MRI CV JUNCTION
Also Known As
SENIOR
FLAT 10% OFF FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
FAMILY
ADD A FAMILY MEMBER FOR 20% DISCOUNT

Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
Quick snapshot: what the scan shows
- Soft tissues, brain stem, spinal cord, blood vessels, and bone alignment at the CV junction
- Signs of Chiari malformation, trauma, arthritis, or instability
Why Cadabams Diagnostics for CV junction imaging
- 3T & 1.5T MRI for sharper images
- ACR-accredited radiologists with 20+ years of neuro-imaging experience
- 15-minute protocols—fast, comfortable, and accurate
- Same-day reports shared digitally via secure email
List of Parameters
Key measurements our radiologists check:
- Brain stem alignment – is it straight or kinked?
- Cranio-vertebral angle – normal 135–175°
- Spinal cord compression signs – narrowing or signal change
- Atlanto-dental interval – space between C1 and dens (odontoid)
- Cerebellar tonsil position – low-lying tonsils indicate Chiari
Why This Test
- Diagnosing Chiari malformation (Type I & II)
- Evaluating trauma – rule out ligament injury or fracture
- Checking congenital instability – Down’s syndrome, Klippel-Feil
- Monitoring rheumatoid arthritis – early erosion detection
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of CV Junction MRI Scan
- No radiation – safe for children and pregnant patients (after 1st trimester)
- High-resolution soft-tissue detail – spots 1–2 mm lesions
- Multi-planar views – sagittal, coronal, axial slices in one scan
- Functional sequences – CSF flow studies available on 3T
Conditions Diagnosed with CV Junction MRI Test
Condition | What MRI Shows |
---|---|
Chiari I & II malformations | Tonsillar descent >5 mm |
Basilar invagination | Upward migration of dens into skull base |
Rheumatoid arthritis CV involvement | Pannus, erosion of dens |
Atlanto-axial instability | Widened atlanto-dental interval |
Spinal cord syrinx | Fluid-filled cavity within cord |
Preparing for test
Pre-requisites
- Fast 4 h only if contrast is ordered
- Remove jewellery, watches, hairpins
- Complete metal-screening form
Best time to take the MRI CV Junction
- Mornings reduce waiting times
- Consider post-lunch sedation if anxious
Eligibility criteria
- No history of severe claustrophobia (or arrange sedation)
- Weight < 200 kg (scanner limit)
- No MRI-unsafe implants
Procedure for Taking an MRI CV Junction
- Check-in at reception (carry doctor’s prescription & ID)
- Change into cotton gown
- Lie on scanner table with head coil in place
- Stay still for 12–20 minutes
- Optional contrast injection (IV line, 10-second cold sensation)
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Inform staff of pregnancy or kidney disease
- Bring previous scans on CD for comparison
- Arrive 15 min early for paperwork
Test Results
Results and Interpretation of CV Junction MRI Test
Finding/Observation | Description of What is Assessed | General Interpretation / Significance (Examples) |
---|---|---|
Normal CV angle | 145° | No instability |
Tonsillar descent 8 mm | Chiari I | May need neurosurgery consult |
Atlanto-dental interval 6 mm | >3 mm abnormal | Possible ligament rupture |
Basilar invagination 5 mm | Dens above Chamberlain’s line | Consider craniocervical fusion |
Syrinx C2-C4 | Oval fluid cavity | Monitor or shunt if expanding |
Ligamentous Structures (indirect signs) | Soft tissue alignment and spacing (e.g., alar, transverse ligaments) indirectly inferred from bony/soft tissue findings. | Stable: Normal bone and soft tissue relationships. Injury/Instability Suspected: Malalignment, widened atlantodental space, or retro-odontoid soft tissue thickening. |
Bone Marrow Signal / Osseous Structures | Assessed for signal alterations or structural deformities in clivus, occipital bone, atlas, and axis. | Normal: Uniform marrow signal. Abnormal: Fracture, congenital fusion (e.g., occipitalization of C1), bone lesions (tumor, infection), or arthritic change. |
CSF Spaces and Flow | Patency and symmetry of CSF around cerebellar tonsils, brainstem, and cervical cord; flow voids evaluated. | Normal: Free-flowing CSF with visible pulsation artifact. Obstruction: CSF blockage at foramen magnum (e.g., Chiari malformation) can cause syringomyelia or hydrocephalus. |
Risks & Limitations
MRI safety considerations
- Pacemakers or cochlear implants may be incompatible—tell our team in advance.
- Orthopaedic rods, screws, or dental fillings are usually safe; screening forms catch any issues.
Claustrophobia and sedation options
- Open-bore 3T scanners reduce enclosed feeling
- Mild oral sedation (on request) keeps you relaxed
- Headphones with music and a panic button inside the room
FAQs
How long does the scan take?
12–20 minutes; add 10 minutes if contrast is used.
Is contrast injection safe?
Yes. Gadolinium is FDA-approved; tell us if you have kidney issues.
Can I eat before the MRI?
Yes, unless contrast is planned—then light fasting for 4 h.
What if I feel claustrophobic?
Request open-bore 3T or mild sedation; headphones and music help.
When will I get my report?
Same day after 2 p.m. for morning scans; next-day for evening slots.
What are the next steps after an MRI CV Junction scan?
Once your referring doctor receives the report for your MRI CV Junction scan from Cadabams Diagnostics, they will review the findings in combination with your clinical symptoms, medical history, and any other relevant test results. Based on this comprehensive assessment, they will discuss the diagnosis with you and outline potential treatment options if any abnormalities are found. This might involve further specialist consultations (e.g., with a neurologist or neurosurgeon), medication, physical therapy, or, in some cases, surgical intervention.