Is that a lesion?

I just uploaded a picture of my thoracic spine.  I'm opening the floor for discussion on whether or not there is a lesion.  The radiologist noted "patchy areas"  I enlarged it to make it easier to see, but it may be grainy.

If you're interested, go check out my pictures, and click on the spine.

While I'm waiting for my danged neurologist to call, I would appreciate input.

Oh, yeah the picture is T2.  On T1, there appears to be a smallish dark spot around the same area.

thanks,

Kathy

[jensequitur]

i see what you mean about the patchy areas, but it's hard to tell whether those are significant.  In the MRIs I've seen, a lesion shows up as a lighter gray area, much lighter than the patchiness you have here.  The smallish dark spot you see to the side is probably nothing to worry about.

The white vertical lines are the outside of the spinal cord, and appear white because they're all juicy.  The inside of the cord is where the lesions show.

[Fluffysmom]

Dark spots on T1 images (not the one I've posted) can be "black holes", older lesions.

I posted the radiologists findings under your comment on my picture.

I've also seen the pictures of what a spinal lesion looks like, and know that my pictures aren't typical. I've been reading about MS and studying all the info I can find since my brain MRI in February showed many lesions, also not "textbook"

Hopefully someone with more knowledge than we have can figure out the significance of my symptoms and non-texbook MRIs and find me a way to feel well again.  I'm still experiencing fatigue, although my tremors are quite a bit better.

Thanks for your input

Kathy

[Fluffysmom]

Hi,

just thought I'd bump this up and see if anyone wants to check out my thoracic MRI and guess as to what my neurologist might think of it, since I still haven't heard from her, though I left her a message a week after the MRI was done.

Kathy

[Quixotic1]

Remeberthat a lesion must also show up on another view to be counted.  That's how they determine "artifact" from real.  So if the patchy area shows up on the lateral or saggital view, then look for it on the transverse or rontal views.

I am serious when I say that laymen and most doctors are not qualified to read these things (smiling)  I know how much you want to see what the images might reveal, but we are not qualified.

With all gentleness, Quix

[Fluffysmom]

Thanks for your gentle response; you understand what I'm going through with the waiting and all.

I don't have a clue how my neuro will read it, either.

Someone told me (kindly) that no one would try to read it, especially not you.  Thanks for taking the time when you're not feeling well and have enough of your own stuff going on to help me feel a little less deserted.

I'm in Vegas with my best friend, Linda, who's hear for a Radiology conference.  I went with her last night to a meet & greet and register thing, and spent quite a while talking with an imaging machine vendor.  None of the conference attendees were going to his booth, so I went over and asked him if it was true that a 3T is no better than a 1.5 T in locating spinal lesions, and he agreed with my neuro that for the spine, 1.5 is just as good.  He told me that what brand of machine is used is relevant, and that I should research that before my next MRI.  We discussed the importance of advocating for oneself, and gave me a few more tips.  It was kind of cool.

I hope your world gets more comfortable soon.

Kathy