Im have a brain MRI, I have decided against the contrast dye, will they still be able to get a pretty clear?

Question

image without the dye? (I have decided against the dye because i've been have some heart problems lately and am scared it may mess with my heart)

Answer 1

Hi,
I'm sorry that you have been having health problems. I am a former MRI tech who happens to have a neurological disease that requires periodic MRI's of the brain too. The contrast (Gadnolinium) would have no effect on your heart. You should look it up on the internet to put your mind at ease. When I have my MRI's, I always have one without the contrast followed by one with the contrast. The contrast hightlights certain parts of the body making it easier to see and therefore making it easier for the Radiologist (the doctor reading the MRI) to make a definitive diagnosis. Having the MRI without the contrast alone is just having half of the examination. And half of the examination yields only half of the information. Please call the MRI department and speak to a Radiologist before your appointment. He/She would be happy to answer any questions you have and put your fears to rest.

Answer 2

Jeanne is absolutely right. Cardiovascular disease is not a contraindication with MRI contrast. The contrast has no effect on the heart, and we do daily contrast injections on such patients with no ill-effects. However, severe kidney insufficiency or failure IS a contraindication.

For some brain MRI studies, contrast is not even used. It really depends on your signs and symptoms. If the radiologist thinks the contrast part of the exam would benefit him/her in a correct diagnosis, I would have the contrast injection. A radiologist is not going to put your health in further jeopardy. I would talk with the experts prior to my MRI and take their advice.

Answer 3

supposedly the images aren't as detailed.

If you spoke to a heart doctor and cleared with him that you are better off then I say it's a good choice.

My husband has kidney problems so we need to avoid dye's for that reason ... but always discuss with doctors first to make sure you're making the right decisions, based on plenty of knowledge that you get from them.

Answer 4

Speak with your Cardiologist and if he agrees go with the contrast. Chances are you are probably more stressed about having the test itself. I would ask for a mild sedative to help you, as you may be in the test for a period of time and you can get quite claustrophobic while in the tube.

Answer 5

It depends on the question.