MRT: What do you see on the images?

In order to be able to make a diagnosis using MRI, one must first be aware of what one sees in the MRI and, above all, what can be determined in the area of the thoracic spine using MRI. In general, MRI can be used to visualize soft tissues that are difficult to detect with computed tomography or X-rays. Bony structures or calcifications, however, are less visible.

Calcifications are particularly important in vascular surgery, as it is possible to see whether a vessel contains calcifications (medical arteriosclerosis) and is therefore possibly constricted. If an MRI image of the thoracic spine is taken, the bony structures such as ribs or vertebral bodies are not very clearly visible, but the spinal cord and intervertebral discs are all the more easily recognizable. For this reason, if fractures are suspected, a CT or X-ray is more likely to be taken, and the reduction in bone density (known as osteoporosis) that is often seen in older people is also usually diagnosed by means of an X-ray, as this is an event that originates exclusively in the bone.

Malformations, on the other hand, such as scoliosis, can also be detected by means of an MRI of the thoracic spine, since changes also occur in the soft tissue. These can, however, just as well be determined by means of x-rays, which is usually done due to the higher costs of MRI. If, on the other hand, one wants to exclude a herniated disc in the thoracic spine or diagnose a tumor in the corresponding area, the method of choice is an MRI scan of the thoracic spine. There are various indications why the physician can order an MRI of the thoracic spine. In the following we have compiled the most relevant clinical pictures for which an MRI scan may be advisable.

Contrast medium for MRT examinations

An MRI of the thoracic spine can be performed either with or without the administration of contrast medium.As the name suggests, this is used to make contrasts clear. Here it is particularly important to know what exactly is to be examined in the thoracic spine. If only the intervertebral discs are examined, no contrast medium needs to be injected into the vein, as these can always be easily recognized in the MRI even without additional contrast.

If, on the other hand, the patient has had previous operations in the area of the thoracic spine, it may be advisable to perform an MRI with contrast medium in order to distinguish old scar tissue from possible fresh changes. If the MRI of the thoracic spine serves to exclude tumors or inflammation, the MRI must be performed with contrast medium to ensure that the inflamed or tumorous areas can be reliably identified. As the intervertebral discs are always clearly visible, an MRI of the thoracic spine is usually performed without contrast medium. If this is not sufficient, or if nothing is visible on the image that could explain the patient’s symptoms, the patient may have to have another MRI of the thoracic spine, but then with contrast medium. In general, however, the administration of contrast medium for an MRI of the thoracic spine is rather rare.