Thoracic spine MRI

Discomfort or pain in the thoracic spine can occur for various reasons — from muscle overstrain to changes in the intervertebral discs or damage to the nerve roots. To determine the cause of the symptoms and choose the correct treatment strategy, it is important to conduct accurate diagnostics.

Magnetic resonance imaging allows obtaining layered images of tissues and assessing the condition of the spine in detail. MRI of the thoracic spine in Kyiv at the Oxford Medical clinic is performed on the modern GE SIGNA Champion scanner. The use of AI Recon DL artificial intelligence technologies increases image clarity and allows even minor changes in the structures of the spine to be seen more accurately.

You can get an MRI of the thoracic spine at a convenient time for you — booking is available by phone or through the callback form.

During the examination, detailed images of the spine are formed, which allow assessing the condition of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues of the thoracic region.

The examination makes it possible to detect:

• protrusions and hernias of the intervertebral discs and their effect on the nerve structures;
• narrowing of the spinal canal and the degree of its severity;
• damage to or compression of the spinal cord;
• compression of the nerve roots;
• degenerative changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs;
• inflammatory processes in the tissues;
• neoplasms and their spread;
• scoliosis and other posture disorders;
• consequences of injuries and postoperative changes.

MRI allows assessing not only the presence of changes, but also their impact on the spinal cord and nerve structures, which helps to understand the cause of pain, discomfort, or other neurological symptoms.

In some cases, if the pain spreads to the neck, shoulders, or upper limbs, an MRI of the cervical spine may additionally be prescribed. This allows assessing the condition of several regions at the same time and not missing possible changes that may affect the appearance of symptoms.

MRI of the thoracic spine is a safe examination method because it does not use ionizing radiation. At the same time, the examination is performed in conditions of a strong magnetic field, so before the procedure it is important to take into account the presence of implants or metal structures in the body.

The examination is not performed in the case of:

• an installed pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator;
• cochlear implants;
• metal implants or structures incompatible with MRI;
• foreign metal elements in the area of vital organs.

The limitations for conducting the examination include:

• the first trimester of pregnancy;
• pronounced claustrophobia;
• the inability to remain still during the examination.

If an examination with contrast enhancement is planned, kidney function and possible allergic reactions are additionally taken into account. The contrast agent is not used in cases of severe kidney dysfunction or confirmed intolerance to the drug.

Special preparation for MRI of the thoracic spine is usually not required. It is enough to come to the examination in comfortable clothing without metal elements and remove jewelry, watches, and other metal objects before the procedure.

It is also important to inform the specialist about the presence of implants, metal structures, or previous surgeries, since this may affect the conduct of the examination.

If the examination is performed without contrast, there are no dietary restrictions — you can eat as usual. If an MRI with contrast enhancement is planned, it is recommended to refrain from eating for 4–6 hours before the procedure. Before the administration of the contrast agent, if necessary, a blood test for creatinine with calculation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may be prescribed in order to assess kidney function and make sure the examination is safe.

The examination is performed in a lying position on a special tomograph table, which moves smoothly inside the machine. During scanning, it is important to remain still, because the clarity of the images depends on this.

The examination takes place in stages: a series of images is performed, allowing a detailed assessment of the structures of the thoracic spine. At certain moments, you may be asked to briefly hold your breath in order to reduce the movements of the chest and obtain more accurate results.

If an examination with contrast is planned, standard scanning is first performed, after which a contrast agent is injected intravenously and the examination is continued. This helps to more accurately assess the nature of the changes and their extent.

The duration of the procedure is usually 15–30 minutes, and when contrast is used it may increase to 30–40 minutes. After the examination is completed, the specialist analyzes the images and prepares a written report.

The cost of an MRI of the thoracic region depends on the scope of the examination and the need to use a contrast agent. An examination with contrast enhancement is more extensive, so its price may be higher.

You can ознакомиться with the current prices for medical services here. To schedule an examination, call our contact center or leave a request for a callback at a convenient time for you.