MRI SACROILIAC JOINTS

An MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan is an advanced diagnostic imaging test specifically designed to provide highly detailed images of your sacroiliac (SI) joints and the surrounding soft tissues. These joints, located where the lower spine (sacrum) connects to the pelvis (ilium), can be a significant source of lower back, buttock, or pelvic pain. The primary purpose of an MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan is to visualize these structures in detail, helping doctors identify inflammation, injury, or other abnormalities that may be causing your symptoms.

This procedure is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't require any surgical incisions. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing conditions such as sacroiliitis (inflammation of the SI joints), early signs of inflammatory arthritis like ankylosing spondylitis, and other causes of persistent lower back and buttock pain. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we utilize state-of-the-art MRI technology to ensure you receive the most accurate diagnostic information possible for your MRI Sacroiliac Joints examination.

What is an MRI of Sacroiliac Joints?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a sophisticated medical imaging technique that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images of the inside of your body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation.

Specifically, an MRI of Sacroiliac Joints focuses on the SI joints. It excels at visualizing not just the bones of the sacrum and ilium that form these joints, but also the cartilage that cushions them, the ligaments that support them, and the surrounding muscles and soft tissues. This detailed visualization allows for the detection of subtle changes, such as inflammation (sacroiliitis), fluid accumulation, bone marrow edema, erosions, or damage to cartilage and ligaments.

The superiority of MRI Sacroiliac Joints over traditional X-rays is particularly evident when assessing soft tissues and early inflammatory changes. X-rays are good for showing bone structure but are limited in their ability to detect early inflammation or soft tissue problems. An MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan can often identify issues long before they become apparent on an X-ray, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Types of MRI Sacroiliac Joints

There isn't typically a wide variety of "types" for an MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan in the way there might be for other body parts, but specific protocols and the use of contrast can vary:

Standard MRI of Sacroiliac Joints

This is the most common type. It involves using standard MRI sequences to visualize the anatomy and detect structural abnormalities or gross inflammation in the SI joints without the use of intravenous contrast.

MRI with Contrast (e.g., Gadolinium)

In certain situations, your doctor or the radiologist may decide that an MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan with contrast is necessary.

• When it's used: Contrast is often used to better highlight areas of active inflammation (like synovitis or enthesitis), infection, or to characterize lesions such as tumors if suspected. Enhanced areas take up the contrast dye, making them appear brighter on certain MRI sequences.
• How it's administered: If contrast is needed, a gadolinium-based contrast agent is injected into a vein in your arm (IV line), usually partway through the scanning process. Additional images are then taken.

Specific Sequences or Protocols

Radiologists use various MRI sequences (e.g., T1-weighted, T2-weighted, STIR - Short Tau Inversion Recovery) to highlight different tissue characteristics. For suspected sacroiliitis, STIR sequences are particularly valuable as they are very sensitive for detecting bone marrow edema, a key indicator of active inflammation. Other sequences might be tailored to look for chronic changes like erosions or fat metaplasia. The specific protocol for your MRI Sacroiliac Joints will be determined by the radiologist at Cadabams Diagnostics based on your doctor's request and your clinical symptoms.

During an MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan, radiologists meticulously examine various structures and look for specific signs of disease or injury. This detailed assessment helps answer the question, "what does MRI of sacroiliac joints show?" Key parameters include:

Bone Marrow Edema

This is a critical finding, especially in suspected active sacroiliitis. It appears as a bright signal on fluid-sensitive sequences (like STIR) within the bone marrow of the sacrum and/or ilium adjacent to the SI joint, indicating inflammation.

Erosions

These are focal areas of bone loss or defects along the joint surfaces. They are a sign of destructive joint disease and are common in chronic sacroiliitis.

Sclerosis

This refers to increased bone density or hardening of the bone beneath the cartilage (subchondral sclerosis). It can be a sign of chronic inflammation or degenerative changes (osteoarthritis).

Synovitis

Inflammation of the synovial membrane (the lining of the joint). This may be seen as thickening of the synovium and can enhance with contrast.

Enthesitis

Inflammation at the sites where ligaments or tendons attach to bone (entheses) around the SI joints. This can also show edema or contrast enhancement.

Capsulitis

Inflammation of the joint capsule.

Joint Space:

• Narrowing: Reduction in the normal space between the sacral and iliac bones, which can occur in osteoarthritis or advanced inflammatory conditions.
• Widening: Less common, but can occur with joint effusion or destructive processes.
• Ankylosis (Fusion): Bony bridging across the joint, leading to fusion. This is a late and characteristic sign of severe, long-standing inflammatory diseases like ankylosing spondylitis.

Periarticular Soft Tissue Changes

Examination for inflammation, swelling, fluid collections (abscesses), or other abnormalities in the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues surrounding the SI joints.

Integrity of Ligaments

Assessing the sacroiliac ligaments for tears or inflammation.

Presence of Fluid in the Joint

An abnormal amount of fluid within the SI joint can indicate inflammation or infection.

Fat Metaplasia/Fatty Infiltration

Replacement of active inflammatory bone marrow edema with fatty tissue. This is often seen as a chronic change or a sign of healed inflammation.

Cysts, Tumors, or Fractures

The scan will also look for any abnormal growths (benign or malignant), cysts originating from the joint, or fractures involving the sacrum or ilium near the SI joints.

By evaluating these parameters, the radiologist can provide a comprehensive report to your doctor, aiding in an accurate diagnosis for your MRI Sacroiliac Joints findings.

Your doctor may recommend an MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan for several reasons, primarily related to diagnosing the cause of pain or dysfunction in the lower back, buttock, and pelvic region. Detailed symptoms and situations that often lead to this test include:

Persistent Lower Back Pain

Especially pain that is localized to the sacroiliac joint area (felt low down, often just to one or both sides of the tailbone).

Pain in the Buttocks, Groin, or Posterior Thigh

SI joint problems can refer pain to these areas, sometimes making it difficult to pinpoint the source without advanced imaging.

Pain Aggravated by Specific Activities

If your pain worsens with:
* Prolonged sitting or standing.
* Climbing stairs.
* Running or jogging.
* Rolling over in bed.
* Rising from a seated position.
* Weight-bearing on one leg.

Stiffness

Significant stiffness in the lower back and pelvis, particularly noticeable in the morning upon waking or after periods of rest, which tends to improve with movement.

Suspected Inflammatory Conditions

To confirm or rule out sacroiliitis, which is inflammation of one or both SI joints. This is a common feature of spondyloarthropathies like ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease. An MRI Sacroiliac Joints is crucial for MRI for sacroiliitis diagnosis in its early stages.

Follow-up on Abnormal Findings

If previous imaging tests like an X-ray or bone scan show abnormalities or are inconclusive regarding the SI joints.

Assessment After Trauma

To evaluate the SI joints for fractures, ligament damage, or other injuries following a fall, car accident, or other pelvic trauma.

Lack of Response to Conservative Treatment

If symptoms persist despite treatments like pain medication, physical therapy, or injections, an MRI can help identify underlying structural issues.

Pre-Surgical Planning

In some cases, if SI joint fusion surgery is being considered, an MRI can help confirm the diagnosis and assess the joint.

When and Who Needs to Take an MRI of Sacroiliac Joints?

An MRI of Sacroiliac Joints is typically recommended by a doctor when a patient presents with specific symptoms or when other diagnostic tests have not provided a clear answer. Common indications include:

• Unexplained persistent lower back pain, particularly if it's localized to the SI joint area.
• Pain in the buttocks or pelvic region.
• Stiffness in the lower back and pelvis, especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Symptoms that might prompt your doctor to order an MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan include:

• Pain that may radiate into the groin, posterior thigh, or even down the leg (sometimes mimicking sciatica).
• Pain that worsens with activities like standing for long periods, walking, climbing stairs, running, or specific movements like rolling over in bed or getting out of a car.
• Tenderness when pressure is applied directly over the SI joints.
• Morning stiffness in the lower back or pelvis that lasts for more than 30 minutes and improves with activity.

Several patient groups may benefit from this scan:

• Individuals with suspected inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, or reactive arthritis. An MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan is a key tool for MRI for sacroiliitis diagnosis in these conditions, often detecting active inflammation (bone marrow edema) which is a hallmark of early disease.
• Patients who have experienced trauma to the pelvic region, such as a fall or accident, to assess for fractures or ligamentous injury to the SI joints.
• Individuals suffering from chronic SI joint pain that has not responded to initial treatments like physical therapy or pain medication, to get a more definitive diagnosis.

Benefits of Taking the Test

An MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan offers significant benefits in the diagnostic process and management of SI joint-related conditions:

Diagnostic Value

• Accurate Detection: It provides highly detailed images, allowing for the accurate detection of sacroiliitis, even in its early stages, as well as other SI joint abnormalities like osteoarthritis, fractures, or ligament injuries.
• Early Diagnosis: Crucially, it can identify early inflammatory changes (like bone marrow edema) before they are visible on X-rays. This allows for prompt diagnosis of conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, facilitating timely treatment intervention which can prevent long-term joint damage and disability.
• Differentiation: Helps distinguish between inflammatory causes of SI joint pain (e.g., sacroiliitis in spondyloarthropathy) and mechanical or degenerative causes (e.g., osteoarthritis, biomechanical dysfunction). This distinction is vital for appropriate treatment planning.
• Identifying other pathologies: Can reveal less common causes of SI joint area pain, such as stress fractures, infections, or tumors.

Guiding Treatment

The detailed information from an MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan helps clinicians at Cadabams Diagnostics and your referring physician choose the most appropriate medical treatments (e.g., specific anti-inflammatory drugs for sacroiliitis) or interventional therapies (e.g., SI joint injections, physical therapy protocols). Understanding the extent and nature of the problem (e.g., active inflammation vs. chronic damage) influences treatment strategy.

Monitoring Conditions

For patients diagnosed with conditions like sacroiliitis or ankylosing spondylitis, follow-up MRI Sacroiliac Joints scans can be used to assess the response to treatment. It can show whether inflammation has subsided or if there's progression of structural damage, allowing doctors to adjust therapy as needed.

Non-Invasive and Safe

Unlike some other procedures, MRI is non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe imaging option for most people.

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Sacroiliac Joints

An MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan is a powerful tool for diagnosing a range of conditions affecting the SI joints and surrounding structures. Key illnesses include:

Sacroiliitis

This is inflammation of one or both sacroiliac joints. MRI is highly sensitive for detecting active sacroiliitis (showing bone marrow edema, synovitis, enthesitis, capsulitis) as well as chronic changes (erosions, sclerosis, ankylosis). Sacroiliitis can be:

• Inflammatory: Most commonly associated with spondyloarthropathies.
• Infectious (Septic Sacroiliitis): Caused by bacterial or other infections (though less common).
• Degenerative (Osteoarthritis): Wear-and-tear changes.
• Traumatic: Resulting from injury.
  The role of MRI for sacroiliitis diagnosis is paramount, especially for early inflammatory types. [Link to: Sacroiliac Joints Condition Page if available on Cadabams Diagnostics website]

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

A chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and SI joints. Sacroiliitis is a hallmark feature of AS, and MRI can detect it very early. [Link to: Ankylosing Spondylitis Condition Page if available]

Other Spondyloarthropathies

This group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases also frequently involves the SI joints. MRI helps diagnose SI joint involvement in:

• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Reactive Arthritis (formerly Reiter's syndrome)
• Enteropathic Arthritis (associated with inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy

Osteoarthritis of the SI Joint

Degenerative "wear and tear" arthritis affecting the SI joint, characterized by cartilage loss, bone spurs (osteophytes), and subchondral sclerosis. MRI can show these changes.

Stress Fractures or Other Traumatic Injuries

MRI can detect subtle stress fractures or other fractures involving the sacrum or ilium near the SI joint, as well as ligamentous injuries or hematomas resulting from trauma.

Infections (e.g., Septic Arthritis, Osteomyelitis)

While less common, infections can affect the SI joint or adjacent bone. MRI can show signs of infection like fluid collections, abscesses, and inflammatory changes, often with contrast enhancement.

Tumors or Cysts

Benign or malignant tumors, or cysts originating in or around the SI joints, can be identified and characterized with an MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan.

Enthesitis

Inflammation where ligaments and tendons attach to bone around the SI joint. This is a common feature in spondyloarthropathies.

Capsulitis

Inflammation of the joint capsule surrounding the SI joint.

Proper MRI sacroiliac joints preparation is generally straightforward but important for a successful scan. Here are the typical instructions you'll receive from Cadabams Diagnostics:

Specific Instructions

• Dietary Restrictions:
  • Usually, no specific dietary restrictions (e.g., fasting) are required for a standard MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan without contrast.
  • If your scan is planned with intravenous contrast, you may be asked to avoid eating for a few hours beforehand. Cadabams Diagnostics will provide specific instructions if this applies to you. You can usually drink water.
• Clothing:
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without any metal snaps, zippers, buttons, or metallic threads. It's best to choose clothing that is easy to remove if you are asked to change into a hospital gown.
  • Sports bras without metal clasps or underwires are generally acceptable for women.
• Metallic Objects:
  • You will need to remove all metallic objects before entering the MRI scan room. This includes:
    • Jewelry (necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, body piercings)
    • Watches
    • Hairpins, hair clips, and barrettes
    • Removable dental work (dentures, partial plates)
    • Hearing aids
    • Eyeglasses
    • Coins, keys, pens
    • Credit cards (can be erased by the magnet)
  • Lockers are usually provided for your valuables.
• Medications:
  • Inform the staff at Cadabams Diagnostics about any medications you are currently taking. Generally, you can continue to take your prescribed medications as usual unless specifically advised otherwise by your doctor or our team.
• Allergies and Medical Conditions: Be prepared to discuss any allergies (especially to contrast dyes or medications), previous surgeries, and existing medical conditions with the technologist.

Hydration

Normal hydration is generally fine. Drinking water as you normally would is encouraged. There's no need to over-hydrate or restrict fluids unless specifically instructed.

Following these MRI sacroiliac joints preparation guidelines will help ensure your scan proceeds smoothly and safely.

Pre-requisites

Before undergoing an MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan at Cadabams Diagnostics, there are usually a few pre-requisites:

• Doctor's Referral/Prescription: In most cases, a referral or prescription from your doctor (e.g., general practitioner, rheumatologist, orthopedist, physiatrist) is required. This referral will state the reason for the scan and the specific area to be imaged (sacroiliac joints).
• Previous Imaging Reports/Films: If you have had previous imaging studies (such as X-rays, CT scans, or prior MRIs) of your pelvis, lower back, or SI joints, it is very helpful to bring these reports and images (films or CD/DVD) with you to your appointment. This allows the radiologist to compare findings and get a more complete picture of your condition.
• Kidney Function Test (if contrast is planned):
  • If your MRI Sacroiliac Joints is likely to involve the use of a gadolinium-based contrast medium, a recent kidney function test (e.g., blood test for serum creatinine to calculate eGFR - estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) may be required.
  • This is particularly important for patients with known kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, or those over a certain age (e.g., 60 years). This helps ensure the safe administration of contrast. Cadabams Diagnostics will inform you if this is necessary.
• Patient Screening Form: You will be asked to complete a detailed MRI safety screening questionnaire before your scan to identify any potential contraindications, such as metallic implants or devices in your body.

Best Time to Take the MRI Sacroiliac Joints

There is generally no "best" biological time to take an MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan in terms of the body's daily cycles. The factors determining the timing are usually logistical and based on medical necessity:

• Availability: MRI Sacroiliac Joints scans are typically available during the normal operating hours of the diagnostic imaging department at Cadabams Diagnostics.
• Medical Urgency: If your condition is acute or causing severe symptoms, your doctor may request the scan sooner. For routine evaluations, it can be scheduled at a mutually convenient time.
• No Specific Biological Timing: Unlike some hormone tests that need to be done at specific times of the day or menstrual cycle, the diagnostic information from an MRI Sacroiliac Joints is not dependent on such factors.
• Patient Convenience: Schedule your appointment at a time that is convenient for you, allowing for the total duration of the appointment, which includes check-in, preparation, the scan itself (typically 30-60 minutes), and any post-scan procedures if contrast was used.

Essentially, the best time is when it's scheduled by your doctor and fits your availability, ensuring you can arrive relaxed and prepared for the sacroiliac MRI scan procedure.

Eligibility

Most individuals can safely undergo an MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan. However, due to the strong magnetic field used, there are specific contraindications and precautions:

Who Can Safely Have the Test

The vast majority of people without specific contraindications (listed below) can have an MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan.

Absolute Contraindications (Individuals who generally CANNOT have an MRI)

• Cardiac Pacemakers or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs): Most traditional pacemakers and ICDs are not MRI-safe. However, some newer models are "MRI-conditional," meaning they can undergo MRI under specific, controlled conditions. This must be verified with the device manufacturer and the MRI facility (Cadabams Diagnostics) well in advance.
• Certain Metallic Implants:
  • Ferromagnetic cerebral aneurysm clips (clips used to treat brain aneurysms).
  • Cochlear (inner ear) implants.
  • Certain types of neurostimulators or drug infusion pumps.
• Metal Fragments in the Eyes or Body: If there's a possibility of metal fragments (e.g., from metalworking injury, shrapnel) in a critical location like the eyes, an X-ray may be needed first to clear you for MRI.
• Certain Swan-Ganz catheters or other temporary indwelling devices.

Relative Contraindications/Precautions (MRI may be possible but requires careful evaluation and management)

• Pregnancy: While MRI does not use ionizing radiation, it is generally avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks. If you are pregnant or suspect you might be, you must inform your doctor and the MRI staff at Cadabams Diagnostics.
• Severe Claustrophobia: Patients with significant fear of enclosed spaces may find the MRI scanner challenging. Options may include sedation (arranged with your referring doctor) or, if available and appropriate for image quality, an open MRI scanner, though for SI joints, a closed-bore scanner often provides better images.
• Inability to Lie Still: The MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan requires you to remain very still for its duration (typically 30-60 minutes). Patients who cannot lie still due to pain, involuntary movements, or other conditions may produce motion-degraded images, making interpretation difficult.
• Contrast Dye Allergy: If you have a known severe allergy to gadolinium-based contrast agents, contrast-enhanced MRI may be contraindicated, or pre-medication might be considered.
• Certain Other Implants/Devices: Joint replacements, surgical screws, plates, and staples are usually MRI-safe after a certain period post-surgery, but it's crucial to inform the technologist about all implants.
• Severe Kidney Disease: If gadolinium contrast is planned, patients with severe kidney impairment are at higher risk for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), a rare but serious complication. Kidney function will be assessed.

Always discuss your full medical history and any concerns with your doctor and the MRI team at Cadabams Diagnostics to ensure eligibility.

Procedure for Taking an MRI Sacroiliac Joints

Understanding the sacroiliac MRI scan procedure can help you feel more prepared and at ease. Here's a step-by-step guide to what you can typically expect during your MRI Sacroiliac Joints appointment at Cadabams Diagnostics:

1. Check-in and Paperwork:

   • Arrive at Cadabams Diagnostics a little before your scheduled appointment time to complete any necessary paperwork, including the MRI safety screening questionnaire.
   • You may be asked to confirm your personal details and insurance information.

2. Changing into a Hospital Gown:

   • You will likely be asked to change into a hospital gown to ensure there are no metallic items on your clothing that could interfere with the scan or cause harm. Lockers will be provided for your clothes and personal belongings.

3. Briefing by the Technologist:

   • An MRI technologist will greet you, review your screening form, and explain the sacroiliac MRI scan procedure.
   • This is a good time to ask any questions you may have.
   • They will re-confirm questions about any metal in or on your body, allergies, and the possibility of pregnancy.

4. Positioning on the MRI Scanner Table:

   • You will be asked to lie down on a padded, motorized table, usually on your back (supine position).
   • The technologist will help position you correctly to ensure the sacroiliac joints are in the center of the imaging area. Pillows and supports may be used for comfort and to help you stay still.

5. Coil Placement:

   • A special device called a "coil" (or surface coil) will be placed over your pelvic area. This coil acts like an antenna, helping to receive the radiofrequency signals from your body to create detailed images of your SI joints. It is lightweight and does not cause discomfort.

6. Moving into the Scanner:

   • Once you are comfortably positioned and the coil is in place, the table will slowly slide into the opening of the MRI scanner. The scanner is a large, cylindrical machine that is open at both ends. Your head may be inside or outside the scanner depending on the specific machine and your height, but for an MRI Sacroiliac Joints, your pelvic region will be in the center.

7. Staying Still:

   • It is crucial to remain as still as possible during the entire sacroiliac MRI scan procedure. Movement can blur the images, making them difficult for the radiologist to interpret, and may require sequences to be repeated, lengthening the scan time.

8. Communication:

   • The technologist will be in an adjacent control room, monitoring the scan through a window. You will be able to communicate with them via an intercom system. You will often be given a call bell or squeeze ball to alert them if you need assistance.

9. Loud Noises:

   • During the scan, the MRI machine will make loud knocking, tapping, buzzing, or whirring sounds as it acquires images. This is normal. You will be provided with earplugs or headphones, often with music, to reduce the noise and make you more comfortable.

10. Contrast Injection (if applicable):

    • If your MRI Sacroiliac Joints requires a contrast agent, it will typically be administered partway through the scan. The technologist will come in, or an automated injector will be used, to inject the contrast dye through an intravenous (IV) line previously placed in your arm or hand. You might feel a cool sensation or a brief metallic taste. After the injection, more images will be taken.

11. Duration of the Scan:

    • The actual scanning time for an MRI Sacroiliac Joints typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of imaging sequences required and whether contrast is used.

12. Scan Completion:

    • Once all the images are acquired, the table will slide out of the scanner, and the technologist will help you up. If an IV line was placed for contrast, it will be removed.

13. After the Scan:

    • You can usually change back into your clothes and resume normal activities immediately unless you received sedation. If contrast was used, you might be asked to wait for a short period (e.g., 15-30 minutes) for observation.

The team at Cadabams Diagnostics is committed to making your sacroiliac MRI scan procedure as comfortable as possible.

Caution Before Taking the Test

It is vital to provide complete and accurate information to the technologist at Cadabams Diagnostics before your MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan to ensure your safety and the quality of the images. Important things to tell the technologist include:

• Possibility of Pregnancy: If you are, or think you might be, pregnant. MRI is generally avoided in the first trimester unless absolutely necessary.
• Any Metal Implants, Devices, or Shrapnel in Your Body: This is the most critical information. Be exhaustive and specific:
  • Cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
  • Brain aneurysm clips
  • Cochlear implants
  • Neurostimulators (for pain, bladder control, etc.)
  • Implanted drug infusion pumps
  • Metal plates, pins, screws, or wires from previous surgeries (e.g., joint replacements, bone fracture repairs)
  • Artificial heart valves
  • Stents (coronary, carotid, etc.)
  • Shrapnel, bullets, or other metallic foreign bodies
  • Permanent makeup or tattoos (some inks contain metallic particles, though rarely an issue for body scans)
  • Dental implants, bridges, or fillings (usually not a problem, but good to mention)
• History of Kidney Problems or Diabetes: Especially important if contrast dye is anticipated, as kidney function affects the ability to clear the contrast agent.
• Allergies: Specifically mention any known allergies to:
  • Gadolinium contrast dye used in previous MRIs.
  • Iodine (used in CT contrast, but good to mention all contrast allergies).
  • Any other medications or substances.
• Claustrophobia or Anxiety about Enclosed Spaces: If you have a history of severe claustrophobia, discuss options like sedation with your referring doctor beforehand. Informing the technologist allows them to provide extra support.
• Any Recent Surgeries: Even if non-metallic implants were used, recent surgical sites might be sensitive.
• Inability to Lie Flat or Still: If you have severe pain or a condition that makes it difficult to lie flat on your back or remain still for up to an hour.
• Details About Any Implants: If you have an implanted device, try to bring any information card you have about it, as it may specify whether it is MRI-safe or MRI-conditional.

Being upfront about these points helps the Cadabams Diagnostics team take necessary precautions and ensure the MRI Sacroiliac Joints scan is appropriate and safe for you.