MRI and Mechanical Valve

  20 years ago, my mother had a Bork-Shyly (sp?) mechanical mitral valve implanted.  Recently, she suffered a stroke.  After her release from the hospital, her neurologist followed up with a CT scan to see what may have caused the bleed.  He saw some type of abnormality, and wants her to have an MRI to more accurately determine the cause of her stroke.  The information she received from the MRI center with her appointment confirmation said that anyone with pacemakers, metal implants, etc., should NOT have an MRI, but her neorologist said that it's safe for SOME mechanical valves.  How can she be sure she has the type of valve that would not be affected?  His concern is that she may have a tumor in her brain.  (She has been a heavy smoker for about 50 years, and also has asymptomatic Hepatitis C, possibly contracted from a blood transfusion at the time of her valve replacement surgery)  To further complicate matters, her heart surgery (in 1976) was performed at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Denver, which is now closed, and she's not sure how to access her medical records.

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

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Dear Sharon,
Here are contacts for your mother in regards to her medical records.  SGT.Redden
at CENTRAL ARMY MEDICAL RECORDS CENTER in St.Louis, MO, the number is (314)-260-2982
and FAX is 314-260-2986.  Just for future reference the Army Customer Service
number is (314)-538-4122 or 4222.  You can call SGT.Redden yourself or have your physician call for the records.
Good Luck.