how to read mri images of thoracic spine

#How to read mri images of thoracic spine how to

Fractures, dislocations, and fracture-dislocations of the spine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone 2015:chap 59. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. This test with a myelogram will show a better image of the nerve roots and find smaller injuries. The thoracic CT scan is good for evaluating large herniated disks. Scanners come with an intercom and speakers, so the operator can hear you at all times. Notify the scanner operator right away if you have any trouble breathing or swallowing. This will help flush the iodine out of the body. People with kidney disease or diabetes may need to receive extra fluids after the test. The kidneys help remove iodine out of the body. In case you are allergic, your provider may give you antihistamines (such as Benadryl) or steroids before the test.

The most common type of contrast given into a vein contains iodine. Some people have allergies to contrast dye. You and your provider should weigh this risk against the benefits of getting a correct diagnosis for a medical problem. However, the risk from any 1 scan is small. Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer.

Narrowing of the spine ( spinal stenosis)ĬT scans expose you to more radiation than regular x-rays.

Results are normal if the thoracic spine looks normal.

Myelography: An x-ray of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots.

Thoracic CT scan can also be used during or after: Why the Test is PerformedĬT rapidly creates detailed pictures of the thoracic spine. These feelings are normal and will often go away within a few seconds. Some people may find it uncomfortable to lie on the hard table. You will be asked to remove jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the study. Too much weight can cause damage to the scanner. You may need to take extra steps if you take this medicine.įind out if the CT machine has a weight limit if you weigh more than 300 pounds (135 kilograms).

You take the diabetes medicine metformin (Glucophage).

You may need to take medicines before the test to safely receive the dye.

You have ever had a reaction to contrast.

If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before the test.īefore receiving the contrast, tell your health care provider if:

Your back into the space surrounding the spinal cord.

This helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays.Ĭontrast can be given in several ways.

Contrast is delivered into the body before the test starts.

#How to read mri images of thoracic spine how to

How to Prepare for the TestĬertain exams require a special dye, called contrast.

The scan should take only 10 to 15 minutes. You may be told to hold your breath for short periods of time. The slices together can create three-dimensional models of the body area. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. (Modern 'spiral' scanners can perform the exam without stopping.)Ī computer creates separate images of the body area. Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. You will lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. Alternative NamesĬAT scan - thoracic spine Computed axial tomography scan - thoracic spine Computed tomography scan - thoracic spine CT scan - upper back How the Test is Performed This uses x-rays to rapidly create detailed pictures of the middle back (thoracic spine). A computed tomography (CT) scan of the thoracic spine is an imaging method.