Is an MRI/CT of the spine routinely requested before implantation of an intrathecal drug delivery system for cancer pain?
Radiographic imaging of the spinal column with MRI/CT is prudent to assess canal patency whenever spinal canal compromise is suspected. It is not necessary for every patient with cancer-related pain to undergo spine imaging. However, it is appropriate for those patients with known or suspected metastatic bone disease. Radiographic imaging of the spinal column is also appropriate in patients who may have spinal canal compromise from other causes (e.g., previous spine trauma, advanced degenerative disease of the spine).
