Private examination
Referral : not required
Result description : up to 10 working days
Examination date : available dates
Discount : 5% when paying online or at the e-kiosk (Orkana 7)
Book your appointment with a 5% discount
National Health Fund (NFZ) examination
Referral: required
Result description: up to 15 working days
Examination date: subject to availability
Check the NFZ dates
Why is it worth doing with us?
The examination is
up to 2x shorter
up to 2x shorter
3D image – better diagnostics
Less claustrophobia – more comfort
A safe test also for overweight people
Description of the thoracic spine MRI without contrast Lublin
MRI of the thoracic spine is a non-invasive and highly accurate imaging test that allows for the assessment of:
- thoracic vertebrae,
- intervertebral discs,
- spinal canal and spinal cord,
- ligaments and surrounding soft tissues.
MRI of the thoracic spine can detect conditions such as disc herniation, degenerative changes, spinal cord compression, inflammation, injuries, and tumors . At Luxmed Lublin Medical Center, the examination is performed using a modern GE MR 1.5T 450W GEM system with 32 channels , which provides 3D imaging, shorter scanning times, and a high level of diagnostic comfort.
Indications for thoracic spine MRI?
Your doctor may refer you for an MRI of the thoracic spine when you experience:
- chronic back pain in the thoracic region,
- numbness or tingling in the chest, abdomen or limbs,
- suspicion of discopathy, degenerative changes or spinal canal stenosis,
- injuries and fractures of the thoracic spine,
- inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the spine,
- follow-up after neurosurgical procedures.
What does an MRI scan of the thoracic spine without contrast look like in Lublin?
The examination is painless and lasts on average 20–30 minutes , and the entire stay in the laboratory takes approximately 40–50 minutes.
The patient lies on their back, with the spine segment being examined within the machine's magnetic field. Acoustic Reduction reduces the resonance noise, and the wide opening (70 cm) minimizes the feeling of claustrophobia. Our device also allows for examinations of overweight individuals (up to 226 kg).
Preparation for a spine MRI without contrast at CM Luxmed Lublin
A non-contrast MRI scan requires no special preparation. Before the exam, inform the staff about:
- drug allergies,
- chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure),
- implants and metal elements in the body (pacemakers, stents, insulin pumps, orthopedic screws),
Practical tips:
✓ Bring any previous imaging results (X-ray, CT scan, MRI).
✓ Remove jewelry, watches, phones, and metal objects.
✓ Wear clothes without metal elements.
✓ If you take medications regularly, take them as normal on the day of your examination.
✓ Report to the Luxmed Medical Center's MRI lab 30 minutes in advance with your ID.
MRI of the thoracic spine with contrast at CM Luxmed Lublin
A contrast-enhanced test is ordered by your doctor in special cases, such as when tumors, inflammatory lesions, or postoperative follow-up are suspected. In such cases, additional rules apply:
✓ Perform a blood creatinine test (no older than 7 days).
✓ Fast for at least 5 hours before the test – you can drink still water.
Contraindications to the examination
Absolute contraindications to performing the test:
- weight over 226 kg
- pacemaker/pacemaker,
- neurostimulators,
- pregnancy (inform the laboratory staff) – examination without contrast is possible only after assessing the diagnostic risks and benefits after the first trimester,
- invasive surgical, aesthetic or diagnostic procedures within the last 6 weeks (you must wait at least 6 weeks after the procedure, regardless of the body part being examined),
- metal foreign bodies in the eyeball (if in doubt, an X-ray of the eye sockets is performed),
- insulin pump or other drug delivery device, neurostimulator or other biostimulants,
- hearing implant, internal hearing aid or ossicular plastic surgery cochlear implant (if it contains ferromagnetic metals).
Relative contraindications:
- the presence of ferromagnetic metals in the body,
- Orthodontic appliances and other metallic foreign bodies in the body – the possibility of performing the examination should be discussed with the laboratory! In most cases, they are not a contraindication to the examination. Metallic foreign bodies may cause local artifacts, partially hindering the assessment of adjacent structures, or (rarely) cause heating of adjacent tissues – the examination may then be interrupted. In such cases, there is no threat to the patient's life or health.
- in the case of vascular clips, an MRI examination can be performed 6 weeks after clip implantation,
- In the case of a tattoo or permanent makeup, you must wait 6 weeks after it has been done.
Contraindications to the administration of a paramagnetic contrast agent :
- severe renal failure (if eGFR < 30 – examination possible for life-saving indications),
- pregnancy (the risks and possible diagnostic benefits should be considered),
- allergy (extremely rare cases).
Attention:
- dialysis patients – there is no need to postpone the dialysis date,
- breastfeeding period – a break in breastfeeding is not necessary in the case of tests without contrast.
FAQ
How long does a thoracic spine MRI take?
An MRI of the thoracic spine takes an average of 20-30 minutes . During this time, images are taken in various sequences, allowing the doctor to thoroughly assess the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and spinal canal. Preparation time—changing clothes, talking to the staff, and leaving personal belongings—must be factored into the overall time spent in the procedure. Therefore, approximately 40-50 minutes . Thanks to the modern GE MR 1.5T 450W GEM system, the examination is quieter and faster, and the wide 70 cm bore reduces the feeling of claustrophobia.
Thoracic spine MRI price
The cost of the MRI depends on whether it's private or covered by the National Health Fund. A referral isn't required for private MRIs. Additionally, patients can take advantage of a 5% discount when paying online or at the e-kiosk at 7 Orkana Street in Lublin . The current price list is available here:
| Name of the study | Price |
|---|---|
| Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine without contrast | 632 PLN |
| Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine with contrast | 822 PLN |
What does thoracic spine MRI detect?
Thoracic spine MRI is one of the most accurate imaging tests for diagnosing back pain and spinal disorders. It allows for the assessment of all components of the thoracic spine—bones, intervertebral discs, ligaments, spinal cord, and soft tissue. This allows doctors to detect conditions such as:
- degenerative changes and discopathy,
- pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots,
- spinal injuries and fractures,
- inflammation, infections, autoimmune diseases,
- tumors and metastases,
- condition after neurosurgical procedures.
Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI provides a very accurate image of soft tissues, which is of great importance in neurological diagnostics.
When is MRI of the thoracic spine with contrast performed?
Although in many cases a non-contrast MRI is sufficient, a doctor may occasionally order a contrast-enhanced MRI. This is most often done when there is a suspicion of a tumor, metastasis, inflammatory processes, or when post-operative assessment is necessary. Contrast allows for even more precise visualization of lesions and an assessment of their nature. The decision to administer contrast is made by the doctor after analyzing the patient's symptoms and previous imaging studies.
Does the thoracic spine MRI cover the entire spine?
No – a thoracic spine MRI only covers the thoracic spine, or mid-back. The test allows for a very detailed assessment of this section of the spine, but it does not fully demonstrate the cervical or lumbar spine. If the doctor determines that a more extensive diagnostic workup is necessary, they may order additional MRI scans of the remaining spine segments or an MRI of the entire spine. In some cases, other imaging tests, such as X-rays or ultrasound, are also performed.
Do I need a referral?
For a thoracic spine MRI at Luxmed Lublin Medical Center, you don't need a referral if the test is performed privately. You can schedule an appointment at a convenient time and quickly receive a report. For tests covered by the National Health Fund (NFZ), a referral is required – it is issued by a specialist physician under your health insurance policy.
Can I have a thoracic spine MRI if I have claustrophobia?
Our device has a wide opening (70 cm) and a short tunnel, which significantly reduces the feeling of being trapped. Additionally, Acoustic Reduction makes the resonance sound quieter than standard devices, improving patient comfort. If you experience severe anxiety, it's worth informing the staff before the examination.
