From my understanding, an MRI with contrast provides a much better image and you can get a lot of info from it. I also understand that there are risks with contrast/possible allergies and certain contraindications. And I understand that mri without contrast can be sufficient in many cases. So why would a doc order an MRI with AND without contrast? Why not just with?
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If you are getting an MRI with different parts of a body, the doctor might order only part of the test with contrast to minimize the amount of contrast they inject into you.
Gadolinium (the MRI Contrast) is injected at a specific rate per 15 seconds during the stage of the MRI that needs it. If you are getting multiple areas and only 1 needs contrast, they can just inject the contrast during that part, minimizing the amount of gadolinium you have injected.
This may reduce the amount of adverse reactions. Studies vary on this. Its also very expensive, so reducing the amount used would have a cost benefit.
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