Thoracic osteochondrosis mri. MRI of the thoracic spine: what shows

The date: 21.10.2019

Pain in the spine quite often disrupts the usual rhythm of life. If you are constantly putting off important things, vacations with your family or walking for this reason, you need to carefully review your lifestyle and give up all bad habits. If this procedure did not help in any way to correct the situation, it's time to turn to a competent MRI diagnostician and identify the cause of the problem.

The principle of operation of the MRI machine

With the help of magnetic fields, it is possible to obtain images of layer-by-layer sections of organs and tissues of the entire 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 picture of the study on the monitor screen.

An MRI tomograph is a completely unique machine that allows you to quickly and efficiently localize a variety of pathologies, find out their degree and scale. In terms of detail, it far exceeds the capabilities ultrasound diagnostics, computed tomography and X-ray examination. It helps to find tumor cells, look at fractures or dislocations, and clarify the localization of genetic pathology.

The equipment works on the principle of 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. It allows you to:

stimulate cells with different frequency radio waves;
stop these waves and register all the radiation of the body;
process the signals and digitize them as an image on a screen or film.

Features of the study of the spine

If you are going to go for a spinal diagnosis, you should take into account 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 conduct an MRI with some restrictions.

Absolute prohibitions	Relative prohibitions
Tattoos with metallic ink particles	Weight over 140 kilograms
Acute infectious diseases with fever	Panic fear of closed spaces
Stimulants of cardiac activity	Metal-ceramic dentures (except titanium)
Unrecoverable metal shards	epileptic seizures
Metal-containing prostheses	Schizophrenia and manic-depressive psychosis
Metal valves	Acute form of cardiopulmonary insufficiency
Clamps on the vessels of the brain	Pregnancy

Types of back examination:

In difficult cases, doctors use the introduction of a contrast agent into the human body. With its help, you can get an extended and clear picture of changes in the organs. The affected parts of the vascular bed, tumors and aneurysms accumulate contrast better, so they are perfectly visible on the developed images.

MRI of the thoracic and lumbar areas of the 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 go through the procedure. Be sure to consult with specialists and choose the most convenient clinics for yourself, where the examination is done with high quality and only by professionals in the field of MR diagnostics.

Indications for examination

The main indications for the study of the spine with magnetic fields:

Preparation for diagnostics and its implementation

If you are afraid that you will behave incorrectly and somehow disrupt the course of the procedure, it is worth remembering a few simple rules to help you navigate before the examination:

remove all metal things and jewelry from yourself, up to the piercing;
mobile phones, players, watches and tablets are not allowed to be brought near the device;
if you feel anxious, take one sedative tablet;
A light meal before the study does not hurt.

After you enter the office, you will be asked to remove jewelry, clothing with metal elements and leave excess items in the locker room. Then you will put on a disposable shirt and go to the room with the apparatus.

The doctor should take away old pictures or other test results from you. At the same time, specialists will ask for an anamnesis of the disease: its duration, intensity, and previous therapeutic measures.

Next, you will be placed in the machine itself to take an MRI. thoracic spine. Do not be afraid: the equipment resembles a bed, but with one single difference - it can be closed from above. This can make unprepared people feel claustrophobic, but there are specially designed devices with an open wall for this: so you can see everything that happens outside.

After the patient is placed in the unit, the doctor checks the connection with him: an indicator is placed on the chest, when pressed, the signal is activated. This way you can let them know that you are not feeling well. In order not to go deaf from the sound of the car, you will receive special earplugs. As soon as the preparations are completed, the doctors turn on the apparatus, and you are placed inside for twenty minutes. Be sure to lie still so as not to distort the results of the procedure.

The result of the diagnosis is several images of the chest area. spinal column. You can pick them up both in a printed version and in the form of records on a disk or flash card. The study will show which parts of the spine are affected. How long it will take to make a description, you will be told directly at the doctor's office. After receiving these results, you can already contact your treating specialist and, if necessary, sign up for an operation.

What will an MRI of the lumbar and thoracic regions show?

The interpretation of the received images is carried out by a doctor of a diagnostic profile, otherwise referred to as a radiologist. In the pictures, you can usually see the structural features of the thoracic region. The study shows the presence or absence of such pathologies:

Benefits of MRI:

speed of implementation;
optimal price-quality ratio;
harmlessness;
universality;
availability;
high diagnostic value;
the presence of both open and closed devices;
good image resolution.

How much does a tomography cost?

In different cities of Russia, the cost can vary significantly. Pricing policy depends on the level of the clinic or medical center, the qualifications of the doctor who conducts the diagnosis, and actually on the scope of the study. To remove three sections of the spine will cost an order of magnitude more expensive than to perform an MRI of only the lumbar or thoracic. 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 parts of the spine. Diagnosis is quite new and is carried out only according to the indications of your doctor. You can also sign up for this procedure at your own expense, which will save a lot of time. The cost may vary in different regions of the country.

Doctors use a variety of hardware techniques to determine health problems and make an accurate diagnosis. One of them is magnetic resonance imaging. With its help, a detailed study of the state of the bone and soft tissue back, determines the location of the vascular plexuses and joints, their position and even small violations from the norm. A feature of the technique is high information content and the absence of discomfort for the patient during the procedure. Almost all work is automated, and the received data is processed by a computer.

Advantages

Magnetic resonance imaging does not cause pain or discomfort in the process of execution, which is a very big plus. But the body is affected by ionizing radiation, which affects health, with excessively frequent conduction. Therefore, experts resort to it, only in case of urgent need. The main advantages of diagnostics using such equipment are:

The ability to obtain a high-quality image, which shows all the details bone tissue.
High information content and data accuracy (compared to other methods).
Visualization of nerve bundles and vascular channels to determine their integrity and general condition.
The use of a contrast agent that does not cause an allergic reaction.
The ability to get a complete picture of the state of the spine in a short time.
Determining the presence of compression nervous structures which is especially true for paralysis.
Detection of tissue changes early stage.
Ease of tracking the dynamics of changes after surgery or medical therapy.
No threat to human life or health, as the procedure is completely safe.

The cost of the technique directly depends on the chosen clinic. Today, even in public institutions using modern devices. Comprehensive examination is usually more expensive than just a separate part of the body or area of the spine.

During an MRI, a person needs to relax as much as possible and not move.

When is a study ordered?

An MRI of the thoracic spine is done only if indicated, since in the process the patient receives a dose of radiation. The referral for the procedure is issued by a neurologist, surgeon, orthopedist, traumatologist or cardiologist, if there is a suspicion of a serious violation that cannot be determined using other methods.

Usually referred for an MRI in the following cases:

Violation of the integrity of the bones of the ridge or limbs.
There are developmental disorders or congenital anomalies of the spine.
Oncology with bone metastases was diagnosed.
Osteochondrosis or other lesions of the vertebrae.
Damage to the myelin sheath of neurons.
Neoplasm in the vertebrae.
Intervertebral hernia.
Vascular pathologies or circulatory disorders in the back.

MRI is necessary when the patient complains of persistent back pain, which is accompanied by other disorders of the general condition (numbness of the arms or legs, difficulty motor activity, frequent dizziness, muscle spasms). A hardware technique is also involved in order to track the progress of the treatment of pathology or control relapse in the case of oncology.

An MRI scan provides full information regarding the condition of the patient's spine

What does an MRI of the spine show?

MRI of the thoracic spine is complex, but it is most often carried out in relation to specific areas. In the case of the chest area, a timely study is carried out in order to prevent a stroke, herniated disc, disc rupture, cerebral infarction, or other problems. The procedure allows you to fully assess the condition of bones, blood vessels and soft tissues, therefore, it is directed to it in case of numbness of the limbs, stiffness of movements, pain between the shoulder blades, or discomfort in the back in the chest area.

What does an MRI show?

Infectious diseases at any stage.
Congenital anomalies of the structure of the thoracic region.
Narrowing of the spinal canal.
Inflammatory processes in soft tissue.
The onset of deformation or degenerative changes in the vertebrae.
development of osteomelitis.
Areas with insufficient blood supply.
Damage to nerve fibers.
Bone tissue injury in the area under study.
The onset of osteoporosis or osteochondrosis.
Tumor or metastases in the thoracic region.
abnormal neoplasms.

Conducted magnetic resonance imaging allows you to show the exact location of the pathology, the degree of its development and the need for a radical treatment technique. Usually, accompanying problems with the ridge are additionally diagnosed, namely, violations of the intestines, stomach or heart muscle. On the basis of the study obtained, the doctor evaluates the anatomical structure of the spine, identifies pathologies that are asymptomatic, places of injury or inflammation that have formed as a result of the operation.

MRI allows you to identify lesions of the membranes of the brain or blood vessels, infectious processes and tumors, arthrosis and the condition of the intervertebral discs in general. To date, the procedure is considered the most informative among all existing ones.

This is what an MRI scan looks like with contrast

Preparation for the procedure

MRI is a modern technique that allows you to get a high-precision result. On its basis, decoding and diagnosis is carried out. As before any medical manipulation, it is necessary to prepare for it in order to eliminate the error or distortion of the data. A special hunger strike or refusal to drink is not required if contrast is not involved in the study. If it is supposed to be involved, then the preparation will be as follows:

The selection of a suitable contrast to exclude allergies is carried out together with the supervising specialist.
The use of sedatives or tranquilizers in case of claustrophobia in a person or lack of complete control of movements.
Removed all jewelry, clothing with metal elements.
Eating is carried out in the same mode.

Do not use contrast if bronchial asthma(or other lung problems) or atopic dermatitis in the patient's history. In the process, turn off mobile phones, coins, keys and other foreign elements are removed from pockets.

Important information! Before an MRI, it is imperative to report any tattoos on the body, especially large ones, if a metal-based pigment was used in their application, as well as in the presence of plates, braces, metal implants or other elements that cannot be removed. This will allow the specialist to objectively assess all the risks and take necessary measures or assign an alternative diagnostic method.

How is the diagnosis carried out

Magnetic resonance imaging does not require much time to conduct and is carried out in a separate room. The scanning process starts only when the patient is completely ready. In general, the algorithm of actions during the passage of the study is as follows:

The patient takes off his outer clothing and all things containing metal buttons, rivets or inserts.
It is necessary to sit on the couch as evenly as possible so that in this position you can spend 15–20 minutes without moving.
The genitals are protected by special overlays.
The scanning process starts, which may be accompanied by a characteristic sound or noise. During this time, you can not move, talk or sing.
Getting and deciphering the result.

It is possible to make high-precision pictures only if the patient lies absolutely motionless throughout the entire exposure time. Any sudden movements can affect the result, so if in doubt, a second pass is assigned. It is also required to immediately seek help from a specialist in case of occurrence severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or trouble breathing. Most often this is a reaction to the action of contrast.

Pregnancy is one of the contraindications for MRI.

Contraindications for carrying out

Magnetic resonance imaging is not a universal technique, since it is not prescribed for every patient. Before signing the referral, the specialist evaluates general state patient, carefully examines his history, asks about the presence of contraindications to the effects of ionized treatment. This will avoid complications in the future of existing chronic pathologies.

The main prohibitions for MRI of any spine (be it cervicothoracic or lumbar) are:

The presence of pacemakers or other electronic devices, implants in the body. In the process of exposure, they can fail or be damaged. Passage is allowed only after consultation with the treating specialist and determining the possible risks.
High risk of allergic reaction in contrast. In this case, it is possible to prescribe potent antihistamines.
Pregnancy and lactation. Women during lactation are not recommended to use milk for 48 hours after the MRI.
With claustrophobia. In this case, it is possible to use strong sedatives to ensure immobility for 15-30 minutes.
Overweight(more than 120 kg). In this case, equipment is searched for that can withstand weight up to 180 kg, if the mass is more, a different technique is used.
Mental disorders, epilepsy or seizures.
Acute injuries and the need to obtain prompt results of the study.
Confusion or loss of consciousness.

The procedure is absolutely painless, and requires minimal preparation, which allows you to use modern diagnostics for any patient. Childhood is not a contraindication for the study, but the doctor decides on the appropriateness of such an action individually.

Magnetic resonance imaging is modern way obtain complete information regarding the patient's health status. It is used by doctors in various fields of medicine to determine the most correct tactics for the treatment of certain disorders. Despite the presence of radiation in the process, the benefits of diagnostics are greater than the harm, so the method is considered conditionally safe.

We constantly hear that only intensive sports allow us to remain active and healthy until old age. But rehabilitation doctors say the opposite and sound the alarm. No, they do not deny that movement is life. But it is strongly recommended not to overload the spine, which is already suffering from our upright posture. And, if the pain has already appeared, then in no case should you immediately run to the gym - you need to do an MRI of the thoracic region or lower back, find the cause of the disease and consult a doctor.

Teenage and adult diseases of the spine. Over the past decade, screening examinations of schoolchildren have been repeatedly carried out. During the checks, it turned out that more than 90% of children suffer from pathologies in the development of the spine and acquired scoliosis of varying severity. Therefore, more and more often parents bring their children to clinics and ask for an MRI of the thoracic region in Moscow. And rightly so - because the curvature of the spine is dangerous for the whole body.

In adults, osteochondrosis leads in a sad rating. Moreover, many people do not even suspect about their illness until excruciating pain appears. And it is possible to identify pathology at a very early stage, when the disk has not yet been completely destroyed, there is no intervertebral hernia. To do this, it is enough to do an MRI of the cervical spine, lower back, or the entire back.

At particular risk are:

office workers, seamstresses, manicurists;
freelancers sitting at the computer, designers and fans of many hours of gaming battles;
athletes, especially track and field athletes, weightlifters and amateurs gyms;
people engaged in heavy physical labor lifting weights.

Representatives of these professions and occupations need to periodically do an MRI scan of the lumbosacral spine or neck area. But why is danger also for those who have a developed muscular system, and those who sit in one position all day, hunched over?

Carefully! Sport! Most sports give a load on all muscle groups - after all, an athlete must have a strong, flexible and inflated body with a beautiful relief. But, if we look into any anatomy textbook, we will see that a person has different muscles. Physical practically do not work "in ordinary life”, they can and even need to be trained. But tonic (skeletal) and so are in constant voltage. Therefore, they need relaxation, not development.

What happens in training? We strain all the muscles, "pumping up" and supporting the skeleton. They compress the vertebrae, as a result of which the nerve endings are compressed, blood circulation is disturbed, and an intervertebral hernia may appear. Therefore, power sports can be practiced in moderation and only if there are no pathologies. To do this, you need to do an MRI of the thoracic region or the entire spine. And for everyone else, it is better to give preference to swimming, light gymnastics or yoga.

Cost of MRI of the thoracic region. You can often hear that examining the spine is expensive and problematic. In fact, the price of an MRI of the thoracic region starts from 1,500 rubles. Literally in 40 minutes you will check the condition of muscles, vertebrae, discs, soft tissues. And after the diagnosis, you will be able to choose a useful and safe sport that will bring you only health and pleasure.

Looking for an MRI center in Moscow?

On our MRT-cliniki service you will find the best diagnostic centers who will help to make an MRI of the thoracic region in Moscow. They are easy to pick up at the nearest metro station or a lower price, as well as good reviews about the clinic. A simple search will help you find clinics that are right for you. With an online appointment, the price of an MRI of the thoracic region on our service is much lower, up to 50%.

What is the cost of the examination?

The minimum cost of an MRI of the thoracic region in Moscow starts from 1500 rubles and depends on the features of the equipment, location and policies of the clinics.

The thoracic region is a block consisting of vertebrae, ribs and sternum. Unlike lumbar chest - stable and inactive, because. serves to protect vital organs: the heart and lungs. When pathologies arise in it that affect the nerve processes, pain occurs in the internal organs associated with them. Of all the known diagnostic methods, only MRI can determine that the source of the pain syndrome is the thoracic spine.

Tomography of the spine from the cervical to the sacral allows you to see the condition of the bones and vertebrae in all projections of movement: forward-backward, right-left, turns. Muscles, ligaments, tendons are involved in the work, which are also clearly visible on three-dimensional MRI images.

How MRI works

The operation of a magnetic tomograph is based on the principle of a resonant response - a reaction to magnetic radiation of water molecules. Their structure includes hydrogen, the nuclear particles of which - protons - under the influence of magnetic flux arranged in a certain order. This order is fixed by the sensors of the tomograph, the computer processes the information, turning it into an image. What does an MRI show on pictures? – The more fluid in the tissue, the darker it is: muscles, intervertebral discs, blood vessels have a dark tint on them. Dense tissues - vertebrae, bones - look light. Contrast images on an MRI tomograph make it possible to reconstruct scanned organs with an accuracy of 0.1 mm.

What pathologies are determined by MRI

If the thoracic spine is being examined, an MRI may show:

deformation of the intervertebral discs, characteristic of osteochondrosis: a change in their structure, protrusion and hernia;
condition of the spinal cord: stenosis (compression), the presence of infectious inflammation, stroke;
position of the nerve processes connecting the brain with internal organs: their blood supply, compression from cartilaginous formations and edematous muscles;
ligament pathology: are there ruptures and spondylosis (hard fusion of the vertebrae).
foci of edema, inflammation in the muscles surrounding the spine, which are the main source of pain in pathologies of the thoracic spine;
neoplasms and metastases in the organs of the retrosternal cavity.

Pain, shortness of breath, limitation of movement upper limbs All this is often associated with degenerative changes musculoskeletal system, as shown by MRI of the thoracic spine.

Operating modes of the tomograph

During the MRI chest slices are obtained - images of tissues at a certain depth. It is recommended to scan with a distance from one layer to another no more than 3 mm, then all anomalies will be noticeable. Tomography is carried out in two modes:

T1 - is used when it is necessary to establish the presence of fluid in the tissues. But it does not give sufficient contrast of images.
T2 - the mode of wave penetration to a great depth, it provides complete information about the vertebrae and adjacent tissues.

As well as normal procedure an MRI of the thoracic spine with contrast is performed. This method is used in the study blood vessels and blood flow through them, in determining the nature of the damage to the joints, as well as in the analysis of the structure of neoplasms. After injection into a vein, gadolinium accumulates in tissues and vessels, making their review even more informative.

Indications and contraindications

Magnetic resonance imaging is a complex and expensive diagnostics, its purpose is justified when the etiology of the disease cannot be determined by simpler methods.

When is an MRI ordered?

Checking the heart and lungs often does not see changes in these organs, despite severe pain in the back, in the retrosternal cavity, with stiffness in the chest and shortness of breath. Then you should do an MRI of the thoracic spine, which will show the cause of the pain syndrome: inflammatory processes and swelling muscle tissue near the spine, pinched nerve roots, tumors of various etiologies.

MRI also shows:

with osteochondrosis, intervertebral protrusions and hernias;
with neuralgia, pain in the liver, kidneys, stomach, the cause of which is not determined by the diagnosis of these organs;
in case of malfunctions genitourinary system, tingling numbness of the extremities;
with bruises and injuries, suspected damage to the spinal cord;
in preparation for surgery.

Help this method diagnostics define such diseases:

congenital anomalies of the spinal column;
osteochondrosis, bone tuberculosis;
spinal abscess;
multiple sclerosis, encephalomyelitis;
oncology of various localization;
stenosis and thrombosis of blood vessels.

Who should not have an MRI

Unlike x-ray diagnostics MRI is a harmless and safe procedure. But sometimes it is impossible for the following reasons.

There are metal or electronic objects in the patient's body: pacemakers, prostheses, fragments or postoperative clamps on the vessels. The magnetic field can disrupt their work, set in motion, which will affect the patient's condition. Titanium implants are not a contraindication for MRI.
Large tattoo area with metal-based ink.
Mental illness, epilepsy, claustrophobia will not allow the patient to lie quietly and motionless in the tomograph tunnel for 20-40 minutes, and this is necessary for successful diagnosis.
Children under 7 years of age are unable to force themselves not to move during the procedure.
MRI is not prescribed for pregnant women, because there are no studies on the absolute safety of magnetic radiation for the fetus.
Contrast-enhanced MRI is not done for people who are allergic to contrast, women who are breastfeeding, or patients with kidney disease.

Patients who have big weight, it should be noted that the table of conventional tomographs can only withstand 120-150 kg.

Preparing and conducting diagnostics

Preparation for MRI of the thoracic spine does not require special restrictions and tests. The patient receives the doctor's instructions on how to do an MRI of the spine.

How to behave before the examination

Staying in the closed tunnel of the tomograph during its noisy operation should not be unexpected for the patient: it is worth stocking up on earplugs.
If present in the body foreign bodies you need to bring a certificate: where, when, in what place, from what material the implant is installed.
It is necessary to remove all metal objects, jewelry from yourself, remove money keys from your pockets so that they do not suddenly end up on a working device during the procedure.
At pain syndrome painkillers should be taken to keep still during the examination.
For children, persons with claustrophobia or a weakened psyche, the procedure is carried out with sedatives or under anesthesia.

The doctor tells how an MRI of the thoracic spine is done with contrast. On the eve of five hours is not supposed to eat; Immediately before the study, the patient is injected with a contrast agent - gadolinium. It is necessary to find out in advance if there is an allergy to it.

MRI progress

The patient is placed on the imaging table. Arms and legs are fastened with straps in order to ensure immobility. The table enters the tunnel, where for 20-40 minutes the magnetic field moves around the patient's body up and down, scanning the study area in sections. MRI takes longer than CT. In addition to the characteristic noise, the tomograph does not create any discomfort and pain. Immediately after the procedure, the patient can go about their usual activities.

Conclusion and diagnosis

The interpretation of the MRI results is carried out by a radiologist, who makes a description of the images and a conclusion. The final diagnosis is made by the attending physician.

if tomography has detected neoplasms, the disease is diagnosed by an oncologist or a neurosurgeon;
changes in the spinal cord, inflammation and compression of the nerve roots will be dealt with by a neurologist;
with protrusions and intervertebral hernias, bruises and injuries refer to the vertebrologist and traumatologist.

The cost of MRI of the spine is higher than CT or ultrasound. But this method is the only one that gives a complete picture of the state of the chest. It does not pose a health risk radiodiagnosis, in most cases does not require contrast. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment Worth the money spent on an MRI.

MRI of the thoracic spine shows inflammatory, tumor, traumatic and degenerative-dystrophic diseases. The method is considered one of the most reliable ways diagnostics.

Mankind owes its discovery to scientists at Harvard and Stanford universities, who in 1946 found that hydrogen atoms under the influence of magnetic field absorb energy and emit it as a radio signal. It is registered by the receiver, which makes it possible to form an image of tissues on the monitor screen. For this discovery, Parcel and Bloch were awarded Nobel Prize. Determination of NMR signals proved to be so effective that the technique has spread throughout the world. The cost of the equipment is quite expensive, so a large medical center can afford it.

NMR spectroscopy as independent method diagnostics appeared in 1973, when the possibility of obtaining images using tubes filled with water was proved - NMR tomography.

For the first time, MRI of the thoracic spine was presented at the Paris Radiological Exhibition in 1982. Since then, magnetic resonance imaging has been actively used to diagnose diseases.

MRI of the thoracic spine: what shows

MRI of the thoracic region shows many anatomical structures that are saturated with hydrogen.

How to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging of the spine:

Analysis of the size and shape of the spinal cord, spine. Fine spinal cord has even contours and dimensions, is located in the middle (T1-weighted images);
Assessment of the subarachnoid space on T2-weighted images. In the presence of the "crescent" and "linear strip" syndrome, there is a high probability of hemorrhage in the spinal cord;
MRI of the thoracic region does not have landmarks by which radiologists determine the localization of the pathology. The most accurate reference point for determining the topography of the pathological process of the spine is the level of C2 and L5 (the second and fifth cervical vertebrae);
Analysis of the width of the spinal cord. If it is enlarged, an intramedullary tumor is possible;
Determination of calcifications (deposition of calcium salts) and petrifications in soft tissues;
Revealing cystic formations using myelography (introduction of contrast into the subarachnoid space).

How to do an MRI of the lumbar spine

MRI shows non-tumor cysts of the thoracic spinal cord without invasive techniques (puncture of the subarachnoid space) in the presence of the following signs: smooth and even contours, the presence of "synechia" (constrictions), low signal intensity from cystic cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid. On T2-weighted images, turbulent movement of the internal contents of the cyst can be detected, as well as the absence of contrast walls in malformation and syringomyelia.

With focal increases in the radio signal along the thoracic spine on T2-weighted images, it is necessary to differentiate between ischemic disorders and intramedullary tumor. A similar MRI picture is shown by a plaque of the spine with multiple sclerosis, acute encephalitis, tuberculosis and toxoplasmosis. Additionally, these types of pathology can be diagnosed by the introduction of a contrast agent.

Thickened spinal cord on MRI

If the spinal cord is thickened on an MRI of the thoracic region, radiologists will imply that a person has:

Ischemic changes;
transverse myelitis;
Post-traumatic deformity.

With the help of magnetic resonance imaging, it is possible to distinguish between meningioma and neurinoma - types of tumors of the nervous system.

How MRI shows a neuroma:

Posterior-lateral arrangement;
Hyperostosis and petrifications do not occur;
It is shaped like an hourglass.

How NMR spectroscopy shows meningioma:

Rear localization;
The presence of hyperostosis and petrifications;
Contrasting adjacent tissues next to the tumor.

Neurinomas are characterized by big sizes located along the spinal canal. On T2-weighted tomograms, the homogeneous nature of the signal in neurinoma is clearly defined. Meningioma is large and spreads along the entire spine.

Multiple lesions of the spinal column are observed in the metastatic process. The radiologist has to differentiate these MRI symptoms with lymphogranulomatosis and myeloma. It is possible to determine the pathology of the thoracic spine using magnetic resonance imaging if the formations are larger than 2 mm, when they consist of cells filled with water.