CPT® Code 72157

Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences; thoracic

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sophisticated imaging technique utilized to visualize the spinal canal and its contents, specifically targeting the thoracic region in this instance. This noninvasive procedure employs the magnetic properties of hydrogen nuclei found in the body, allowing for detailed imaging without the use of ionizing radiation. During the MRI process, a powerful magnetic field is generated, which aligns the hydrogen atoms in the body. Subsequently, radiowaves are transmitted through this magnetic field, causing the protons in various tissues to emit specific radiofrequency signals. These signals are captured by a computer, which processes the data to produce high-resolution tomographic images in three-dimensional slices. The patient undergoing this procedure is positioned on a motorized table that moves into a large MRI scanner, which houses the magnet. MRI scans of the thoracic spine are typically indicated when conservative treatments for back or neck pain have failed, or when further evaluation is necessary following surgical interventions. The imaging is performed in two phases: first, without the use of contrast material, and then again after the administration of contrast agents. This dual-phase approach enhances the visualization of the spinal structures, allowing the physician to assess various conditions such as abnormal spinal alignment, vertebral body diseases or injuries, intervertebral disc issues, and the overall size of the spinal canal. The results of the MRI are crucial for correlating the observed anatomical changes with the patient's clinical symptoms, thereby guiding further treatment decisions.