MRI of the neck is sometimes indicated to evaluate the size and appearance of the deep cervical lymph nodes.
While Ultrasound is usually the go-to scan for lymph nodes located in the neck region, sometimes the more deep-laying lymph nodes can be difficult to fully evaluate due to their location, patient anatomy or other complicating factors.
Sometimes, a “neck MRI” is requested in order to evaluate the blood vessels of the neck supplying the brain and face with blood. This is called MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) and you can read more about this here: MRA
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye