Physician Information
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Regular MRI & Contrast Enhanced MRI

Ottawa Valley MRI performs both regular, non-enhanced MRI exams and contrast enhanced MRI exams, MRMR shoulder & knee arthrograms are also available.

Certain MRI examinations require a contrast agent injection. The contrast we use is gadolinium, it is a natural rare earth element and is very safe. It is contra indicated if there is a history of previous reaction to gadolinium. Contra reactions are rare and the radiologists are always present in the clinic to deal with the contra reaction.

The gadolinium is injected intravenously. A contrast enhanced MRI is can be recommended during some cranial and spinal MRI investigations to detect lesions associated with abnormal vascularity or those thought to alter the blood-brain barrier. A contrast enhanced MRI facilitates visualization of lesions with abnormal vascularity.

The final determination of the type of MRI exam will be made by the radiologist and is based on the clinical history provided by the referring physician.