Standard Procedure for Mri Imaging

[Jack54]

When an Mri of the Lumbar region (or ANY region or segment of the spine) is performed, is there one sagittal (side view or profile) image of the entire spine always included with the Mri, and if so, what is this one image called?

Thanks so much in advance for anyone that can help.

[Jack54]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Finally I get an answer....

This is what happened: I went for an Mri of the Lumbar segment of my spine. My Rheumatologist sent me. The Mri Technician had done an Mri of my brain about 3 weeks earlier and went over every image made on the computer monitor.

So, I ask him if he would go over the images of my spine with me and he was more than happy to. The very first image he showed me was this initial transverse image, and I had a large round white spot at T8, which was large enough to affect T7 & T9 also.

He said it was a hemangioma, that they were common and never malignant. Then all of the rest of the images were of my Lumbar spine, axial & sagittal. I have two herniated disc, L4 - L5, & L5 - S1.

I called my Rheumatologist after thinking enough time had passed for the results of the Mri to be in. The Radiologist did not mention any hemangioma in his report. I told the nurse what had taken place, and that the Tech and I knew that he was not supposed to go over these images with me, but that I was worried. I had been having pain from this area (T8), in addition to lower back pain. My Rheumatologist did not have the films, only the report. The nurse was told to contact the Radiologist and ask about the tumor and he said there wasn't one. The Radiologist had the Mri Tech to call me and he was very scared and denied all. He denied all to the nurses over the phone.

I got a set of the Mri films from the Imaging Clinic, and this initial transverse image was left out. The same Mri Tech ran them off. I asked for a CD, which the same Mri Tech made, and again, this initial transverse image was left out.

**Now my question is; do you think the Radiologist received this initial transverse image? Would it be normal to be included with the "rest" of the films?

I am so sorry to write a book, but in my area of the country it is very hard to get an MRI, due to insurance requirements (BCBS). The most simple thing to do would be to get an Mri of the Thoracic segment of my spine I know, but my very conservative Rheumatologist will probably not ask for one.

**Thank you soooo very much for your valuable time, and I would so appreciate just one more short answer :)

Bless you,

Jack

[dr_simran]

Hello Jack54,

The view that you are talking is about the initial transverse image that is actually taken in the beginning of the MRI. What specific area in the body you are mentioning?
What has been the disease?

Best