MRI thoracic spine or organs - a diagnostic measure that allows you to determine morphological changes tissues, degenerative inflammatory processes, as well as a number of diseases.
With its help, you can establish and differentiate the diagnosis, as well as prescribe the optimal type of therapy. This is the safest method of health research for the patient’s body, since it is carried out without the use of X-rays.
MRI chest– the most informative way to diagnose diseases associated with the spine and thoracic organs (lungs, heart, blood vessels, trachea, etc.).
It can be used to examine both bone and soft fabrics. However, most often this procedure is used to study the spine: vertebral bodies, spinal cord, roots and intervertebral discs.
Indications for use
MRI of the thoracic spine is prescribed in the following cases:
- suspicion of osteochondrosis (at any stage of the disease);
- for suspected fractures, injuries and bruises spinal column(even if the x-ray did not reveal pathologies);
- if there is a suspicion of hernia or intervertebral protrusion;
- in the presence or suspicion of tumor-like neoplasms;
- if you suspect the presence of metastases arising from the primary cancer;
- with defects in the structure of the spinal column, circulatory disorders;
- if you suspect multiple sclerosis or encephalomyelitis (chest MRI is the only diagnostic method that shows these pathologies);
- with ankylosing spondylitis;
- making diagnoses such as osteomyelitis, spondylitis and other necrotic diseases;
- in the presence of vascular anomalies (arterial and venous);
- control over the condition of the spine after surgery;
- examination of the spine and soft tissues before surgery.
Organ diagnostics
If the chest organs are diagnosed, then the heart, lungs, trachea, vascular system etc. A similar procedure shows the condition of the heart valves, its anatomical structure, blood flow and lymph flow.
If research occurs respiratory system, then the lungs are assessed: the morphological structure of the tissues, the size of the organ, the condition of the pleura. In this case, inflammatory and degenerative processes in organs, metastases, tumor formations of various etiologies, etc. can be detected.
MRI of the thoracic spine is the most informative procedure. To improve the quality of three-dimensional images, a contrast agent is often introduced to color different colors healthy and damaged areas of the thoracic spine.
Key benefits of the procedure
Diagnosis using the magnetic resonance method has its advantages over other examination methods (thoracic CT, ultrasound or x-ray). Such benefits include:
- High data accuracy. Sometimes a chest MRI is the only way to establish or differentiate the diagnosis. MRI images have a three-dimensional image, making it easier to choose the optimal therapy.
- No need to administer contrast agents. Magnetic resonance imaging can show pathologies without the use of contrast. Contrast agents can be additionally administered (during examination of the liver, brain, etc.), but this is not a mandatory condition of the procedure (unlike CT of the chest).
- Information content. MRI is used to examine both bone tissue (mainly the spine and ribs), as well as soft tissue (you can see the condition of the heart, lungs, blood vessels, etc.).
- Safety of the method. MRI of the chest organs is performed without the use of X-rays, which are unsafe for the body; diagnosis is carried out by exposing the patient to a magnetic field.
- Painless. The procedure is painless and quick (diagnostic time takes an average of 30-40 minutes).
Main contraindications for use
Chest MRI has one significant drawback - the procedure is not prescribed to patients who have metal and electrical implants in the body (for example, pacemakers, implants in the middle ear, etc.). This is due to the impact magnetic field on the body, which can damage the device (this problem does not arise with a CT scan of the thoracic spine).
Other contraindications to the procedure include:
- excess weight (the tomograph can withstand up to 150 kg of weight);
- Availability mental illness that do not allow you to maintain one body position;
- epilepsy, claustrophobia, panic attacks;
- the presence of tattoos with inks containing metal particles;
- pregnancy ( this contraindication relatively, since there is no reliable data on the negative impact of chest MRI on the fetus).
Types of procedure
MRI of the thoracic spine is performed in two ways:
- using a contrast agent;
- without using contrast.
The use of contrast agents is not mandatory, but it increases the accuracy of the image and increases the chance of making the correct diagnosis and prescribing adequate therapy.
Magnetic resonance imaging procedure
The duration of MRI diagnostics ranges from 30 to 60 minutes. The procedure includes two stages: preparing the patient for examination and direct examination. The principle of the study includes the following stages:
- Preparing the patient for the procedure. At the same time, all metal objects, removable electrical devices such as prostheses, hearing aids etc. – such a measure is not required when performing a CT scan of the thoracic region.
- Fixing the patient using bolsters and belts on the couch (to maintain immobility).
- Immersion of the patient in the tomograph and exposure to a magnetic field.
The tomograph capsule contains a means of communication with technologists, a fan and lighting, so the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
How is an MRI performed? (video)
An alternative to MRI - diagnostics using a computed tomograph
CT scan of the thoracic spine (computed tomography) is prescribed when it is impossible to conduct magnetic resonance diagnostics. The CT procedure involves identifying pathologies in the spine and chest organs using X-ray exposure, so the method is not as safe as MRI.
Besides, prerequisite examination is the introduction of contrast agents - MRI of the thoracic spine does not require such manipulations.
The advantage of thoracic CT is the ability to perform the procedure on people who have electrical and metal implants. This is due to the fact that the method is based on the use of x-rays, which do not react to metal devices. The disadvantage of CT of the thoracic spine or organs is that the procedure is less informative compared to MRI.
One of the most frequently asked questions patients after being referred for examination - what should be the preparation for MRI of the thoracic spine and is it needed at all? The answer to the question depends on whether you will have an MRI scan with or without contrast. The MR scanning method visualizes soft and cartilaginous tissues quite well, but worse - bones. Although the thoracic spine consists of twelve thoracic vertebrae, there is a lot of cartilage, articular surfaces and intervertebral discs in it.
MRI of the thoracic spine: why is it prescribed, methods of preparation
So, what diseases does an MRI of the thoracic spine detect and what is the proper preparation? In fact, it is not always necessary to prepare - preparation is needed if an MRI of the thoracic spine is performed with contrast, as well as when tomography is performed on children and patients with claustrophobia.
Typically, magnetic resonance imaging of the spine is prescribed for:
- developmental anomalies;
- hernias, protrusions of intervertebral discs;
- thoracic osteochondrosis;
- benign tumors(thoracic hemangioma);
- contractions and malignant neoplasms in the spine;
- metastases to the spinal cord;
- damage, injuries (including compression);
- spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis;
- blood supply disorders (including after strokes);
- degenerative and dystrophic diseases (multiple sclerosis);
- preparation for surgery;
- the need to monitor treatment results;
- infections (tuberculosis, meningitis);
- Bekhterev's disease;
- diseases bone tissue(osteomyelitis, osteoporosis).
There are many other pathologies that may require this examination. Moreover, quite often it is necessary to perform an MRI of the thoracic spine using a contrast agent. In this case, preparation is required to avoid dyspeptic symptoms (nausea, vomiting). It is quite simple - you cannot eat four hours before the tomography.
Separate preparation for MRI of the thoracic spine is indicated for patients with claustrophobia, children and people who various reasons cannot stay in one position for a long time. In this case, general anesthesia (sedation) is indicated, which requires additional examinations by the anesthesiologist. When preparing for an MRI of the thoracic spine under general anesthesia, you should not eat or drink four hours before the procedure.
We must not forget that MRI is not performed on people with metallic inclusions in the body and women in the first trimester of pregnancy. MR imaging is contraindicated in renal pathologies accompanied by renal failure or glomerulopathy. Women who are breastfeeding are advised to avoid breastfeeding for 1-2 days to wait for the contrast drug to leave the body.
conclusions
Special preparation for MRI of the thoracic spine is only needed if contrast or general anesthesia. In this case, you will have to stop eating and drinking at least four hours before the procedure.
Pain in the spine quite often disrupts the usual rhythm of life. If you constantly put off important things, vacations with family, or walking for this reason, it is necessary to carefully reconsider your lifestyle and give up all bad habits. If this procedure does not help in any way to correct the situation, it’s time to contact a competent MRI diagnostician and identify the cause of the problem.
How does an MRI machine work?
Using magnetic fields, you can obtain images of layer-by-layer sections of organs and tissues of all human body. The study is carried out using a special diagnostic apparatus that generates a strong magnetic field, in response to which the cells themselves produce electromagnetic radiation. The result is a dynamic image of the study on the monitor screen.
An MRI tomograph is a completely unique machine that allows you to quickly and effectively localize many pathologies, find out their degree and scale. In terms of detail, it significantly exceeds the capabilities ultrasound diagnostics, computed tomography and x-ray examination. He helps to find tumor cells, look for fractures or dislocations, clarify the localization of genetic pathology.
The equipment works on the principle nuclear magnetic resonance: a powerful magnetic field is created that affects the chemical structures of human tissues, the atomic particles of which are called protons. The device maintains a stable constancy of the force field in the body. With its help it is possible to:
- stimulate cells with different frequency radio waves;
- stop these waves and register all the body’s radiation;
- process the signals and digitize them as an image on a screen or film.
Features of the spine study
If you are going to go for a spinal diagnosis, you should consider some features of the procedure.
All contraindications that may interfere with the implementation of the study are divided into absolute and relative prohibitions. With relative ones, it is possible to perform MRI with some restrictions.
| Absolute prohibitions | Relative prohibitions |
| Tattoos with metallic ink particles | Weight more than 140 kilograms |
| Acute infectious diseases with fever | Panic fear of enclosed spaces |
| Cardiac stimulants | Metal-ceramic dentures (except titanium) |
| Unrecoverable metal fragments | Epileptic seizures |
| Metal-containing prostheses | Schizophrenia and manic-depressive psychosis |
| Metal valves | Acute form of cardiopulmonary failure |
| Clamps on brain vessels | Pregnancy |
Types of back examination:
In difficult cases, doctors use the injection of a contrast agent into the human body. With its help, you can get an expanded and clear picture of changes in organs. Affected parts vascular bed, tumors and aneurysms accumulate contrast better, making them clearly visible on developed images.
MRI of the thoracic and lumbar back is performed without special administration of a contrast agent and accompanying preparation. All you need is a doctor's prescription or own wish to undergo the procedure. Be sure to consult with specialists and choose the most convenient clinics for yourself, where the examination is performed with high quality and only by professionals in the field of MRI diagnostics.
Indications for examination
The main indications for conducting a spinal magnetic field study:
Preparation for diagnosis and its implementation
If you are afraid that you will behave incorrectly and somehow disrupt the flow of the procedure, it is worth remembering a few simple rules that will help you navigate before the examination:
- remove all metal items and jewelry, including piercings;
- mobile phones, players, watches and tablets are prohibited from being brought near the device;
- if you feel anxious, take one sedative tablet;
- A light meal before the test will not hurt.
After you enter the office, you will be asked to remove jewelry and clothing with metal elements and leave excess items in the locker room. Then you will put on a disposable shirt and go into the room with the machine.
The doctor should take your old pictures or other test results from you. At the same time, specialists will ask about the history of the disease: its duration, intensity and previous treatment measures.
Next, you will be placed in the machine itself to take an MRI of the thoracic spine. Don't be afraid: the equipment resembles a bed, but with one difference - it can be closed from above. This can cause an attack of claustrophobia in unprepared people, but for this purpose there are specially created devices with an open wall: this way you will see everything that is happening outside.
After the patient is placed in the installation, the doctor checks the connection with him: an indicator is placed on the chest, and when pressed, a signal is activated. This way you can let them know that you are not feeling well. To avoid being deafened by the sound of the car, you will receive special earplugs. Once the preparations are complete, the doctors turn on the machine and you are placed inside for twenty minutes. You must lie still so as not to distort the results of the procedure.
The result of the diagnosis is several photographs of the thoracic portion of the spinal column. You can pick them up either in printed form or in the form of records on a disk or flash card. The study will show which areas of the spine are affected. The doctor's office will tell you how long it will take to complete the description. After receiving these results, you can contact your treating specialist and, if necessary, sign up for surgery.
What will an MRI of the lumbar and thoracic regions show?
The interpretation of the obtained images is carried out by a diagnostic doctor, otherwise known as a radiologist. In the photographs you can usually see the structural features of the thoracic region. The study shows the presence or absence of such pathologies:
Advantages of MRI:
- speed of implementation;
- optimal price-quality ratio;
- harmlessness;
- versatility;
- availability;
- high diagnostic value;
- the presence of both open and closed devices;
- good resolution of the resulting images.
How much does a tomography cost?
In different cities of Russia, the cost may vary significantly. Price policy depends on the level of the clinic or medical center, the qualifications of the doctor who conducts the diagnosis, and the actual scope of the study. Removing three sections of the spine will cost an order of magnitude more than performing an MRI of only the lumbar or thoracic region. It is worth comparing prices in several medical organizations at once.
Magnetic resonance imaging – fast and affordable way find the cause of pain in different departments spine. The diagnosis is quite new and is carried out only according to the indications of your attending physician. You can also register yourself for this procedure at your own expense, which will save a lot of time. Cost may vary in different regions of the country.
MRI of the thoracic spine is widely used in medicine as one of the most effective methods diagnosing. Using magnetic resonance tomography doctors receive an accurate picture of the condition of the spine in the thoracic area.
Modern technology is not only highly informative, but also completely safe. However, many are interested in details: is it necessary to somehow prepare for the procedure, are there any contraindications, what happens to a person during the study, what the results say, etc.
An MRI of the thoracic spine is required when a patient requires surgery. Thorough research is carried out both before and after surgical intervention.
Except in cases of surgery, this type of tomography is indispensable when you need:
- reliably diagnose osteochondrosis, stenosis, encephalomyelitis and a number of other pathologies;
- identify foci of infections and tumor formations;
- identify the degree of injury to the area under study due to fractures, bruises, displacement;
- monitor the condition of bone and surrounding tissues at the final stages of recovery.
The doctor prescribes nanodiagnostics even when the patient complains of significant discomfort in the chest area or between the shoulder blades in the form of pain, strange squeezing, tingling and a feeling of “recoil” in the limb.
How to prepare for the examination
Preparing a person for an MRI of the thoracic spine does not involve anything special. The procedure can be performed as an inpatient or outpatient procedure. In the first case, the staff monitors the patient’s diet, conducts a preliminary examination and interview, and helps prepare for magnetic resonance imaging.
There are also nuances in how to prepare for an MRI with contrast (sometimes, for a more accurate result, a special drug is administered intravenously to the person). In this option, preparation consists of refusing to eat 4-5 hours before the event.
Usually the study is carried out on an outpatient basis and without the use of contrast, and therefore there is nothing special in preparing for an intervertebral examination. When writing a referral, the doctor will tell you what exactly needs to be done:
- on the appointed day, try to exclude fatty and spicy foods, processed foods, and fizzy drinks from your diet;
- warn the therapist or diagnostician about possible pregnancy or about whether there are any chronic diseases or allergies;
- draw the attention of doctors to possible attacks of claustrophobia, sudden hiccups, nervous tics - this can disrupt the tomography process.
Before entering the room with the equipment, you need to put all metal or metal-containing objects, gadgets into your bag, remove jewelry from your body and hair.
How to do an MRI of the spine
The entire MRI procedure of the thoracic spine takes no more than an hour (if contrast is used) or even half an hour (regular scanning). How an MRI of the spine is done can be divided into stages:
- Before starting a CT scan of the chest area, the client is asked to put on a special disposable hospital gown. Of your clothing, you are allowed to leave only your underwear (if the bra clasps have metal objects, this part of the wardrobe is also removed).
- After changing clothes, the person lies down on the machine table, face up. The head and limbs are secured with straps, and special comfortable cushions are placed. These precautions are necessary to ensure that the patient does not accidentally move and affect the accuracy of the result.
- The table with the patient seated slowly moves into the scanner tunnel (if the equipment is a closed type). In this position, the person lies motionless while the scanner reads the information and transmits it to the computer. If an open type device is used, with a movable table, then scanning is carried out in two stages - horizontally and vertically. The device may make a slight noise or hum softly. Otherwise, nothing causes discomfort.
While the patient is on the table, the doctor communicates with him through a special intercom. Thus, a person does not feel lonely or uncomfortable and at any time has the opportunity to turn to a specialist with a question or for help.
Upon completion of the chest examination, the client's clothes and belongings are returned.
What will an MRI of the thoracic spine show?
Experts say an MRI of the spine can show the slightest pathology thoracic:
- changes in the structure and position of the vertebrae or discs;
- damage to the spinal column;
- deviation in the development of the sternum structure;
- unwanted processes in spinal cord(its unnatural size or shape, hemorrhage, problem with blood vessels, cyst);
- neoplasms in the tissues of the studied area;
- intervertebral hernia;
- congenital or acquired pathology of the location of the vertebrae, their deformation;
- foci of infection.
By analyzing what an MRI of the spine shows in general, a specialist can determine:
- The nature of anomalies in the intercostal compartment - congenital or acquired as a result of injury, chronic disease etc.
- The degree of degeneration of the disc plates and tissues surrounding the vertebrae.
- Development of ankylosing spondylosis, spondylolisthesis and other ailments.
- Risk of strokes, hemorrhages.
- Is the width of the spinal canal normal?
If MRI was performed with contrast, the diagnostician can easily identify foci of tumors or infections. The excipient used is concentrated precisely in the areas of such pathologies.
Indications for examination
Being the most accurate and informative diagnostic method, MRI of the thoracic spine is indicated in a wide variety of cases:
- if you suspect osteochondrosis;
- to monitor the condition before and after surgery;
- to assess damage after injuries;
- as additional method in complex analysis internal organs And nervous system, hereditary pathologies.
There are often cases when symptoms mislead specialists who suspect diseases of internal organs (for example, heart or liver). Computed tomography helps to see the exact picture. That is why it is indicated for patients who complain of strange symptoms:
- frequent painful sensations in the area of the heart or in the back;
- obvious discomfort and pressure in the chest, sharply increasing with physical activity;
- shooting pain in the chest, under the ribs or between the shoulder blades.
Timely detection of an anomaly in the thoracic spine will help prevent many other serious ailments.
Contraindications
There are few contraindications for examining the thoracic spine using MRI. Objects inside the human body can become a significant obstacle to scanning:
- metal implant, prosthesis or special clip for blood vessels;
- insulin pump;
- pacemaker;
- piercing
A contraindication (individual) to the event may be claustrophobia, nervous tic, tendency to unexpected convulsions. Sometimes the patient is helped by a sedative.
Children under 7 years of age, pregnant women, and people whose life support is supported by hardware are not allowed to participate in the procedure. Obese people (weighing more than 130 kg) also have restrictions on the procedure.
Contrast analysis is contraindicated for allergy sufferers, nursing mothers and patients suffering from renal failure.
Survey results
The results are displayed on computer images and accompanying descriptions from a diagnostic specialist. Based on visual picture, the doctor deciphers the resulting picture.
For example, when describing the presence of hyperechoic areas, the diagnostician means inflammatory processes. They appear on film in lighter shades.
Images can show anomalies that are clearly visible visually even to a non-professional eye:
- The formation of meningioma is clearly manifested in areas of calcification.
- The neuroma resembles an hourglass shape.
- Dark spots indicate thickening of the spinal cord.
However accurate diagnoses Only a specialist can formulate. By the nature of shapes, colors, contours, it determines the presence of anomalies and the degree of their development.
What happens after the study
Upon completion of the enterprise, the patient does not need rest or any recovery procedures. He can get back to his business while the scan transcript is prepared.
As a rule, a transcript is issued within 40-50 minutes. For example, when it comes to comparative analysis after surgery. But sometimes conclusions take several hours or even days to prepare (in complex cases).
- to an oncologist – when tumor-like formations are detected;
- neurologist – when diagnosing spinal cord pathologies;
- to a traumatologist - if a disc or vertebra is displaced;
- to a neurosurgeon – if there are indications for surgical intervention.
To restore tone or in combination with the treatment of osteochondrosis, a course of massages from a vertebrologist is recommended.
Benefits and Alternatives
MRI of the thoracic spine is significantly superior to other diagnostic methods in its accuracy:
- clear images record absolutely all processes occurring in the part of the body being examined;
- identifies problems and diseases at their earliest stages;
- eliminates doubts about preliminary diagnoses.
Among other things, magnetic resonance imaging is completely safe for the patient. The procedure does not cause harm (like an x-ray), side effects, discomfort or some unpleasant physical sensations. It can be performed as often as required during the treatment process.
Cost of the study
Equipment for magnetic resonance imaging is not cheap. Only large diagnostic centers can afford it.
The price for one procedure can range from 3500-5500 rubles. Additional fees apply for the use of contrast, counseling, decoding, saving images to removable storage media, and other services.
A network of clinics offers magnetic resonance imaging using a HITACHI APERTO tomograph (Japan). The company is a recognized leader in the production of diagnostic medical equipment highest class of accuracy. The APERTO series tomographs have the most powerful permanent magnet among similar models. With a power of 0.4 T, it provides image quality comparable to tomographs with a magnetic field power of 1.0 T. These are optimal parameters for obtaining high-quality images on a computer screen and printouts on film.
Unique programs make it possible to ensure high efficiency in collecting and processing information, ensuring high quality images of tissue sections in three projections.
The tomograph is an open-type model, so it can be used to examine children, patients suffering from claustrophobia and excess weight, which is impossible to do with closed-type devices.
Examination data is interpreted by MRI doctors who, in addition to basic education, specialize in radiology and magnetic resonance imaging. Certified MRI physicians first and highest category on expert level will prepare a transcript of the data, which will be accepted by all medical institutions.
If a specialized specialist has referred you for magnetic resonance imaging, the results will be prompt and accurate.
The advantages of the NEARMEDIC clinic network are that you can attend a consultation, receive a referral for an MRI, and undergo it on the same day.
Make an appointment with a specialized specialist or immediately for an examination through the website services or by calling our contact center.
