Magnetic resonance imaging of the dorsal (thoracic) spine
Thoracic Spine MRI in Casablanca
Thoracic spine MRI examines the part of the spine at chest level, between the neck and the lower back. This part has twelve vertebrae, to which the ribs are attached. The exam shows the vertebrae, the discs, the spinal cord running down the canal and the nerve roots. It helps in particular to understand persistent mid-back pain, to date a vertebral compression (a vertebra that collapses) or to look for a bone lesion.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 15 to 25 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Persistent, nighttime or unusual mid-back pain.
- A compressed vertebra, for example due to osteoporosis, to find out whether the compression is recent.
- Band-like pain around the chest, which may reflect irritation of a nerve root.
- Suspected infection of a disc or a vertebra (spondylodiscitis).
- Looking for a vertebral lesion in the context of a known disease.
- Neurological problems in the legs when the lumbar MRI is normal.
How the exam is done
You lie on your back on a table with a built-in spine coil; a second coil may be placed on your chest. Your arms stay along your body and a cushion may be slipped under your knees.
The thoracic vertebrae look very much alike: the radiologist therefore often starts with a wide image that includes the neck, in order to count them precisely and find the right level. During the sequences, breathing and heartbeats can cause slight blurring; breathe calmly and regularly, without sighing or coughing. The injection, if needed, is given at the end of the exam. You can resume your activities as soon as you leave.
Preparation
- Remove underwire bras, jewelry and clothing with metal parts.
- If lying on your back is painful, take your usual pain medication before coming.
- Tell us about significant scoliosis or a hump in your back that makes lying flat difficult.
- Let us know if you are afraid of enclosed spaces.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
Most often, the exam is done without an injection. Gadolinium is added through a vein in the arm if an infection, a tumor or a spinal cord lesion is suspected.
Contraindications and precautions
- Spinal cord stimulator, pacemaker or defibrillator, to be assessed before the exam.
- Cement or hardware placed in a vertebra (vertebroplasty, screws): please tell us; it is generally compatible.
- Old vascular clip, cochlear implant, implanted pump or metal fragment in the eye.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Severe kidney failure, if an injection is given.
Documents to bring
- Prescription
- Previous X-rays, CT scans or MRIs of the spine
- Bone density scan (DXA) result if a vertebral compression is being monitored
- Recent blood tests if an infection is suspected, and kidney function test if an injection is planned
- List of medications and insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a thoracic spine MRI varies depending on the length of spine examined and on whether gadolinium is added when an infection or tumor is suspected.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How can MRI date a vertebral compression?
A vertebra that has just collapsed contains edema, meaning water in the bone, which is clearly visible on MRI. An old compression no longer has it. This difference helps your doctor link the pain to the right vertebra and discuss possible treatment, such as cementoplasty.
Are thoracic herniated discs common?
They are much rarer than in the neck or the lower back, because this part of the spine is stiffened by the ribs. When they do occur, they can irritate a nerve root or, more rarely, the spinal cord. MRI shows them clearly, along with their relationship to the canal.
Can my back pain come from somewhere else?
Yes. The heart, lungs, stomach or gallbladder can cause pain felt in the back. Pain in the back or chest that comes on suddenly, feels tight, or comes with shortness of breath may come from the heart or lungs: go to the emergency department without waiting. A spine MRI is not the right exam in that case.
Can the mid-back and the lower back be examined together?
Yes, if the prescription asks for it. Thoracolumbar MRI, classified with lumbar spine MRI, covers both regions continuously and takes a little longer. Check the exact area to be examined with your doctor, because it determines the sequences scheduled.
Thoracic Spine MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a thoracic spine MRI varies depending on the length of spine examined and on whether gadolinium is added when an infection or tumor is suspected. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.