Understanding Your Lumbar MRI: With and Without Gadolinium

Question
Hi Margot,

I had lumbar surgery 3 years ago for a L4-5 herniation (Laminectomy). There have been no problems until 3 weeks ago. Now I have steady sciatica in my lower back down the back of my right leg into my foot. My last MRI is 3 years old. That MRI showed 2 other herniations, L2-3 and L3-4. The doctor has reqested a new MRI and EMG. He has ordered:
"Lumbar MRI With and Without GADO." Do you know what "with and without GADO" means? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Dan and thanks for writing,

This is an FDA approved contrast agent for MRI. Gadolinium, or gadodiamide, provides greater contrast between normal tissue and abnormal tissue in the brain and body. Gadolinium looks clear like water and is non-radioactive. After it is injected into a vein, Gadolinium accumulates in the abnormal tissue that may be affecting the body or head. Gadolinium causes these abnormal areas to become very bright (enhanced) on the MRI. This makes it very easy to see. Gadolinium is then rapidly cleared from the body by the kidneys.

From: http://www.mrsc.ucsf.edu/

I hope this helps,
Margot