Steroid injection effects on MRI ???

[KCOscar]

I am hoping someone can advise me....I have an MRI booked for July, the pain in my foot is almost unbearable. The Physiatrist wants to give me a steroid injection, my GP says not until after the MRI. Will a steroid injection alter the results of an MRI ?

[Ssmart]

Hi

This may or may not be helpful....

A post on here from 2 years ago

Although I believe they are talking about oral steroids, as opposed to injection, the effect of both is to reduce inflammation...

healthunlocked.com/nras/pos...

I’m sorry you’re so uncomfortable, July is still a couple of months away, so I’d personally opt for any relief from the pain I could get... but I understand your concern about it masking the true extent of your inflammation. Tough call!

I wish you all the best, I’m sure some more knowledgeable members will be along shortly to give you more experiences that they have had. Keep us updated x

[helixhelix]

Clever of SSmart to have found previous post! What wasn’t emphasised in previous post is that in two months you can get permanent damage. It’s a tough call. If it was a week or so away I’d think GP was right. But two months is different.

Have you had steroid injections previously and how long did they last?

[Dobcross1]

Hi I know it's a slightly different thing but I had a steroid injection in my wrist and they wouldn't then do an ultrasound scan until 6 weeks had passed as the steroid would mask any inflammation... Sorry not to be more help and good luck.

[Mmrr]

I'm not sure if this helps , but my new consultant asked me to taper down my oral prednisilone from 15 mgs a day to 5mgs day before repeat MRIs. Extensive synovitis was evident on the scans.

I was quite unwell on 5mgs and contacted rheumatology after the scans had been completed, they sanctioned a move back to 15mgs, as the scans had been completed.

So yes, taking oral prednisilone can effect MRI results. im not so sure about a depo injection.