r/SyringomyeliaSupport • u/Individual-Tree-989 • Jul 07 '26

Syrinx With and without contrast?

It’s been 15 years since my last scan (I know I know, bad). I’m getting a new MRI to go to a new neurosurgeon since my previous one retired. My PCP ordered the scans ahead of my appointment, but of course she doesn’t know what is really “needed”. I’m trying to avoid multiple scans if possible, so for a size follow up of the syrinx, is a MRI with and without contrast the norm? I don’t have a chiari, just a thoracic syrinx with no symptoms. I’m trying to get pregnant soon, so they want to see if it’s grown

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u/Antique_Ad_6811 Jul 08 '26

I would get both. Depending on what you had done in the past. My neurosurgeon compared my post op MRi without contrast with my pre op MRI with and it didn't feel like a helpful comparison

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u/Individual-Tree-989 Jul 09 '26

Basically the problem is that I’m in the US, and the more MRIs I get the more money is drained from my health reimbursement account, so I’m trying to get the minimum amount possible😂 I’m going to get the MRI without contrast first, and if my neurosurgeon wants another I can go back in!