Why is an MRI of the thoracic spine done? MRI examination of the thoracic spine

One of the most FAQ patients after referral for examination - what should be the preparation for MRI thoracic spine and is it needed at all? The answer to this question depends on whether you are going to have an MRI scan with or without contrast. The MR-scanning method visualizes soft and cartilaginous tissues quite well, and bones are worse. Although the thoracic spine consists of twelve thoracic vertebrae, there is a lot of cartilage, articular surfaces and intervertebral discs.

MRI of the thoracic spine: why is it prescribed, methods of preparation

So, what diseases does an MRI of the thoracic spine determine and what will be the proper preparation? In fact, it is not always necessary to prepare - preparation is needed if 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);
• constrictions and malignant neoplasms in the spine;
• metastases in the spinal cord;
• injuries, injuries (including compression);
• spondylosis, spondylarthrosis;
• circulatory disorders (including after strokes);
• degenerative and dystrophic diseases (multiple sclerosis);
• preparation for the operation;
• the need to monitor the results of treatment;
• infections (tuberculosis, meningitis);
• ankylosing spondylitis;
• diseases bone tissue(osteomyelitis, osteoporosis).

There are many other pathologies that may require this examination. And quite often it is necessary to conduct 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 can not eat four hours before the scan.

Separate preparation for MRI of the thoracic spine is indicated for patients with claustrophobia, children and people who different reasons cannot stay in one position for a long time. In this case, general anesthesia (sedation) is indicated, which requires additional surveys by the anesthetist. When preparing for an MRI of the thoracic spine with anesthesia, it is forbidden to eat and drink four hours before the procedure.

We must not forget that MRI is not done to people with metal inclusions in the body and women in the first trimester of pregnancy. MRI is contraindicated in renal pathologies accompanied by renal insufficiency or glomerulopathy. Breastfeeding women are advised to avoid breastfeeding for 1-2 days to wait for the withdrawal of the contrast agent from the body.

conclusions

Special preparation for MRI of the thoracic spine is only necessary if contrast or general anesthesia. In this case, you will have to refuse to eat and drink at least four hours before the procedure.

Study time: about 15 minutes with contrast for 25 minutes.

Preparation for the study: no, with contrast on an empty stomach or 5-6 hours after a meal.

Contraindications: eat.

Restrictions: weight up to 155 kg, maximum volume up to 140 cm.

Time for preparing a medical opinion: 10-60 minutes.

Chest pain, respiratory failure, shortness of breath or cough can be not only signs of, for example, allergies or colds, but also talk about possible serious illnesses spine in the chest area. Drawing pains in the legs of an unclear nature can also be caused by the presence of protrusions or hernias in the thoracic region, and not in the lumbar region, as it might seem at first. It is important not to start the disease and treat it in time. The European Diagnostic Center recommends MRI of the thoracic spine, because this best method diagnostics various diseases.

Anatomy of the thoracic spine

The thoracic spine plays an important role not only in aesthetically pleasing appearance human, it has a very high functional value and allows you to lead a normal life.

The thoracic region is a group of 12 small bones that form the vertebral ridge in the upper body. They help support the weight of the upper body and protect the spinal cord, which runs through the spinal canal.

Usually, pathologies in this area are quite rare., at least compared to the cervical or lumbar. But even in these cases it is very important not to miss the moment of the development of the disease in order to stop it in time.

Main reasons dissemination diseases in the chest spine may be too high physical exercise or, conversely, a fixed image.

Among these diseases:

Adult kyphosis and Scheuermann's kyphosis - arcuate curvature of the thoracic region;

Hernia intervertebral disc the thoracic region, accompanied by pain and capable of causing complete paralysis;

Infectious diseases;

Tumors.

Features of MRI of the thoracic region

Magnetic resonance imaging is used to detect abnormalities in the thoracic region. Thanks to a powerful 1.5 Tesla tomograph possible to receive a large number sections of the examined area in the form of highly informative images. With the help of the procedure, it is possible to build a three-dimensional model of the spine, to examine the vessels adjacent to it, which allows the doctor to assess the complete picture of the patient's condition.

Tomography is carried out in places of damage to the thoracic region in three projections - sagittal, frontal and axial, which helps to determine the exact localization of pathology. As a result of the procedure, images T1 and T2 of the weighted type are obtained.

Sections are performed in a position parallel to the thoracic spine, with an optimal thickness of 4 mm and an interslice space of 0.5-1 mm. They display the entire thoracic region from its anterior wall to rear wall. Sections of the intervertebral discs are performed in a position perpendicular to the axis of the spine.

If a neoplasm is suspected benign or malignant mandatory use of a safe contrast medium, which increases the efficiency of diagnostics and at the same time does not harm human health. A high-quality preparation Omniscan® or Gadovist® is used as a contrast medium.

What does a chest MRI reveal?

MRI is modern and, most importantly, safe method diagnostics. It allows you to very accurately determine the nature of the pathologies in this area and begin their effective treatment.

MRI of the thoracic region can diagnose:

Bechterew's disease (inflammatory processes in the spine and joints);

spinal dystrophy;

Multiple sclerosis;

Benign and malignant tumors;

Vascular malformations;

Protrusion or hernia;

Thanks to the use of powerful magnets and the use of sensitive matrices for data collection, tomography makes it possible to obtain informative high-resolution images. This contributes to obtaining detailed detail of the affected areas.

The resulting images reflect the degree of degeneration of the thoracic vertebrae, the development of a hernia, and disc protrusion. An MRI of the thoracic region is performed to examine the spinal canal at the level of the chest and diagnose various pathologies, which contributes to the correct further diagnosis by a neurologist.

Indications for thoracic MRI

The procedure is prescribed when the patient has complaints about:

Periodic pain in the chest;

Swelling of the face and neck;

Persistent headaches and dizziness;

Pain between the shoulder blades;

Numbness of shoulders and arms;

Weakness and numbness in the legs;

Intermittent cough and shortness of breath;

The severity of movements.

Features of preparation for MRI of the thoracic region

The procedure does not require special preparation and can be performed at any time of the day (an exception is MRI with contrast, which must be performed on an empty stomach in the morning). It is better that the clothes are comfortable, comfortable and do not squeeze anything.

Before visiting medical Center to the examination, it is advisable to take with you an extract, pictures of previous examinations on a CD, if any, and a referral from a doctor.

Contraindications for thoracic MRI

Diagnostics cannot be carried out when:

The presence of a pacemaker, the Elizarov apparatus, prosthetic heart valves;

Installed metal or ferromagnetic implants;

Magnetic metal dentures;

High body weight (above 160 kg);

Heart failure in severe forms;

Allergies to components of the contrast agent.

How is a chest MRI procedure performed?

The examination is carried out in a well-lit and ventilated tomograph, which ensures patient comfort. Often, to help the patient not to move, straps fix his body. MRI of the thoracic region occurs when the person is lying down. After the entry of the tomograph couch into the annular part of the apparatus, the gradients begin to rotate around the area under study, very often patients often feel a slight warmth in the chest. Usually this does not cause discomfort, but if the patient cannot tolerate these sensations, it is possible to stop the procedure by pressing the SOS button.

cost of chest MRI

The MRI procedure is quite expensive, so it is important to find a place in Moscow where you can get an examination without harming the family budget. It is always possible to pass an MRI examination at a low price and next to the metro at the European MRI Diagnostic Center. The price of MRI of the thoracic region in the EDC includes:

MRI of the thoracic spine on an expert-class device with tension magnetic field 1.5 Tesla from the recognized leader in MRI technology - General Electric;

A complete package of quality images in three projections (including additional STIR and FATSAT protocols);

CD containing all images of the study in a format intended for viewing on a regular computer and printing images in high resolution;

Is magnetic resonance imaging of the spine (MRI) an effective, high-precision research method that allows you to detect pathologies and injuries in the soft tissues? bone structures, spinal cord, blood vessels. Such diagnostics helps to determine blood flow disorders in vessels of various sizes, neoplasms, various developmental anomalies, changes in the cartilaginous structures of the intervertebral discs and tissues surrounding the spinal column.

The images of the spine obtained during the study allow the doctor to fully assess the patient's condition and make the correct diagnosis. The fact is that during the examination, not only the vertebral bodies are perfectly visualized, but also the intervertebral discs, the spinal cord, as well as the nerve roots and joints. spinal column.

Magnetic resonance imaging is very often used in such areas. modern medicine as neurology, oncology, neurosurgery in order to determine the disease (diagnosis) and the stage of its development, address the issue of the need for such a serious intervention as surgery, as well as control the effectiveness of the treatment.

It is worth noting that this diagnosis is carried out not only for the spine, but also for other parts of the musculoskeletal system - doctors often prescribe, for example, an MRI of the shoulder joint.

This procedure can be prescribed by a doctor. Conditions in which magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine is indicated include:

• osteochondrosis in the thoracic region;
• fractures, as well as various injuries of the spinal column, even if there are no changes on the radiograph;
• suspicion of protrusion or herniated intervertebral discs;
• tumors of the spine, localized in its thoracic region, as well as tumors of the so-called metastatic (secondary) nature, arising from oncological diseases body tissues;
• defects in the structure and development of the spine, both congenital and acquired;
• demyelinating processes nervous system- such as spicy disseminated encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis. The fact is that MRI of the thoracic spine, unfortunately, is so far the only way to visualize and diagnose these pathologies;
• circulatory disorders in the spinal cord;
• various inflammatory diseases, for example, ankylosing spondylitis;
• necrotic (destructive) processes developing in this part of the spine, such as tuberculous spondylitis, osteomyelitis, and the like;
• anomalies of the vessels of the arterial and venous bed;
• control of the condition of the spine after surgery;
• preparation for spinal surgery and soft tissues, his surroundings.

MRI of the thoracic spine: contraindications

Like any other procedure, MRI also has contraindications, so before it is carried out, it is necessary to inform the doctor about all your diseases. So, one of the factors preventing the use of this diagnostic measure is chronic kidney failure- in this condition, a pronounced violation of the excretion of a contrast agent from the body is sharply observed.

Also, MRI is not performed for pregnant and lactating women, since the contrast agent administered during the examination can have a negative effect on the fetus or get into breast milk.

An allergy to a contrast agent injected into the body can lead to the development of anaphylactic shock which may endanger the life of the patient. Claustrophobia, that is, the fear of enclosed spaces, can affect the course of the study, as the patient may experience panic. In this case, MRI is best performed by introducing the patient into a state of artificial drug sleep.

If there are metal elements in the body, for example, such as a pacemaker, vascular clips, parts used to connect bone structures (regardless of their location), and the like, the examination is also not performed. This is explained by the fact that the magnetic field arising during this procedure causes disturbances in the work of the artificial pacemaker, while ferromagnetic metals move and heat up for the same reasons.

But braces, titanium prostheses and dental implants are not contraindications for this procedure, since the materials from which they are made are not attracted by magnets.

It is also worth noting that childhood is not a contraindication for MRI, but it must be remembered that during it the patient must remain still. That is why it is believed that such a diagnosis can be carried out only from the age of seven. If there is a need to examine the child younger age, it is permissible to use drugs for anesthesia - in the ward or in the room to prepare the patient for the study, a drug prescribed by the anesthesiologist is administered intravenously, which turns off consciousness during the MRI.

MRI of the spine: preparation

Special training is diagnostic measure as an MRI of the spine is usually not required. If necessary, magnetic resonance imaging can be performed at any time of the day. You do not need to follow a diet or refuse to take medications prescribed by your doctor, limit the amount of fluid. Before you go to the study, you must take with you an extract from your outpatient card, a referral, pictures of previous examinations.

Very often, MRI requires the use of a special contrast agent in order to determine the boundaries of the lesion. This drug is administered intravenously, it passes through the vessels, and then accumulates in the tissues, thereby contributing to the best visualization of the pathological focus. Modern medicines used for additional contrast enhancement are usually well tolerated and do not cause allergic reactions. Nevertheless, the doctor performing the study, even at the stage of preparation for the MRI, needs to be told about the characteristics of the body and the possibility of developing allergic reactions.

How is an MRI of the spine done?

Before the study, it is necessary to remove all metal objects - earrings, rings, watches, bracelets, and so on. If the patient is frightened by the noise emitted by the device during the examination, he can use earplugs. In the case when it is necessary to conduct a study with a contrast agent, the selected drug is administered intravenously right before the procedure.

The examination itself is carried out when the person lies on his back, and his arms, head and legs are fixed. The table with the patient drives into the annular part of the device. Then the sensor of the apparatus rotates around the thoracic spine. In this case, the person must remain as still as possible - otherwise the pictures will not be clear enough. As a rule, none unpleasant sensations, except for some psychological discomfort, MRI of the thoracic spine is not accompanied.

Survey results

As a rule, the doctor's opinion is issued within an hour after the MRI, but in difficult cases it can be prepared the next day. With pictures and a conclusion, a person goes to the doctor who ordered this type of examination. And in the event that the study was carried out at the initiative of the patient himself, then he will have to turn to the hoofed doctor himself to decipher them.

So, if there is a suspicion of the presence of a tumor, it is necessary to visit such doctors as a neurosurgeon and an oncologist. If there are data that speak of pathologies of the spinal cord or spine, then you should consult with a qualified neurologist. For pain and other similar problems, you need to go to a traumatologist or vertebrologist. If an operation is necessary, then a neurosurgeon should be consulted.

Advantages of MRI of the thoracic spine and its alternatives

MRI is deservedly considered one of the most informative and safe research. Due to the absence of such harmful factor like radiation exposure this survey, unlike x-rays and computed tomography, can be repeated several times without any harm to the body. The accuracy of the data obtained during this procedure is not in doubt. True, in the process of examining a patient with spinal pathology, additional diagnostics are sometimes required, for example, MRI of the lumbosacral spine.

There are also alternative methods studies of the musculoskeletal system - these include, first of all, CT scan and x-ray. Unfortunately, they can only detect metastases or fractures - a pathology affecting bone structures. In other cases (with circulatory disorders, cartilage neoplasms, hernias and other pathologies), magnetic resonance imaging remains an indispensable method. instrumental diagnostics, the use of which helps to quickly and accurately diagnose. When diagnosing various pathologies in the region of the spinal cord, computed tomography using a contrast agent can be performed.

So, such a procedure as an MRI of the spine allows you to identify in time various pathologies spinal column, localized, including in its thoracic region. Thanks to this research, doctors have a great opportunity to begin treatment of the disease in its early stages.

MRI of the thoracic spine is a highly informative method for studying the state of bone structures, muscles and vascular network, thanks to which it is possible to diagnose many diseases of various etiologies.

Does not occur during the study pain, and the results are issued on the same day, which allows you to provide the patient with prompt and qualified assistance.

What does it show?

• prerequisites for the development of pathologies of the spine of a chronic nature, such as osteochondrosis;
• pathologies that provoked pain in the sternum, heart, kidneys and other nearby organs;
• infections and areas of pus accumulation;
• displacements, ruptures, fractures and other injuries of the vertebrae;
• dystrophy of the vertebrae;
• sponylolisthesis;
• neoplasms of a malignant and benign nature;
• wrong anatomical location vertebrae;
• stroke and bleeding;
• disc protrusions and hernias.

Indications and contraindications

The main indications for MRI screening of the thoracic spine are:

• preparation for the operation and monitoring the effectiveness of the intervention;
• injury chest;
• developmental anomalies of the spine innate character;
• spinal cord injuries of any severity, as well as abscesses;
• multiple sclerosis and encephalomyelitis;
• primary and secondary foci of cancer;
• circulatory and vascular disorders;
• assessment of the condition of patients with Bechterew's disease, spondylitis and osteomyelitis;
• probable stenosis spinal canal;
• development inflammatory processes;
• patient complaints of pain and limited mobility;
• symptoms of intercostal neuralgia.

Despite the fact that the study is completely harmless to the human body, there are situations when it cannot be performed:

• the patient has mental or physiological pathologies (hyperkinesis), which do not allow to maintain a motionless position of the body;
• if the patient is obese and weighs more than 120 kilograms;
• when there are implants and other devices in the body that contain metal (in this case, it is impossible to get clear pictures);
• in the presence of severe claustrophobia - as an option, you can undergo an examination of the thoracic spine on an open tomograph;
• when the patient requires constant hardware maintenance of vital signs.

Attention! In the first three months of pregnancy, it is advisable not to undergo magnetic resonance scanning, and if you cannot do without it, then in without fail notify the radiologist.

How is it going?

The procedure takes place in a special room where the tomograph is located. The office is combined with the room where the radiologist is located. Before the start of the scan, all objects with metal elements (up to bras with metal bones) will have to be removed.

To obtain clear images, the patient is placed on a mobile couch in a certain position - it will need to remain in it until the end of the scan. Then the table is moved inside the arch and the process of creating layered sections in high placement begins. During the diagnosis, noise and clicks are heard, so often patients are asked to put on earplugs, and when the screening is completed, you can return to your usual lifestyle.

Duration of the study

If the case is simple, the diagnosis of the thoracic region takes 40-50 minutes, and patients who are injected with contrast will have to spend up to an hour and a half inside the tomograph tunnel. Results when contacting a private diagnostic center issued on the same day - on average, it takes about 60 minutes to wait for an expert opinion.

Differences from CT

CT is often referred to as an alternative to magnetic resonance imaging. But although these methods have general principle taking pictures, they are distinguished by the type of exposure and indications for the appointment.

Computed tomography is done to diagnose pathologies of bone structures using X-rays, and MRI is more informative in detecting pathologies of soft tissues and cartilage and involves the use electromagnetic waves. The results of both studies make it possible to identify diseases of the thoracic spine, but at the same time:

• MRI can be done unlimited amount times without harm to health. In addition, it is made for pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as young children.
• Examination on a CT scanner is carried out in the presence of pins, implants and pacemakers, but doing it more than 1-2 times in one to two years is dangerous to health. The procedure is prohibited during the period of bearing children, but it is extremely effective in emergency traumatology.

Which method is preferable specifically in your case is determined by a specialized specialist (oncologist, traumatologist, orthopedist, therapist, etc.).

One of the five sections of the spine - the thoracic, consists of 12 vertebrae. Normally, this section is inactive, since it is the basis of the chest, to which the ribs are attached. Formation of the chest - a protective frame for the heart, lungs, esophagus and thymus, participation in respiratory process, protection of the spinal cord - the main functions of this part of the spinal column in addition to supporting and cushioning. In this regard, the pathology of the thoracic spine must be identified and eliminated as early as possible, preventing complications and transition to the chronic stage.

Examination of the spine using magnetic resonance imaging is the safest and most informative type of diagnosis, even on early stages deviations from the norm. Tomography of the thoracic region is a popular procedure, which can be referred by vertebrologists, neurologists, orthopedic traumatologists and doctors of other specialties.

Indications for referral for examination

The doctor may suggest an MRI for the following established pathologies or their symptoms:

• swelling of the face and neck;
• stiffness of the muscles of the chest;
• pain between the shoulder blades;
• pain in the back along the vertebrae of the department;
• occasional cough and shortness of breath;
• numbness, "goosebumps" in the chest, back, arms, fingers;
• pain different localization and character (aching, sharp, such as "lumbago") in the area of ​​the costal arches and the spinal column;
• pain in the region of the heart that is not caused by cardiac pathology;
• violation of sensitivity;
• injuries of the thoracic spine, ribs;
• intervertebral hernias.

Magnetic resonance imaging is also carried out in the pre- and postoperative period. In the first case - to clarify the localization, area and depth of penetration of pathological processes and draw up a plan surgical intervention from exact definition optimal access to the site of the lesion, in the second - to control the treatment process or rehabilitation period and adjust prescriptions as necessary.

Magnetic resonance imaging using a contrast agent is prescribed for the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign tumors.

Contraindications for the procedure are minimal:

• the presence of a pacemaker;
• electronic or ferromagnetic implants;
• pregnancy in the first trimester.

MRI of the thoracic spine - what shows

Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to determine the correspondence clinical symptoms real pathology and accurately identify:

• the presence and size of protrusions and hernias of the intervertebral discs;
• violations of the structure of the skeleton and soft tissues;
• the presence and degree of its complexity (degree of damage to the bone marrow due to: bruise, concussion);
• tumors (with the definition of their good quality or malignancy) of the spinal cord, spinal canal, cartilage tissue and metastases;
• circulatory pathology of the spinal cord (using a harmless contrast - gadolinium);
• hematomyelia - bleeding in the spinal cord;
• localization and stage of development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region;
• intercostal neuralgia;
• stenosis - narrowing of the spinal canal and openings spinal nerves;
• thickening of the spinal cord;
• encephalomyelitis;
• osteomyelitis;
• spondylitis;
• tuberculosis;
• ankylosing spondylitis;
• abscess and cysts of the spinal cord.

This is not a complete list of what is seen on an MRI, since this method hardware examination allows you to diagnose any inflammatory, tumor, traumatic and degenerative-dystrophic diseases of this part of the spinal column.

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