What is the purpose of a lumbar mri using gadolinium contrast?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique of examining internal body structures: bone, tissues, and organs. It has become one of the most important diagnostic tools for diseases and injuries of the spine.MRI BasicsAn MRI can examine internal bone and tissue in three dimensions. It is a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t use the radiation generated by x-rays.IndicationsAn MRI of the lumbar spine is a scan of the lower third of the spinal column. It can detect any kind of spine malformation, disc compression, certain kinds of tumors, postoperative scarring, inflammations, and infections.ContrastFor a better view, MRIs can be performed with contrasting agents. These enhanced MRIs can help the physician better determine the nature of infections and tumors. The doctor can better measure the effects of spinal surgery with contrast, examine the condition of connecting tissue and blood vessels, or simply have a more detailed look at a previous MRI done without the contrast.GadoliniumGad
