MRI Cervical / Cervico-Dorsal Spine with Contrast

What Is MRI Cervical / Cervico-Dorsal Spine with Contrast?

A specialized magnetic-resonance scan that captures high-resolution images of the neck and upper-back spinal region after injecting a gadolinium contrast agent. The dye highlights blood vessels, inflammation, and abnormal tissue growth that might not show on a routine scan.

Key Differences from Non-Contrast MRI

• Enhanced detail: Tumors, infections, and nerve compression become more visible.
• Functional mapping: Shows how blood flows through spinal tissues.
• Early detection: Smaller lesions are caught sooner, leading to quicker treatment.

• Spinal cord integrity (swelling, syrinx, compression)
• Disc height, hydration, and bulges
• Vertebral body alignment, fractures, or lesions
• Nerve roots & foramina narrowing
• Soft-tissue masses, abscesses, or vascular malformations

• Detecting tumors & infections (spinal cord tumors, TB, abscess)
• Evaluating nerve compression (herniated discs, spinal stenosis)
• Staging cancer to see if it has spread to the spine
• Post-operative assessment to differentiate scar tissue from new disease

• High-resolution imaging without radiation exposure
• Early diagnosis reduces risk of permanent nerve damage
• Precision treatment planning for surgery, radiation, or medication
• Peace of mind when results rule out serious disease

• Herniated discs & spinal stenosis
• Spinal tumors (ependymoma, meningioma, metastasis)
• Spinal abscesses & osteomyelitis
• Inflammatory conditions (multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis)

• Fasting: 4 hours if you will receive sedatives; 2 hours for contrast alone.
• Medications: Continue most drugs; skip metformin if eGFR < 45.
• Metal screening: Remove jewelry, hearing aids, hairpins.
• What to wear: Metal-free cotton clothes or hospital gown.
• Bring: Doctor’s prescription, ID, previous imaging CDs.

• Kidney function test (eGFR): Within 4 weeks for adults > 60 yrs or anyone with diabetes/hypertension.
• Allergy history: Inform staff if prior gadolinium, iodine, or shellfish reactions.

• Morning slots simplify fasting for diabetics or anxious patients.
• Post-symptom onset: Ideally within 2–4 weeks of new neurological deficits to prevent irreversible damage.

• Age & weight: Infants to elderly; most machines handle up to 150–180 kg.
• Pregnancy: Generally avoided in 1st trimester; contrast only if benefits outweigh risks.

1. Check-in & consent signature
2. IV line placement in arm/hand
3. Metal-detector screening & questionnaire
4. Lie supine on MRI table with neck coil
5. Initial non-contrast sequences (about 10 min)
6. Gadolinium injection & brief saline flush
7. Post-contrast sequences (additional 10–15 min)
8. Monitoring for 5–10 min post-injection

• Inform staff about tattoos (some inks contain metal), implants, or pacemakers.
• Contrast reaction protocols: Crash cart and emergency medication on site; staff trained for rapid response.
• Excretion: Drink extra water after the scan to aid kidney clearance.

• Contrast allergy: Rare (0.07–2.4 %); usually mild rash or nausea.
• Kidney considerations: Gadolinium is avoided if eGFR < 30 mL/min.
• Claustrophobia: Open or wide-bore MRI options are available.
• Implant safety: Pacemakers, cochlear implants, or older aneurysm clips may be contraindicated.