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Diagnostic Radiology (Expert Forum)
Should I have another MRI
Answered by
Sumer K Sethi, MD - Radiology
Teleradiology Providers
Delhi - India
Questions in the Diagnostic Radiology forum cover topics including body imaging, bone scans, breast imaging, CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MRA, NMR, ultrasound, and x-rays.
Should I have another MRI
by arachnaphob, Dec 04, 2008 04:06AM
Hi, I had an MRI of my lumbar spine for low back pain and bilateral thigh pain and numbness. The results showed degeneration of the facet joints, severe at L3-L4. It also showed desicatted (sp) discs etc. The finding that I'm inquiring about was "the appearance of the nerves within the thecal sac indicates arachnoiditis". Does this mean that I definitely have arachnoiditis? I didn't have any IV contrast, should the MRI be repeated using contrast? Is there a better test to determine if I definitely have arachnoiditis? Thank you. Arachnaphob
Doctor's Answer
by Sumer K Sethi, MD, Dec 15, 2008 12:44AM
, Dec 15, 2008 12:44AMTo: arachnaphob
For diagnosing arachnoiditis Contrast enhanced study is definitely indicated to look adherent enhancing nerve roots. Arachnoiditis is a broad term denoting inflammation of the meninges and subarachnoid space. A variety of etiologies exist, including infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic processes. Infectious etiologies include bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic agents. Noninfectious inflammatory processes include surgery, intrathecal hemorrhage, and the administration of intrathecal agents such as myelographic contrast media, anesthetics, and steroids.
Thanks again,
Chirley