This is an automatically translated article.
The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Phan - Head of Interventional Imaging Unit - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital. The doctor has extensive experience in vascular diagnosis and intervention.In cases where magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine is used to evaluate lumbar spine pathology, patients usually do not need to inject magnetic contrast agents. However, if there is a need to assess for infection, detect a tumor, and assess the extent of soft tissue damage, a contrast-enhanced MRI is essential.
1. What is the purpose of lumbar spine MRI?
The method of MRI, also known as magnetic resonance imaging, will record images of organs in the human body based on the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance. Through radio waves and magnetic fields, the hydrogen atoms in the human body will absorb and release RF energy, thereby helping the MRI machine to receive, process and give detailed images of the organs. survey, helping doctors easily make an accurate diagnosis of the patient's current medical condition and injury.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be different from other imaging methods such as traditional X-rays, computed tomography (CT), because this technique does not use X-rays, so MRI is not cause radiation to patients, diagnostic images have high value, so this is considered the most advanced imaging technique in medicine today.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be performed on an area of the body to be examined or the whole body. Lumbar spine MRI is a technique used to diagnose lumbar spine diseases. After the processing of the machine, the back MRI will show:
Details of the lumbar vertebrae of the photographer, in the form of a concave curve back to create an upright posture for the person. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine will help doctors diagnose vertebrae images, the spine does not have structural defects if it has a normal structure in terms of composition and shape. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine also shows the intervertebral discs between the two vertebrae. If the nucleus pulposus does not come out, the fibrous capsule does not tear and presses on the nerve, the disc is normal and there is no herniated pathology. In addition, back MRI technique also supports the detection of many other related diseases such as spondylolisthesis, spondylolisthesis, curvature of the spine or related software injuries such as inflammation, trauma. injury, tumor damage,... Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine is not the preferred method in diagnosing spinal diseases, it is the most effective imaging technique. Therefore, the doctor will consider the benefits to decide on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine when necessary for the patient.
2. Does an MRI scan of the spine require injection of magnetic contrast?
In cases where MRI of the lumbar spine is used to evaluate lumbar spine pathology, usually the patient does not need to inject magnetic contrast. However, if there is a need to assess for infection, detect a tumor, and assess the extent of soft tissue damage, a contrast-enhanced MRI is essential.When taking an MRI with magnetic contrast injection, the patient will be injected with the drug through the arm vein before the scan, then the contrast will be gradually eliminated from the body through the urine.
Contrast drugs are considered very safe, used in medicine for the purpose of creating contrast so that the images of the lesions are revealed more clearly and in more detail. Therefore, it does not cause any health problems for the patient. Only some cases where the body is allergic to the drug or is hypersensitive, the drug will cause rash, nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, or headache,...
Allergic reactions to the drug Electromagnetic radiation is usually mild and there is always a medical team ready to assist if severe symptoms occur, so if you notice the above side effects, the patient should notify the doctor for support and advice.
However, for patients on glomerular dialysis, kidney failure or pregnant women and people with a history of allergies, it is advisable to consider, not mandatory to perform MRI technique of lumbar spine in particular. and MRI in general.
Kỹ thuật chụp MRI cột sống thắt lưng là phương pháp dùng để chẩn đoán các bệnh lý cột sống thắt lưng
3. Notes when taking MRI with magnetic contrast injection
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine is similar to other imaging methods, does not affect health, is not magnetic, so the patient can be completely assured. In the case of MRI with injection of magnetic contrast, the patient should note a few points as follows:Before taking an MRI with injection of magnetic contrast, the patient needs to wear a hospital gown to serve the procedure. The shooting process is more convenient. All jewelry should be removed from the body, especially metal items, as these can interfere with the MRI scan. In case the photographer is afraid of narrow spaces, the person is mentally ill, has epilepsy, is too scared to be calm enough, etc., the doctors may use sedatives, anesthetics or anesthetics first. when taking photos to facilitate the shooting process. For hyperactive children who need MRI, the doctor can also inject anesthetic to keep the child still, thereby having more accurate results. If the patient has ever had kidney disease, heart disease, asthma, ... allergic to contrast medicine or any drug, it is necessary to inform the doctor immediately before taking MRI. Lumbar spine injected with magnetic contrast agent. It is important to note that the patient will need to lie still during the MRI scan, which is considered a very important factor because any movement can lead to noise, image distortion, affect the diagnosis. Besides, depending on the location of the scan, the technician will guide the most suitable lying position for the patient. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine with magnetic contrast injection will begin when the patient feels ready. After the spine magnetic resonance imaging scan, if the patient feels any abnormality such as nausea, vomiting, headache, itching, redness of the injection area, dizziness,... or other symptoms. If there are other abnormalities, it is necessary to quickly notify the doctor for timely handling.
For the most accurate results of the lumbar spine MRI, besides the combination of the patient and the technician and the experience of the operator, modern machinery and equipment is also an important factor in supporting the patient. most accurate diagnostic aid. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in general requires modern machinery, trained technicians, and doctors with extensive experience in reading as well as concluding accurate results when observing. Magnetic resonance imaging is essential. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the leading prestigious hospitals in the country, trusted by a large number of patients for medical examination and treatment. Not only the physical system, modern equipment: 6 ultrasound rooms, 4 DR X-ray rooms (1 full-axis machine, 1 light machine, 1 general machine and 1 mammography machine) , 2 DR portable X-ray machines, 2 multi-row CT scanner rooms (1 128 rows and 1 16 arrays), 2 Magnetic resonance imaging rooms (1 3 Tesla and 1 1.5 Tesla), 1 room for 2 levels of interventional angiography and 1 room to measure bone mineral density.... Vinmec is also the place to gather a team of experienced doctors and nurses who will greatly assist in diagnosis and detection. early signs of abnormality in the patient's body. In particular, with a space designed according to 5-star hotel standards, Vinmec ensures to bring the patient the most comfort, friendliness and peace of mind.
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