MRI without Contrast

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a noninvasive medical imaging test that produces detailed images of almost every internal structure in the human body, including the organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels. MRI scanners use a large magnet and radio waves, not radiation, so there is no risk of exposure to radiation during an MRI procedure.  MRI is better than CT scans at telling the difference between types of soft tissues and between normal and abnormal soft tissues and can cover large portions of the body

A breast MRI usually is performed after you have a biopsy that’s positive for cancer and your doctor needs more information about the extent of the disease. For some people with a high risk of breast cancer, a breast MRI may be used with mammograms as a screening tool.

Although the risks don’t usually outweigh the benefits of the information provided by an MRI, there are some disadvantages to MRIs as well: 

  • Because MRI uses powerful magnets, the presence of metal in your body may be a safety hazard or affect a portion of the MRI image.
  • People can be hurt in MRI machines if they take metal items into the room or if other people leave metal items in the room.  The machine’s magnet could also wipe out the information stored on your credit cards if you bring them into the exam room.
  • Some people become very uneasy and may even panic when lying inside the MRI scanner.
  • MRI can be expensive.

I had an MRI without contrast. I laid face down in the machine specifically made for breast imaging. It was easier than laying face up in the PET Scan. It was loud. It was a bit uncomfortable. It is hard not to move for a long period of time, especially if you have an itch … and you know you are more aware of itches when you can’t get to them. The problem for me was that my surgeon didn’t tell me that I needed to have an MRI with contrast. It is a really good idea to clarify this point so you don’t have to repeat the procedure.

Sources