Is MRI with contract necessary to detect AN?

[Padthink15]

I received orders for MRA with contrast of the neck/head and MRI with contrast of the inner ear due to ongoing ear fullness/pain and pulsatile tinnitus I've been having.

The MRAs are necessary to determine if there are any artery issues and the MRI is to check for acoustic neuroma.

The problem is that hospitals/imaging centers will not do everything at once and they have to be done separately.

My concern is getting back to back gadolinium injections.  I already had gadolinium about 10 months ago for something else and I'm not too keen on getting back to get contrast injections.

Would a 3T MRI machine be able to detect acoustic neuromas without contrast?

[Greece Lover]

With the obvious caveat that none of us here are doctors, I'm pretty sure that the contrast is required, not only for detecting AN, but also for the detail necessary for laying out proper treatment options. 

[dwilliams35]

I think you may be able to see it on a non-contrast MRI, but it's the kind of thing that you have to really be looking for it there.. The contrast will make it jump out where it's absolutely obvious.

[v357139]

Best to ask your doctor.