- Strengths
- Symptoms in post surgical patients or cancer patients generally need gadolinium. Suspected infection or myelitis also benefit. Can be very difficult to see epidural abscess without contrast.
- Limitations
- For disc disease, pain, spinal stenosis and general screening, gadolinium usually not needed.
- Contraindications
- 1) Standard MR questionaire as to contraindicated implanted devices, surgery, etc.; 2) Gadolinium will be dose-adjusted dependent upon creatinine clearance. It will not be given with CrCl <30 due to risk of NSF.
- CPT Code
- 72157
- Exact format for order to be authorized
- MRI thoracic spine; with and without gadolinium
- Patient Preparation
- None.
