Examination of the thoracic spine using MRI. MRI for the thoracic and lumbar spine - what does tomography show and how is it done? What is included in chest MRI

With the help of magnetic resonance imaging, you can get a detailed image of most organs and tissues. human body. This allows doctors to assess their condition and identify pathologies that, in other visual methods studies may be indistinguishable. The resulting image will show the entire structure chest cavity in 3D format. MRI chest, Breast MRI - three similar studies, but at the same time studying different organs.

Magnetic resonance involves obtaining a detailed image lung tissue, soft tissues, pleura, heart, mediastinal vessels. The value of using the technique in this case lies in the fact that it allows for sequential shooting, that is, to assess not just the state of the cardiovascular and bronchopulmonary systems, but their work.

MRI allows you to assess the condition of the organs and identify pathologies that may be indistinguishable with other visual methods of research.

In addition, the doctor gets the opportunity to see organs and tissues from different angles and thus examine certain areas with greater accuracy. There are several options for prescribing a chest MRI. reasons:

Clarification of the localization of tumors, determination of their size and degree of spread to neighboring organs.
Obtaining accurate information about the structure of the heart and its structural formations.
Identification of anomalies in the development of blood vessels and lymph nodes.
Assessment of blood flow.
Diagnosis of the condition of the soft tissues of the chest and bone structures.

What does a chest MRI show?

The resulting image will show the entire structure of the chest cavity in three-dimensional format. In addition, the study provides an opportunity to obtain information about the chemical structure of tissues - in contrast to ultrasound and X-ray, which form an idea only of the density of individual sections.

Using this technique, the following pathologies can be detected:

Oncological education, including early stages in the absence of clinical manifestations.
Violations in the work of the cardiac valvular apparatus and in the filling of the atrium and blood vessels.
Sequelae of chest trauma.
Pneumothorax (accumulation in pleural cavity air).
Pneumonia and bronchitis.
Aneurysm (bulging of the arterial wall).
Myocardial infarction.

In addition, an MRI is often suggested before upcoming operation, and also as a control of the postoperative recovery process.

MRI with angiography

The resulting image will show the entire structure of the chest cavity in three-dimensional format.

To examine the vessels in detail and evaluate their work, the doctor may prescribe a study with angiography. It can be done in two ways:

The contrast is injected into the vein. Diagnosis with contrast allows you to achieve a clearer visualization of blood vessels.
The study can be carried out without the use of contrast.

With this technique, a special magnetic resonance tomograph is used, having a field strength of not less than 0.3 T.

MRI of the chest

A slightly different purpose for MRI thoracic spine. What does this study show? Its main goal is not the heart, but a specific part spinal column and its structure. The picture taken allows you to see the following organs and structures:

Bones, including vertebrae and their processes.
intervertebral discs.
Spinal canal.
Soft tissues, muscles.

MRI of the thoracic region can show the presence of the following pathologies:

Diseases of the intervertebral discs (trauma, degeneration, compression of the fibers).
Hernias at a rupture of an external part of a disk.
congenital anomalies.
Injuries that can be detected on an MRI of the thoracic region, even if the x-ray does not fix changes.
Circulatory disorders.
Inflammatory diseases.

chest MRI

The average duration of the procedure is about 30 minutes.

Another type of diagnostics, also similar in name to MRI of the thoracic region and chest organs, is breast MRI. This is a research method shown in the study of the state of the mammary glands. It is not an alternative to ultrasound and mammography, but complements them in the following cases:

How to screen for women related to high group risk.
To determine the stage of an already diagnosed breast cancer.
To clarify the size, localization, degree of spread of the tumor.
If necessary, assess the formations found on mammography or ultrasound.
If needed differential diagnosis- for example, when differentiating a tumor from a scar formation.

Most often, the study uses contrast agents to more accurately determine the size of the tumor. However, in order to unambiguously establish the nature of the formation, one cannot do without a biopsy, which magnetic resonance imaging cannot replace.

How is a chest MRI performed?

The study is done in exactly the same way as any other type of magnetic resonance imaging. Preliminary preparation not required. The main condition for the procedure is the absence of contraindications. Among them, the main ones are the presence of pacemakers and other electronic or metal devices and implants in the body. If you need to get the result urgently, the evaluation of the images can be carried out within an hour, in standard situation The doctor's report is issued the next day.

The average duration of the procedure is about 30 minutes, but it can be longer if a contrast solution is used to inject into a vein. One of the main conditions for the reliability of the results is immobility during the scanning process. If it is not respected, the doctor may issue an incorrect conclusion, taking the resulting shadows and blackouts for pathology.

MRI, despite all its advantages and safety, in this case is not the method of first diagnostic study. The main reason is the high cost, so it is often preferred computed tomography or x-ray.

In addition, using magnetic resonance imaging, it is not always possible to distinguish between fluid accumulated as a result of edema and cancerous tumor. So that the doctor’s work and the patient’s experiences are not in vain, such a study is usually prescribed after other imaging methods and laboratory tests have been applied.

One of the most FAQ patients after referral for examination - what should be the preparation for MRI of the 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 cartilage tissue, worse - bones. 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 examinations by the anesthesiologist. 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 to women in the first trimester of pregnancy. MRI is contraindicated in kidney pathologies accompanied by kidney failure 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.

IN modern medicine exists a large number of various methods diagnosis of the state of the body. This includes x-rays, tests, and ultrasound. One of the most accurate and giving the opportunity to obtain reliable data methods is magnetic resonance imaging. It is often used to assess the condition of the spinal column. Depending on the indications, a person may be assigned an MRI of the thoracic spine. What does this diagnostic method show?

MRI of the thoracic spine - what does it show?

MRI as a diagnostic method was discovered by scientists at Stanford and Harvard Universities and is based on the ability of hydrogen atoms to absorb energy. magnetic field and release it in the form of a radio signal (the so-called NMR - nuclear magnetic resonance). During the examination, a signal is received by the tomograph and images of certain tissues are created, which are displayed on a computer monitor in the form of 2D and 3D images. Now this research method is used all over the world, but, as a rule, necessary equipment available only in large medical institutions because it's not cheap.

On a note! For the first time this method of examination of the spinal column was demonstrated in 1982 in Paris at the exhibition of radiologists.

MRI makes it possible to obtain the most accurate and reliable data on the state of tissues and organs of the body, including all elements of the spine (intervertebral discs, spinal cord, vessels, etc.). It will allow to identify a number of diseases at the earliest stages of development, including tumor, inflammatory, degenerative-dystrophic and other pathologies.

Indications

The thoracic spine is a complex system consisting of 12 vertebrae, ribs attached to them, joints, intervertebral discs, etc. This part of the spinal column is less mobile than others, and therefore suffers less from various injuries. But nonetheless, pain syndrome not uncommon in this area.. It is usually caused by problems with metabolism, due to which there is a deterioration in the nutrition of the intervertebral discs. With time this problem lead to the development of osteochondrosis.

Inside each vertebrae there is a small opening through which the spinal cord passes. And as a result of changes in the size of this channel, compression of the nerve endings can occur. Hence the recurring pain syndrome.

On a note! Often, problems with internal organs arise just because of a violation of the spine.

MRI is a painless, safe and non-traumatic research method. The doctor directs the patient to a tomography if there are the following indications:

pain in the chest;
migraines and dizziness;
pain syndrome in the shoulder blades;
numbness of the upper limbs;
swelling of the neck and face;
cough;
upcoming operation;
weakness in the legs;
suspicion of a disease of the nervous system;
difficulty in movement.

Also, MRI is performed in case of suspicion of the development or presence of a number of diseases - osteochondrosis, kyphosis, intervertebral hernias, tumors, tissue infections, etc. They can be provoked by an unhealthy lifestyle, insufficient or excessive load on the body, and injuries.

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Table. Symptoms that require an MRI.

Symptom	Characteristic
	The most common cause of this type of pain is osteochondrosis (in terms of the musculoskeletal system). Tomography will reveal the true cause.
	Such symptoms are characteristic of osteochondrosis, scoliosis and kyphosis, and can be triggered by protrusions, the presence of hernias, and injuries. Due to the fact that MRI demonstrates the state of all tissues, it is not difficult to identify these pathologies.
	Often seen with problems at work internal organs including hearts. They can also signal pathological changes in the region of the spine.
	The pain syndrome in this disease is quite obvious. The reasons may be intervertebral hernia, osteochondrosis.
	A frequent sign of developing osteochondrosis. It may have a different character.

On a note! Tomography is usually prescribed, but you can also go through it own will without medical evidence.

Contraindications

But MRI is not always possible. Despite the fact that the method is positioned as the safest possible, in some cases it is contraindicated or can be used only in certain situations when it is vital. Contraindications may be:

installed pacemaker, Elizarov apparatus;
heart valve prostheses;
any implants made of metal or ferromagnetic alloy;
some types of dentures;
excessive body weight (more than 160 kg);
allergy to contrast agents (when using them);
severe form of heart failure.

Metal prostheses during an MRI can heat up and thereby injure body tissues up to burns. The pacemaker may fail. Also, claustrophobia, the presence of hyperkinesis (the inability to lie still) can become a contraindication. Severely ill patients whose life is supported by various devices cannot be examined either.

MRI is not recommended for pregnant women early dates and children under 7 years of age. The latter can be examined, but on condition that they do not move during the tomography. MRI using contrast agents should not be performed for nursing mothers and pregnant women, patients with serious kidney pathologies.

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What will an MRI show?

MRI can show a range of changes in anatomical structures and will help identify the following problems:

The images obtained as a result of tomography are very informative and accurate. They have good detail.

How is tomography performed?

MRI of the thoracic region is performed in three projections. Doctors call them frontal, axial and sagittal. This option allows you to most accurately find the location of the affected tissues and make a diagnosis.

For the study, a tomograph is used, inside which a person must lie motionless. In some cases, fixation belts can be used to maintain immobility. You need to lie down on the couch outside the tomograph - it then slides inward.

Attention! During the examination, the person may feel warmth in the chest area. This is fine. But if the sensations become excessively uncomfortable, then you can stop the MRI by pressing the SOS button. Communication with the doctor during the procedure is present, which reduces psychological discomfort.

In terms of time, MRI lasts only 15 minutes, if the use of contrast agents is necessary, then 25-40 minutes. Processing the data and writing the conclusion takes about 30-60 minutes.

Attention! MRI contrast agents are used when a tumor is suspected.

Preparation for the examination

If you want to know in more detail which is better, as well as consider the features and benefits, you can read an article about this on our portal.

As such, there is no preparation for an MRI, except in cases where diagnostics using contrast agents is prescribed. But there are a number of aspects that you need to remember - knowing them, it will be easier to get tested.

Step 1. During the tomography, you will have to stay inside the equipment for some time. If a person suffers from claustrophobia, this test will be extremely difficult for him to endure. You should inform your doctor about the presence of claustrophobia. It may well be that the specialist will prescribe sedatives.

Step 2 If there are implants made of metal inside the body, then you should definitely tell the doctor about it. Most prostheses or implants can affect the operation of the equipment, as well as deliver pain to the subject. In some cases, an MRI will have to be abandoned altogether.

Step 3 It is important for the doctor to inform the doctor about the presence of pregnancy or serious illnesses, If there are any. A number of features of the state of the body may be a contraindication to the study.

Pregnancy is one of the possible contraindications

Step 4 If some medications were previously prescribed by the doctor, then it is not necessary to refuse them before the MRI, unless the specialist says otherwise.

Step 5 Before you go for an MRI, it is recommended to read about this procedure, watch videos that demonstrate how it is performed. This will give you an idea of what to expect in the CT room.

Step 6 It is better to go to the MRI accompanied by a friend or relative. The doctor may prescribe sedatives, after which it is impossible to drive a car on your own.

Step 7 It is better to arrive early than to be late. The clinics have waiting areas where you can sit before the procedure. Moreover, the doctor may ask you to fill out some papers - it is better to do this before the examination, so as not to waste time later.

Step 8 All jewelry must be removed. You will also need to remove watches, wigs, hairpins and other items from the body. Underwire bra too without fail need to be removed.

Step 9 During the tomography, it is important to follow the instructions of the doctor, do not argue with him and do what he asks. Then the procedure will pass as quickly and comfortably as possible.

If an MRI is performed using intravenous contrast agents, it is recommended that you do not eat for about 5-6 hours before the examination so that the tomography is done on an empty stomach. If possible, it is worth making an appointment for the morning examination, although a conventional MRI can be done at any time of the day.

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You should wear comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off, does not squeeze the body. If data from past examinations are available, it is recommended that you take them with you - the doctor may wish to compare the results.

Video - Tomography of the thoracic spine

Tomography - accurate modern method research, widely used to diagnose the state of the spinal system of the thoracic region. It will help to identify almost any diseases that can develop in this area. Unfortunately, in municipal clinics there are always long queues for this examination. It is easier and faster to undergo an MRI in a paid medical center.

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

Humanity owes its discovery to scientists at Harvard and Stanford Universities, who in 1946 found out that hydrogen atoms, under the influence of a magnetic field, absorb energy and emit it in the form of 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 the 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. Normally, the 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 landmark for determining topography pathological process the spine is the level of C2 and L5 (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 lumbar spine

MRI shows non-neoplastic 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 CSF. 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 shows a plaque of the spine in 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 size of the formations is more than 2 mm, when they consist of cells filled with water.

MRI of the thoracic spine highly informative method study of 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;
chest trauma;
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 spinal stenosis;
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), not allowing to maintain a fixed 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 it is imperative to warn 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. When contacting a private diagnostic center, the results are 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 an unlimited number of 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.).