MRI of the lumbosacral spine: a view of the pathology from the inside

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral region of the spine is an innovative method of radiation diagnosis, which is based on the characteristics of the atoms of the human body to respond to magnetic effects. It uses a high-power electromagnetic field and radio-frequency pulses to produce images of the lumbar (bottom) part. Special sensors of the tomograph allow not to shift the person in case when it is required to remove also the upper zone of the spine. X-ray radiation is not used in the examination, therefore the procedure is not dangerous for the patient's health and can be repeated many times, if necessary.

MRI of the lumbosacral spine is performed in the sagittal and transverse projections at the lesion levels. It has the ability to simultaneously see on the monitor multiple slices - images that are obtained with MRI. The optimum result is achieved with a thickness of cuts from 3 to 4 mm (the gaps between them should be absent). In one examination session, several dozen to hundreds of slices are produced. Then they are stored in the computer memory or printed on a film. Today, the MRI of the lumbar spine is considered the most accurate method of investigation and is called the "gold standard" in diagnosis.

When is the MRI at the lumbar level?

The study helps to determine pathological changes in the spine, as well as in the tissues adjacent to it. When using a magnetic resonance tomograph, a diagnosis can be made at an early stage of the disease. This allows for timely treatment of pathologies associated with the spine and a successful cure. MRI of the lumbosacral spine is prescribed in such cases:

• Impaired sensitivity of the lower extremities, weakness in the legs;
• Unresponsive pain in the lumbar region;
• Trauma in the lumbar region and sacrum, for example, fracture or instability of the spine;
• Symptoms of a malignant tumor along with pain at the level of the lumbar region;
• Cancer in anamnesis and metastasis of malignant cells in the lumbar region;
• Congenital malformations and anomalies in the development of this department of the spine;
• Infections and abscesses of the spinal cord and bones;
• Disturbance of the process of urination.

What does the MRI of the lumbosacral spine show?

During the examination, the doctor can detect anomalies. MRI allows you to analyze the state of the spinal cord in general, the intensity of the chemical and physical processes in it, and also to examine in detail the state of the vessels. In cases where a more accurate image of the abnormal part of the tissue is required, MRI of the spine is performed using a contrast medium. It allows for a clearer visualization, for example, helps distinguish trauma and disease from past surgical scars. But more often the procedure with contrast is used to study or identify tumors of different nature. MRI of the lumbosacral spine determines:

• Problems that arise in the intervertebral discs, for example, pinched nerves, disc ruptures, sciatica nerve inflammation;
• Area of the spine with abnormal narrowing of the canals (stenosis), which is a possible indication for surgical intervention;
• Benign formations (hemangiomas) developing in the body of the vertebrae;
• Influence on nerves and bones of the spine of malignant tumors of other nearby organs or their metastasis;
• Intervertebral hernias and protrusions of discs in this area;
• Arthritis (inflamed joints), as well as bone loss;
• Stenosis of the spinal canal (its narrowing);
• Spondylitis (degenerative changes of the vertebrae);
• Areas with poor blood supply;
• Infectious processes at the level of the lumbar region;
• Damage to the nerve due to injury or disease, such as multiple sclerosis;
• Congenital anomalies in the development of the spine.

Spinal cord examination

The spinal cord includes the nuclei of the peripheral and central nervous systems, so the pathological processes in it can lead to serious diseases, including disability and death. MRI of the spinal cord and spinal column of the lumbosacral section allows neurologists and neurosurgeons to diagnose and cure a number of diseases that would be incurable without the capabilities of a magnetic resonance imaging.

The picture shows an image of a long light gray strand surrounded by a white liquid, the spinal cord. It is located in the background of vertebral bodies. The survey assesses its structure and size. For example, in the absence of pathologies, the spinal cord has clear and even edges, is in the center of the spinal canal, and with increased size, the oncological process is possible. Magnetic resonance diagnostics of the spinal cord is prescribed in such cases:

• Detection of the presence of focal lesions, malignant neoplasms of the spinal cord, as well as its membranes;
• Suspicion of trauma, malignant lesions of the spine, as well as other pathologies of vertebrogenic origin;
• The definition of syringomyelia by the method of evaluation of its cerebrospinal fluid spaces;
• Analysis of the spinal cord after surgical interventions in this area.

Indications for MRI in the coccyx

MR tomography of the tailbone is a reliable non-radar diagnostic method that allows to assess the condition of the lower zone of the spine and the coccygeal region and to determine various pathologies at the initial stage of occurrence. This study is rarely conducted in isolation. Usually, if anomalies in this area are suspected, they are sent to the MRI of the lumbosacral spine and coccyx, sometimes also in conjunction with pelvic organs. The optimal area for examination is appointed by the doctor depending on the symptomatology. Indications for MRI of the coccyx:

• Any traumatic injuries in the sacrococcygeal region;
• Congenital or acquired anomalies of development of the sacrum and coccyx, namely lumbarization of the sacrum of the sacrum, cysts and coccygeal courses;
• Suspicion of the presence of hemangiomas, cysts or malignant tumors, as well as their metastasis in the coccyx or sacrum;
• Pain of any kind, localized in the lower back;
• Violation of blood circulation and weakening of reflexes in the lower limbs, as well as their paralysis;
• Suspicion of the pathology of the nerve roots ( horse tail syndrome );
• Vague or questionable results from other surveys in this area.

What diagnoses MRI for thoracic examination?

This study is most often used to assess the structure of the spine from the inside. Magnetic resonance tomograph makes it possible to see intervertebral discs, spinal canal, muscles, other soft tissues, the upper lumbar region and the lower zone near the cervical spine, as well as the vertebral bodies and their processes. MRI of the thoracic spine provides an opportunity to diagnose:

• Osteochondrosis;
• Narrowing of the vertebral canal, as well as openings between the spinal nerves (stenosis);
• Malignant neoplasms and their metastases in the thoracic region;
• Acute circulatory disorders;
• Anomalies in the development of this zone of the spine;
• Intervertebral hernias and protrusions of the spine;
• Any injuries in this zone;
• Demyelinating diseases (disseminated encephalomyelitis in acute form or multiple sclerosis);
• Presence of vascular malformations in the spinal cord.

Conducting research and contraindications to it

Examination does not require special preparation. Before it starts, you need to remove all items that contain metal. The procedure is carried out in a horizontal position. To obtain high-quality images, a person must be immobile. If the patient is a child who can not be without movement, then it is possible to use anesthesia, hypnotics or sedative to pass the MRI of the lumbosacral spine. Contraindications are almost the same for all types of magnetic resonance diagnostics:

• Electronic devices, such as a pacemaker in a patient;
• Presence of foreign bodies with metal in the composition: implants, plates, pins, designs for osteosynthesis and others;
• Inadequate mental behavior;
• claustrophobia;
• Pregnancy up to 12 weeks, since the effect of the magnetic field on intrauterine development of the fetus has not been sufficiently studied;
• When entering a contrast agent, an allergic reaction to it is added;
• Nursing mothers are forbidden to apply the baby to the breast within 48 hours after the procedure with contrast.

Where it is better to make MRT in Lublino?

To reveal various pathological processes in any areas of the spine, vertebrae, spinal cord, soft tissues will help MRI of the lumbosacral spine. In Lublino there is a medical center that offers to pass this research on a modern qualitative magnetic resonance tomograph. Professional staff of the center and latest generation equipment guarantee high accuracy and maximum comfort of the examination procedure.

Price for MRI

The amount of work done, the use of contrast medium, the area of the scanning zone, additional services, tasks in hand - all these factors affect the cost of MRI. Prices for research in different areas may differ from each other. On average, the MRI of the lumbosacral spine without the use of a contrast agent is in the range of 4000-5000 rubles, and with a contrast - about 9000 rubles. You can make an appointment with a medical center specialist for more detailed advice on this issue.

Finally

MRI of the lumbosacral spine is a painless and highly informative diagnostic method with a number of advantages over other methods. It is absolutely harmless, because the patient is not exposed to radiation. MRI has no analogues for the diagnosis of not only protrusion of intervertebral discs, but also their hernias. A magnetic resonance tomograph makes it possible to examine the spine at the same time as soft tissues without the use of a contrast agent, in contrast to apparatus with X-ray diagnostic methods. MRI in the thoracic region is the most informative way to assess the condition of soft tissues, to reveal the localization and size of the neoplasms, and also to study the cartilaginous surface of the joints, tendons or muscles.