Renal cell carcinoma
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans provide an image of the soft tissues in the body using radio waves and strong magnets. MRI can be used instead of CT if the patient exhibits an allergy to the contrast media administered for the test. Sometimes prior to the MRI scan, an intravenous injection of a contrasting material called gadolinium is given to allow for a more detailed image. Patients on dialysis or those who have renal insufficiency should avoid this contrasting material as it may induce a rare, yet severe, side effect known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. A bone scan or brain imaging is not routinely performed unless signs or symptoms suggest potential metastatic involvement of these areas.
MRI scans should also be considered to evaluate tumour extension which has grown in major blood vessels, including the vena cava, in the abdomen. MRI can be used to observe the possible spread of cancer to the brain or spinal cord should the patient present symptoms that suggest this might be the case.
Laminotomy
Since an MRI provides excellent imaging of blood vessels and tissues, it is recognized as the best type of imaging to observe signs associated with lumbar compression. The precise measurement of the diameter of the spinal canal is a particularly important component when determining the severity of the stenosis itself. High strength 3-Tesla MRI machines are being utilized due to the increased vascular imaging capabilities. Better resolution capacity allows for more detailed observations by the healthcare provider. The sharp contrast of the high power MRI outlines details in the vertebra that are critical when examining a patient with lumbar spinal stenosis who may need a laminotomy. MRI scanning post invasive surgery is used to see the quality of the surgery itself, yet the appropriate postoperative time elapsed before conducting an MRI is a debated topic.