Brain MRI with Contrast

Enhanced brain MRI with gadolinium contrast agent for improved visualization of tumours, inflammation, infection, and blood-brain barrier disruption. Includes pre- and post-contrast sequences on 3T Siemens MAGNETOM SPECTRA.

The contrast-enhanced brain MRI adds intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent to the standard brain protocol, enabling detection of pathology that may be invisible on native sequences. Gadolinium enhancement highlights areas where the blood-brain barrier has been compromised — a hallmark of active tumours, infections, inflammatory conditions, and certain vascular malformations. The protocol includes all standard sequences from the native brain scan plus additional post-contrast T1-weighted images in multiple planes. The radiologist compares pre- and post-contrast series to characterize any enhancing lesions, assess their vascularity, and estimate their grade or activity. This is particularly important for monitoring known brain tumours after treatment, evaluating suspected multiple sclerosis plaques, and investigating unexplained neurological symptoms. The contrast injection is administered by a qualified nurse through a small IV cannula placed before the scan. Most patients tolerate the injection without significant side effects. The radiologist reviews all images and provides a comprehensive report within three working days.