. * Cellulitis (skin infection) or abscesses (collections of pus) in the chest wall. * **Brachial Plexus Injuries or Pathology (if the upper chest/apical region is specifically imaged):** * Traumatic injuries to the brachial plexus. * Tumors affecting these nerves (e.g., Pancoast tumors invading the plexus). * **Certain Musculoskeletal Conditions Affecting the Ribs, Sternum, or Thoracic Spine (visible portions):** * Stress fractures. * Inflammatory arthritis affecting sternoclavicular or costovertebral joints. * Evaluation of soft tissue components related to bone lesions. * **Congenital Abnormalities:** Such as Poland syndrome or certain chest wall deformities. * **Post-Surgical Changes and Complications:** Evaluation of hematomas, seromas, or early signs of infection after chest surgery, where avoiding contrast might be preferred initially. Understanding `what non-contrast chest MRI shows` is key to appreciating its role in diagnosing these diverse conditions. The detailed soft tissue imaging provided by the **MRI Chest Without Contrast** is critical for accurate assessment.

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and effective MRI Chest Without Contrast scan. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we want you to feel comfortable and informed. Here’s what you generally need to know about preparing for MRI chest without contrast:

Specific Instructions:

• Clothing:
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing without any metal fasteners, zippers, snaps, or metallic threads. Athletic wear (like sweatpants and a t-shirt without metallic logos) is often a good choice.
  • You may be asked to change into a hospital gown provided by Cadabams Diagnostics to ensure no metal is present that could interfere with the scan or pose a safety risk.
• Metal Objects: This is extremely important due to the powerful magnet used in MRI. You must remove all metal items before entering the scan room. This includes:
  • Jewelry (necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, watches)
  • Hairpins, barrettes, and hair ties with metal pieces
  • Eyeglasses
  • Hearing aids (both in-ear and behind-the-ear)
  • Removable dental work (dentures, partial plates with metal)
  • Body piercings (if possible, remove them; if not, inform the technologist as some metals can heat up or cause image artifacts)
  • Belt buckles
  • Coins, keys, pens
  • Credit cards or any cards with a magnetic strip (the MRI magnet can erase them)
  • Mobile phones and electronic devices
    Lockers are usually provided for your valuables.
• Food and Drink:
  • Generally, for an MRI Chest Without Contrast, there are no specific dietary restrictions. You can usually eat, drink, and take your medications as normal.
  • However, it's always best to confirm any specific instructions with Cadabams Diagnostics staff when you schedule your appointment or when you receive your appointment confirmation.
• Medications:
  • Continue taking your regular prescribed medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your doctor or the Cadabams Diagnostics staff. It’s helpful to bring a list of your current medications.

What to Inform Staff at Cadabams Diagnostics:
It is crucial for your safety and the quality of the scan to inform the MRI technologist or staff about any of the following:

• Any history of surgeries, especially if they involved implants.
• Presence of ANY implants or devices in your body. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
  • Aneurysm clips (especially older ones in the brain)
  • Cochlear (inner ear) implants
  • Neurostimulators (for pain, bladder control, etc.)
  • Metal stents (coronary, carotid, etc.)
  • Artificial heart valves
  • Artificial joints (hip, knee replacements)
  • Infusion pumps (e.g., insulin pump)
  • Shunts with programmable valves
  • Any metal plates, pins, screws, or rods
  • IUDs (intrauterine devices)
    Many modern implants are MRI-safe or MRI-conditional, but the staff must know about them to verify safety.
• Possibility of pregnancy: If you are pregnant or suspect you might be, please inform the staff. While MRI is generally considered safe after the first trimester and doesn't use ionizing radiation, it's used judiciously during pregnancy. Your doctor and the radiologist will weigh the benefits versus potential risks.
• Claustrophobia or anxiety about enclosed spaces: If you are very anxious, let us know. We can discuss strategies to help you, or you can speak to your doctor about potential mild sedation (which you would need to arrange beforehand).
• Any metal fragments in your body: For example, from shrapnel, bullets, or if you've ever worked as a welder or metal grinder (as tiny metal slivers could be in your eyes). An X-ray might be needed to check for metal fragments in sensitive areas before an MRI.
• Kidney problems or dialysis: Although this is an MRI Chest Without Contrast, it's good practice to share your full medical history.
• Allergies: Even though contrast isn't planned, informing staff of any allergies (especially to medications) is important.
• Inability to lie still for an extended period: The scan requires you to remain very still. If you have a condition that makes this difficult, please discuss it.

Following these guidelines on preparing for MRI chest without contrast will help ensure your scan at Cadabams Diagnostics is safe and successful.

Pre-requisites

Before you can have your MRI Chest Without Contrast at Cadabams Diagnostics, a few things are typically required:

• A Referral from Your Doctor: In most cases, an MRI is a specialized test that needs to be ordered by your referring physician (e.g., your GP, a pulmonologist, oncologist, or surgeon). This referral will outline the reason for the scan and the specific area to be imaged.
• Previous Relevant Imaging Reports or Films: If you have had previous imaging studies of your chest (such as X-rays, CT scans, or prior MRIs), it is very helpful to bring these reports and, if possible, the images themselves (often on a CD). This allows the radiologist at Cadabams Diagnostics to compare findings and get a more complete picture of your condition.
• MRI Safety Screening Questionnaire: Upon arrival, or sometimes beforehand, you will be asked to complete a detailed MRI safety screening questionnaire. This form asks critical questions about your medical history, surgeries, and any potential metallic implants or foreign bodies. It is vital to answer these questions accurately and completely for your safety.

Please bring your insurance information and a form of identification to your appointment. If you have any questions about pre-requisites, don't hesitate to contact Cadabams Diagnostics.

Best Time to Take the MRI Chest Without Contrast

The MRI Chest Without Contrast can generally be scheduled at your convenience during Cadabams Diagnostics' operating hours. Unlike some tests that require fasting or specific timing related to bodily functions, this scan usually offers flexibility.

• Elective Procedure: It is typically considered an elective (scheduled) procedure, meaning it’s planned in advance.
• Not Typically an Emergency Scan: While MRI can be used in urgent situations, an MRI Chest Without Contrast is not usually an emergency procedure unless specifically indicated by your doctor for a rapidly evolving diagnostic question where contrast is contraindicated.
• Consider Your Comfort: If you tend to feel rushed or anxious, you might prefer an appointment slot where you have ample time and don’t feel pressured.
• Availability: Scheduling will depend on the availability of the MRI scanner and staff at Cadabams Diagnostics. It's advisable to book your appointment as recommended by your doctor.

If your doctor indicates the scan is urgent, please communicate this to our scheduling team at Cadabams Diagnostics, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Eligibility

Most individuals can safely undergo an MRI Chest Without Contrast. However, there are some key contraindications and cautions:

Key Contraindications (Situations where the test usually CANNOT be performed):

• Presence of Certain Incompatible Metallic Implants: This is the most significant contraindication. Examples include:
  • Older types of ferromagnetic aneurysm clips (clips used to repair brain aneurysms).
  • Some older cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) that are not MRI-conditional.
  • Certain cochlear implants.
  • Some types of metallic foreign bodies in critical locations (e.g., metal shard in the eye).
    The comprehensive MRI safety screening questionnaire you complete at Cadabams Diagnostics is designed to identify these critical items. If an incompatible implant is present, the MRI Chest Without Contrast cannot be performed due to safety risks (implant movement, heating, or malfunction).

Cautions (Situations where the test may be performed but requires special consideration or may not be ideal):

• Severe Claustrophobia: Patients who experience extreme anxiety or panic in enclosed spaces may find the MRI scanner challenging. Options to discuss with your doctor and Cadabams Diagnostics include:
  • Open MRI (if available and suitable for chest imaging at our facility – tends to have lower field strength which might affect image quality for some indications).
  • Oral sedation prescribed by your doctor (you would need someone to drive you home).
  • Techniques used by our staff to help you feel more at ease.
• Pregnancy:
  • MRI is generally avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy unless absolutely essential and the benefits clearly outweigh any potential theoretical risks.
  • In the second and third trimesters, MRI without contrast is considered safer than imaging with ionizing radiation (like CT). The decision to proceed will be made by your referring doctor in consultation with the radiologist. Always inform staff if you are or might be pregnant.
• Inability to Lie Still: The MRI Chest Without Contrast scan can take 30 to 60 minutes, during which you must remain very still to obtain clear images. Patients with conditions causing involuntary movements or severe pain that prevents them from lying still may not be suitable candidates, or may need strategies to manage this (e.g., pain medication timed before the scan).
• Significant Obesity: Most MRI scanners have a weight limit and a bore (tunnel) diameter limit. Very large patients may not fit comfortably or safely into a standard closed-bore MRI. Cadabams Diagnostics can advise on weight and size limitations for our specific equipment.
• Implanted Devices that are MRI-Conditional: Many newer medical devices (pacemakers, neurostimulators) are "MRI-conditional," meaning they are safe for MRI under specific conditions (e.g., specific scanner type, specific scan parameters, device programming before and after scan). This requires careful coordination and adherence to protocols.

Our team at Cadabams Diagnostics prioritizes your safety and will thoroughly review your medical history to ensure an MRI Chest Without Contrast is appropriate for you.

Procedure for Taking an MRI Chest Without Contrast

Understanding the chest MRI no contrast procedure can help you feel more prepared for your scan at Cadabams Diagnostics. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Arrival & Preparation:

   • Check-in: Arrive a little before your scheduled appointment to complete any necessary paperwork.
   • Confirm Details: Staff will confirm your details and the type of scan ordered.
   • Safety Questionnaire: You will complete or review the MRI safety screening questionnaire. This is a critical step.
   • Change into Gown: You will likely be asked to change into a hospital gown to ensure there are no metal items on your clothing.
   • Remove Metal Objects: You will be reminded to remove all jewelry, watches, hairpins, hearing aids, removable dental work, and any other metallic items. Secure lockers are typically provided.

2. Positioning:

   • Lie on Table: The MRI technologist will help you lie down on a padded, motorized table, usually on your back (supine position) for a chest MRI.
   • Coil Placement: A special device called an "RF coil" (Radiofrequency coil) might be placed over or around your chest. This coil acts like an antenna, helping to send and receive the radio waves needed to create the images. It's not painful and is designed to improve image quality.
   • Comfort: The technologist will do their best to make you comfortable with pillows or supports, as you'll need to stay still for the duration of the scan.

3. Entering the Scanner:

   • Table Movement: The padded table will slowly slide into the center of the MRI machine. The machine is shaped like a large tunnel or doughnut and is open at both ends. The part of your body being scanned (your chest) will be in the middle of the magnet.
   • Lighting and Airflow: The inside of the scanner is well-lit and has a fan for air circulation.

4. During the Scan:

   • Remain Still: It is absolutely crucial to remain as still as possible during the entire chest MRI no contrast procedure. Even small movements can blur the images, potentially requiring sequences to be repeated and prolonging the scan.
   • Loud Noises: The MRI machine will produce a series of loud knocking, thumping, buzzing, or whirring sounds as it captures images. These sounds are normal.
   • Ear Protection: You will be provided with earplugs or headphones to reduce the noise. Often, music can be played through the headphones to help you relax.
   • Communication: The technologist will be in an adjacent control room, observing the scan through a window and monitoring the images as they are acquired. They can see and hear you, and you can communicate with them via an intercom system.
   • Call Bell: You may be given a call bell or squeeze ball to hold, which you can use to alert the technologist if you feel distressed or need assistance during the scan.
   • Scan Sequences: The scan is performed in several short sequences, each lasting a few minutes. There will be brief pauses between sequences. The technologist may give you instructions, such as "hold your breath" for short periods during certain sequences.
   • No Sensations: You will not feel the magnetic field or radio waves. Some patients report a slight warming sensation in the area being imaged, which is normal. If you feel any pain or discomfort, alert the technologist immediately.

5. Duration:

   • The entire MRI Chest Without Contrast procedure typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of imaging sequences required and how well you are able to remain still.

6. After the Scan:

   • Table Slides Out: Once all the images are acquired, the table will slide out of the scanner.
   • Getting Up: The technologist will help you get up from the table.
   • Changing: You can then change back into your clothes and retrieve your belongings.
   • Normal Activities: Unless you received sedation (which is uncommon for a non-contrast MRI unless for claustrophobia and arranged beforehand), you can typically resume your normal activities immediately after the scan.

The technologist at Cadabams Diagnostics will guide you through each step of the chest MRI no contrast procedure, ensuring your comfort and safety.

Caution Before Taking the Test

Before your MRI Chest Without Contrast begins, it is critical to reiterate certain information to the MRI technologist at Cadabams Diagnostics, even if you have mentioned it on a form or to other staff. Your safety is paramount. Please ensure you clearly communicate:

• Any possibility of pregnancy: If there is even a small chance you might be pregnant, inform the technologist.
• All metallic implants, devices, or fragments in your body: This includes pacemakers, aneurysm clips, stents, artificial joints, shrapnel, surgical staples, IUDs, neurostimulators, etc. Be specific and provide as much information as you have about any implant (e.g., manufacturer, model, date of implant, if known).
• History of severe claustrophobia or anxiety in enclosed spaces: If you are worried about feeling anxious, let the technologist know so they can offer support or discuss strategies.
• Any allergies: Although contrast material is not planned for an MRI Chest Without Contrast, it’s always good medical practice to disclose any known allergies (to medications, latex, etc.) to healthcare staff.
• Recent surgeries: Especially if they involved the chest or new implants.
• If you have worked as a welder, metal grinder, or had an injury involving metal fragments to your eyes that were not surgically removed. An X-ray might be needed to ensure no tiny metal particles are present in your eyes.
• If you are unable to lie flat or still for approximately 30-60 minutes.

Honest and thorough communication with the Cadabams Diagnostics team ensures that your MRI Chest Without Contrast is performed safely and effectively.