Spotting the Differences: MRI with or without Contrast

Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is a huge breakthrough in the medical world. It lets the doctors have precise imaging of your insides that they can use later to diagnose you better. In recent days, technology has advanced even more. There is this thing called MRI with contrast that provides even better results.

But have you ever wondered what exactly an MRI with contrast is and how it differs from a standard MRI? If you have, then this article will be helpful for you. Here you will learn some vital information about this revolutionary diagnostic imaging technology. This knowledge may be handy when your doctor recommends an MRI with contrast.

About MRI with Contrast

According to many reputable imaging centers, MRI with contrast is a process in which a contrast dye is injected into the patient's arm before the scanning begins. This extra contrasting agent highlights several body components, like the blood vessels, organs, and tissues. Gadolinium in the dye helps trigger magnetic reactions in MRI devices. Because of that, you get even more superior results for your test.

MRI with Contrast vs. without: A battle of Diagnostic Imaging Methods

These are some of the fundamental differences between MRI with contrast and without. Learn these differences before you get your screening to understand the process better.

  • As we said earlier, MRI with contrast uses a dye to make the images prominent. But normal MRIs, however, do not use any such additional substances. Instead, they use several other MRI procedures to understand the problem better.

  • Normal MRIs cannot determine whether a tumor's treatments are working properly. This situation requires you to seek help from the most advanced diagnostic imaging techniques like MRI with contrast. With the help of the dye, medical professionals easily trace whether the treatments are working or not and plan the next step accordingly.

Even though there are so many dissimilarities, there is one aspect where these methods are quite similar. Both these methods are non-invasive and painless. This means you can be fearless when going to your closest imaging center in OKC for the screening.

Risks of MRI with Contrast

These are some of the main risk factors of getting an MRI with contrast. Consider these factors and consult with your doctor before you get a screening.

  • Many experience allergic reactions to gadolinium-based contrast dye after the injection. But only one or two patients in every thousand experience such reactions.

  • If a woman goes through an MRI with contrast during pregnancy, the gadolinium can harm her baby, which is why it is extremely important to consult the doctors once before getting such a screening.

  • An MRI with contrast can also cause some minor inconveniences like headache, nausea, and unbearable pain in the injection site to the patients.

Get Flawless MRIs Done in OKC

Now that you know all the necessary information, the time is here to find an imaging center for your screening. And where better to go than Evolution Imaging for a job like this? We are proudly one of the best providers of diagnostic imaging in Edmond, OK. So feel free to call us anytime and book your appointment for the screening.