MRI Lumbar / Lumbosacral Spine with Contrast

Quick Facts

• Scan time: 30–45 minutes
• Contrast: Gadolinium-based dye delivered via IV line
• Report availability: Same-day digital access at Cadabams

Who Benefits Most

• Adults with persistent lower-back pain or sciatica
• Patients needing post-surgery follow-up
• Anyone suspected of infection, tumor, or inflammation in the spine

• Disc herniation size & exact location
• Nerve root compression or displacement
• Inflammatory enhancement around discs or nerves
• Tumor size, borders, and enhancement pattern
• Post-surgical scar vs. recurrent disc

• Early detection of cauda equina syndrome—a surgical emergency
• Precision mapping before spinal injections or minimally invasive surgery
• Treatment monitoring after surgery or chemotherapy

• Ultra-high-resolution soft-tissue detail
• Guides targeted therapy—no guesswork
• Same-day digital reports accessible from your phone
• Sub-specialty radiologists at Cadabams review every scan

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Spinal tumors (benign & malignant)
• Infections—discitis, osteomyelitis
• Arachnoiditis or post-operative scarring

• Fast 4 hours before scan (clear fluids allowed)
• Inform us if pregnant, breast-feeding, or diabetic
• Remove all metal: jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids
• Wear loose cotton clothing or change into our gown

• Recent creatinine report (within 30 days) showing eGFR ≥ 30
• Completed allergy history form at Cadabams front desk

• Early morning slots preferred for diabetic patients to shorten fasting
• After physician consultation to ensure contrast is necessary

• Adults ≥ 18 years
• Children need sedation assessment by our pediatric team
• Weight limit: up to 150 kg (higher on open MRI)

1. Check-in & paperwork (10 min)
2. IV line insertion by trained technologist
3. Lie on scanner table—cushions and headphones provided
4. Contrast injection halfway through scan
5. 30–45 min total—you’ll hear knocking sounds; stay still
6. Post-scan observation for 10 min, then go home

• Discuss kidney health and claustrophobia with our technician
• Sedation option: mild oral relaxant arranged on request
• Bring a companion if you anticipate needing help post-sedation

Gadolinium Safety

• Allergy: Rare (1 in 10,000), but tell us about prior reactions
• Kidney function: eGFR ≥ 30 required to avoid nephrogenic issues

Other Considerations

• Claustrophobia: Open MRI or mild sedation available
• Metal implants: Pacemakers, cochlear implants, or shrapnel may be contraindicated