Help understanding findings on MRI of brain

[Robbie74]

Hi all... this one's probably for your Dr Quix.

I'm looking over all of my old records and scan reports, and found the following statement on the report for an MRI of the brain I had a year ago, that I just don't understand... It was written in the begining of the 'Findings' section.

"This is a slightly limited study secondary to the lack of capability for fat suppressed imaging on the post-contrast images which limits evaluation for subtle enhancement of the optic nerves.  However, the periventricular white matter has a normal appearance" .  The rest of the findings go on to read as normal...

This was on a .2 Tesla magnet with 12mL of OptiMARK

Anyone able to decipher?  

Thanks!

Robyn

[Robbie74]

Thanks to all for responding.

This was the first MRI I had done about 18 months ago with the first neurologist I saw... the one who told me to toughen up and get on with my life.  And yes, it was on a 0.2 Tesla!

I changed docs not long after, and the last MRI I had done was on a 1.5 machine according to the standards you outlined above Dr Quix.  

I'll be getting my records from prince charming (aka 1st neuro) tomorrow... can't wait to see what he put in his chart notes!  

Thanks again,

Robyn

[Quixotic1]

Well !!! You take the prize for getting an MRI on the lowest Tesla machine!!  The answer to your question is that that  MRI means nothing (read that NOTHING).  The protocol for MRI Imaging for MS specifies that the image be done on a 1T machchine or higher.  Any lower and the likelihood of missing critical information is far to high.

Gee...I think we could do as well with a stationary bike, telephone wire and two refrigerator magnets, lol.

The MS Protocol for Diagnosis, in a nutshell is:

1T or greater manchine
3mm slices
All areas done contiguously (without skipping any areas)
The techniques to be used are specified, eg, T1, T2, FlAIR etc, (I'd have to look it up)
With and Without Contrast
The Minimal planes to be viewed are: Transverse (also known as Axial or Coronal) and
         Saggital Images.

Whoever did that MRI, if MS was even in the consideration, wasted your time and money!

Quix

[monotreme]

Sorry about the blurp.  Tahiri is right.  I meant with and without contrast!!!!

Elaine

[Tahiri_Veila]

I agree with Elaine.  Try to get to a 3T or at least a 1.5 T.  The 0.2T is not going to give very good images and lesions could easily be missed.  Make sure when you do another MRI that they do it MS protocol with and without contrast. (that is what I think Elaine meant as well).  Good Luck.
  Tahiri

[monotreme]

Sorry Robyn, I just now read your post and your story.  I am so sorry.  Is there any way you can get a 3T brain MRI according to MS protocol with and without lesions before you see the NY neuro??

Elaine

[monotreme]

Well, the strength of the MRI magnet was dismal.  Do you mean .2 as in 0.2???  Was it an "open MRI" ??   Pictures on a MRI machine of anything less than 1.5 Tesla are pretty bad quality and not good at picking up brain lesions.

It basically said you have a normal brain MRI with poor visualization of the optic nerves.  However, if you are having neurological symptoms, you might want to request an updated MRI with and without contrast on a MRI machine with a magnet strength of 1.5 or higher.

Elaine