Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (Expert Forum)
MS and Cavernous Malformation
Answered by
Dr. Daniel Kantor, MD - Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Migraine (Headache), Transitional (Teen) Neurology
Neurologique
Ponte Vedra Beach - FL
Welcome to the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) forum.
MS and Cavernous Malformation
by jewski, Feb 23, 2009 11:05AM
After 20 years of sporatic symptoms (right side numbness & 2 cases of optic neuritis) I was DX last year with MS. Other "conditions" although not related to the MS include moderate depression, headaches (including migraines) & hypothyroidism. Had MRI done in 1988 (in conjunction with the numbness) that showed 4 lesions, possibly related to MS, spinal fluid was negative. An incidental finding of a venous anomaly was mentioned on the MRI last year. No "enhancing" lesions were identified, but about 8 "old" lesions were found (brain & spine). Followup MRI done Feb 6, 09. MS lesions are stable (no new ones & no enhancing), however 2 of 3 page radiologist report about a 7 mm cavernous malformation that is now adjacent to the venous anomaly.
Here is the quote from the summary findings of the radiology report...
"Developmental venous anomaly draining parenchyma at the right insular/suminsular region and right basal ganglia region. This is associated with a small (7mm) carernous vascular malformation involving adjacent portions of the very posterior aspect of the posterior limb of the right internal capsule and right thalamus. The signal changes related to the cavernous malformation have increased in size, suggesting that there has been interval episode of minor bleeding at this lesion, potentially subacute, but with out evidence of findings to suggest acute hemorrhage or adjacent reactive edema."
MS Dr. referred films to the neuro interventionalist in group. After 2 weeks of waiting I got a call from the nurse stating that the interventionalist said "it is not emergent, & is inoperable due to its location. I can make an apt with him if I want more information". The soonest they can get me in is March 11, so I was hoping to get some info here. Since thalamus plays a part in all of my "symptoms" and other "conditions" could the CCM be causing all my issues & the MS be a wrong dx? Currently taking copaxone, but would like to stop if not needed.
Here is the quote from the summary findings of the radiology report...
"Developmental venous anomaly draining parenchyma at the right insular/suminsular region and right basal ganglia region. This is associated with a small (7mm) carernous vascular malformation involving adjacent portions of the very posterior aspect of the posterior limb of the right internal capsule and right thalamus. The signal changes related to the cavernous malformation have increased in size, suggesting that there has been interval episode of minor bleeding at this lesion, potentially subacute, but with out evidence of findings to suggest acute hemorrhage or adjacent reactive edema."
MS Dr. referred films to the neuro interventionalist in group. After 2 weeks of waiting I got a call from the nurse stating that the interventionalist said "it is not emergent, & is inoperable due to its location. I can make an apt with him if I want more information". The soonest they can get me in is March 11, so I was hoping to get some info here. Since thalamus plays a part in all of my "symptoms" and other "conditions" could the CCM be causing all my issues & the MS be a wrong dx? Currently taking copaxone, but would like to stop if not needed.
Doctor's Answer
by Dr. Daniel Kantor, MD, Mar 02, 2009 11:07AM
, Mar 02, 2009 11:07AM
It is very difficult to say if there are any symptoms related to the CCC, but if the neuro-interventionalist (who looked at the films) said no, then I assume that is the correct answer.
March 11 is around the corner and I know that it could be nerve-wracking to wait, but I do believe that it is worth it.
March 11 is around the corner and I know that it could be nerve-wracking to wait, but I do believe that it is worth it.
