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Need help interpreting thoracic spine MRI report
Hi. I'm new to MedHelp. My MS neurologist suspects I have MS but has not yet made a diagnosis. I just picked up my thoracic spine MRI report from the imaging center and would be so grateful for some help interpreting it - my doctor does not return my calls and I will be going crazy trying to figure it out myself. The report says the following:
Spinal Canal: No definite intramedullary signal alteration or abnormal enhancement in the thoracic cord.
Vertebrae: There are 0.8 cm high T2 signal enhancing lesions in the vertebral bodies at T9 and L1 (it says T12 at other part of report). These are mildly hypointense on T1 precontrast. No acute fracture. In conclusion section says: Small subcentimeter enhancing lesions in vertebral bodies at T9 and T12, nonspecific, possibly atypical hemangiomata. Consider follow up
Soft tissue: Partial visualization of a 1.3 cn T2 hyperintense lesionin the liver, not adequately characterized.
By way of background, one spinal lesion was found on my cervical spine and 9 lesions on my brain (but they are not typical for MS, but no other explanation). Neurologist thinks symptoms seem like MS. I recently received my lumbar puncture results, but it looks like it was messed up because they failed to get and submit serum to compare my CSF to. I have >5 O bands, but no serum to compare with.
I would love any insight anyone can provide on my above MRI results. It seems like there are lesions, but not on my spinal cord. They seem to be on my vertebrae.
Anxiously awaiting . . .
Spinal Canal: No definite intramedullary signal alteration or abnormal enhancement in the thoracic cord.
Vertebrae: There are 0.8 cm high T2 signal enhancing lesions in the vertebral bodies at T9 and L1 (it says T12 at other part of report). These are mildly hypointense on T1 precontrast. No acute fracture. In conclusion section says: Small subcentimeter enhancing lesions in vertebral bodies at T9 and T12, nonspecific, possibly atypical hemangiomata. Consider follow up
Soft tissue: Partial visualization of a 1.3 cn T2 hyperintense lesionin the liver, not adequately characterized.
By way of background, one spinal lesion was found on my cervical spine and 9 lesions on my brain (but they are not typical for MS, but no other explanation). Neurologist thinks symptoms seem like MS. I recently received my lumbar puncture results, but it looks like it was messed up because they failed to get and submit serum to compare my CSF to. I have >5 O bands, but no serum to compare with.
I would love any insight anyone can provide on my above MRI results. It seems like there are lesions, but not on my spinal cord. They seem to be on my vertebrae.
Anxiously awaiting . . .
I have no spinal lesions, but do have 2 or three vertebral hemangiomas, which are generally benign and do not cause symptoms. Mine were considered typical -- the radiologist suggests follow up for these, and that might be a good idea. It's not clear to me why the radiologist called yours atypical, so I suppose confirmation that they are hemangiomas would be a good thing.
Your cspine lesion, does meet a dessimination in space requirement for MS, so it's good that your neurologist is being thorough. No lesions at tspine level, so that is good :).
Agree with JJ -- follow up on the liver thing is probably a good idea, but that will go through your gp rather than your neurologist.
Disappointed that the messed up the LP -- I'm hoping they don't ask you to redo it :(.
(((Hugs))). Waiting is difficult.
Your cspine lesion, does meet a dessimination in space requirement for MS, so it's good that your neurologist is being thorough. No lesions at tspine level, so that is good :).
Agree with JJ -- follow up on the liver thing is probably a good idea, but that will go through your gp rather than your neurologist.
Disappointed that the messed up the LP -- I'm hoping they don't ask you to redo it :(.
(((Hugs))). Waiting is difficult.
1 Comments
Thanks Aspen2!I appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks! I was thinking the same thing. It's helpful to have another opinion. Now if only my neurologist would call to give me her thoughts!
2 Comments
Your welcome, oh i just had a thought....IF these results are going to pin down the explanation for your symptoms and MS isnt what your dealing with, it may explain why you've experienced what you have with the IVSM.
Let us know what happens.......JJ
ps if you are not happy with your neuro's lack of attention, or eventual dx please consider a second opinion even if it's only for your peace of mind.
Let us know what happens.......JJ
ps if you are not happy with your neuro's lack of attention, or eventual dx please consider a second opinion even if it's only for your peace of mind.
Thanks! I appreciate your input.
Lack of doctor communication is so frustrating, especially since I have lumbar puncture results with > 5 O bands but somehow they failed to submit serum/blood so its inconclusive, I believe. I've been waiting for the neuro to call me (4 days since she had the report) to let me know whether I have to do another LP!
I did give blood, but apparently they took plasma not the serum they needed. What a mess! The neuro I'm waiting to hear from (MS specialist) is not the neuro who ordered the LP (not an MS specialist).
Agree that a second opinion is a good idea. I do have an appointment lined up with another neuro on Oct. 10th - hopefully better at communicating.
Thanks again!
Lack of doctor communication is so frustrating, especially since I have lumbar puncture results with > 5 O bands but somehow they failed to submit serum/blood so its inconclusive, I believe. I've been waiting for the neuro to call me (4 days since she had the report) to let me know whether I have to do another LP!
I did give blood, but apparently they took plasma not the serum they needed. What a mess! The neuro I'm waiting to hear from (MS specialist) is not the neuro who ordered the LP (not an MS specialist).
Agree that a second opinion is a good idea. I do have an appointment lined up with another neuro on Oct. 10th - hopefully better at communicating.
Thanks again!
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Hi and welcome,
To me i'd be interpreting it to mean this particular spinal MRI found not just the 1 previously seen lesion 3 different locations are mentioned, but please try to keep in mind that that doesn't necessarily mean you now have more or that it's diagnostic evidence suggestive or consistent with MS, the report isn't saying these lesions are in the 'spinal cord' but in the "vertebral bodies" which is the wrong location for MS.
"Vertebral body is the thick oval segment of bone forming the front of the vertebra also called the centrum. The cavity of the vertebral body consists of cancellous bone tissue and is encircled by a protective layer of compact bone. Bony structures called pedicles protrude from each side of the vertebral body and join with the laminae to form the vertebral arch. The upper and lower surfaces of the vertebral body are flat and rough to provide attachment for the vertebral discs that lie between each vertebra......."
http://www.spine-health.com/glossary/vertebral-body
The report is also indicating you have a "1.3 cm T2 hyperintense lesion in the liver" which is also not related to MS, and probably needs further investigation. I honestly don't think this MRI is pointing towards MS as the causation, it's definitely pointing to something but not what we'd expect when it's MS, i'd expect you'll need non MS related tests to actually work out whats going on.
Hope that helps......JJ
To me i'd be interpreting it to mean this particular spinal MRI found not just the 1 previously seen lesion 3 different locations are mentioned, but please try to keep in mind that that doesn't necessarily mean you now have more or that it's diagnostic evidence suggestive or consistent with MS, the report isn't saying these lesions are in the 'spinal cord' but in the "vertebral bodies" which is the wrong location for MS.
"Vertebral body is the thick oval segment of bone forming the front of the vertebra also called the centrum. The cavity of the vertebral body consists of cancellous bone tissue and is encircled by a protective layer of compact bone. Bony structures called pedicles protrude from each side of the vertebral body and join with the laminae to form the vertebral arch. The upper and lower surfaces of the vertebral body are flat and rough to provide attachment for the vertebral discs that lie between each vertebra......."
http://www.spine-health.com/glossary/vertebral-body
The report is also indicating you have a "1.3 cm T2 hyperintense lesion in the liver" which is also not related to MS, and probably needs further investigation. I honestly don't think this MRI is pointing towards MS as the causation, it's definitely pointing to something but not what we'd expect when it's MS, i'd expect you'll need non MS related tests to actually work out whats going on.
Hope that helps......JJ
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