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Physicians |
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Contrast Exams
Contrast agents are used during MRI to enhance diagnostic effectiveness for certain diseases, particularly those of the brain and spine. Certain contrast agents are also useful in diagnosing disease in bones and joints, liver, breast, and soft tissue. Contrast MRI is also useful in clarifying diagnoses and ruling out certain conditions. The use of contrast agents does not necessarily indicate that an abnormality has been identified.
The decision to use contrast agents is made by the referring physician. Consultation with the radiologist is recommended, particularly if a decision as to the clinical necessity is in question. Patients are routinely screened for any medical history that may rule out the use of contrast MRI, such as allergy, asthma, anaphylaxis or hemolytic anemia.
Blood tests to check kidney function are not generally required, as the contrast agents do not cause kidney disease. For patients on dialysis or who suffer from severe renal dysfunction, dialysis within 24 hours may be advised. The use of contrast agents in pregnant women is determined by the referring physician in consultation with the radiologist and is made based on assessment of the risks versus the benefits for each individual patient. Lactating patients are provided with information on the safety of contrast agents during lactation.
Contrast-enhanced MR Angiography (MRA) uses an intravenous injection of Gd-DTPA for imaging blood vessels of the body, such as the aorta, neck arteries, organ and extremity arteries, and veins. Unlike conventional angiography, this technique does not require arterial injection or hospital admission.
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