An MRI of the thoracic region is done specifically for imaging of the thoracic spine and surrounding structures, but images of structures or organs within the thoracic cavity will also be collected. Some of the organs include the heart, lungs, thymus gland, lymph nodes, posterior ribs, adrenal glands. An MRI will collect images specific to the thoracic spine and adjacent organs/structures. For this reason, abnormalities or pathologies can be identified in these adjacent structures.
What is the Thoracic Spine?
It is critical to note that because of the primary structural purpose being to support the rib cage and protect vital organs, dysfunctions in the thoracic spine can affect other systems other than just the spine and thoracic area. Additionally, in some cases, thoracic pain can also be misconstrued as cardiac or gastrointestinal pain, thus the need for accurate radiology of the spine such as an MRI of the spine.
The thoracic spine is the middle part of the column of vertebrae, also called T1 to T12, that connects the cervical spine (neck) to the lumbar spine (lower back). The thoracic spine is the only part of the spine that attaches to the rib cage – thus making it a stable but less flexible part of the spine than all other parts of the spine.
Which Organs Are Seen on a Thoracic MRI?
While a thoracic spine MRI evaluates the spine, you can also gain information about the organs in the vicinity. While these organs are often not affected by the issues within the thoracic spine itself, the thoracic spine is sufficiently close to other structures to be able to see the heart, lungs, esophagus, parts of the liver, and stomach.
Therefore, thoracic spine MRI is not useful for diagnosis of disease in the organs, but can provide insight about adjacent disease pathology, inflammation, abnormal mass, or associated effects of pathology in the local area. For this reason, thoracic spine MRI evaluation can be of value for reasons other than spine evaluation.
Why is Pain in the Thoracic Spine a Red Flag?
Pain in the thoracic spine is less common and less frequently experienced than lower back pain or neck pain. When thoracic spine pain does occur, it can indicate serious conditions. Because of this less compromised area of the spine in terms of movement and stress, thoracic spine pain usually indicates
Nerve Pathways and Organ Functionality
Nerves that branch from the thoracic spine are vital communication links between the brain and major organs (lungs, heart, liver, etc.). Here are some examples
Clinical Applications and Limitations
Typically, a thoracic MRI is ordered for individuals when:
- They have continuous upper and/or middle cinque, mid back pain, or potentially both
- They have neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness)
- They meen signs of spinal cord compression
- They have some unexplained symptoms that may be related to the spine or structures near the spine.
A thoracic MRI will sometimes show some incidental findings in nearby organs, but it is not the best test to use in diagnosing diseases of the heart, lungs, or the gastrointestinal and associated organs. Scans to evaluate these organs specifically should be done using a dedicated chest or abdomen MRI, not a thoracic MRI.
Organs and Soft Tissues Seen
It is also important to note that a thoracic MRI isn’t to examine organs, but organs and tissue adjacent to the spine(s) may be seen on the scan due to anatomical coverage of structures adjacent to the spine and position of the patient. Again, as a reminder, incidental findings may be noted – which may include parts of the:
That said, the primary focus remains the spine and what’s adjacent to it. The inclusion of organs is incidental – meaning the ability to visualize the above organs is incidental, as it can suggest some abnormalities or a mass may be present, But it is again accidental to the primary examination, and not a detailed or thorough examination of those organs specifically.
Conclusion
A thoracic MRI can deliver detailed imaging of the thoracic spine and surrounding structures, involving soft tissue as well, and incidental imaging of organs such as the heart and lungs, however the scan is not primarily for evaluation of those organs. The clinical value of the thoracic MRI is primarily musculoskeletal, with ancillary information about organ function if problems around the spine or nerves threaten both musculoskeletal and organ function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What organs does a thoracic MRI show?
The thoracic MRI is focused on the spine, but it does present views of other organs and structures in the thoracic cavity, to include: the heart, lungs, thymus gland, lymph nodes, posterior ribs, and adrenal glands.
Q. What will the MRI of the thorax show?
The mediastinum, chest wall, pleura, heart, and blood vessels. MRI is less effective for imaging the lung parenchyma than a CT scan, but MRI excels at visualizing soft tissues, looking for a number of different conditions including heart and vascular disease, bone and soft tissue issues, and tumors.
Q. What does a thoracic spine MRI scan show?
The area of imaging includes the thoracic spine vertebrae, thoracic spinal cord, intervertebral discs, nerve roots from the thoracic spinal cord, and many other structures that are soft tissue.
Q. Can a thoracic MRI show lung cancer
MRI can also identify differences between lung cancer and other conditions and can sometimes also be used in conjunction with CT for screening and injury assessment of lung nodules.
Q. How do I locate the best imaging centre close to my location in Delhi NCR?
Simply search the term best imaging centre near me in Google, or call carebox for consultation.
