Need help understanding MRI report

Hi Everyone,

I am wondering if anyone can help me understand my MRI report? My PCP's nurse called me today to let me know my PCP is ordering another MRI (this time of my spine) but didn't really say much about the brain MRI I just had done.


It says-


Findings:

A Chiari I malformation is again noted, and the cerebellar tonsils extend to the level of the posterior arch of C1.


The ventricles and sulci remail normal in size and configuration, No extra-axial fluid of abnormal intracranial

enhancement seen.

The major flow-voids through the circle of Willis appear patent, no diffusion abnormality is present to indicate acute or

subacute infarction.

A single punctate focus of T2 hyperintense signal is noted within the subcortical white matter of the left superior

frontal gyrus. The corpus callosum is normal in caliber and signal. no posterior cranal fossa white lesions.

The visualized extra cranial soft tissues and orbital structures are unremarkable with the exception of a Tornwaldt's cyst.


Impresion:


1- A single subtle punctate nonenhancing focus of T2 hyperintense signal is present within the subcortical white

matter of the left superior frontal gryus. This is indeterminate etiology and clinical significance. The sequela of an

inflammatory process is not entirely excluded, but the finding is unchanged.

2- Chiari 1 malformation unchanged.

Screening of spinal cord can be obtained, placed this has not already been obtained.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Krista

[jensequitur]

Just what it says - single punctate focus of T2 hyperintensity.  Since you have one lesion, it's not enough for a diagnosis.  :-(  You'll have to go in for further tests - a spinal tap and possibly evoked potentials.

[Sweetheartsluv]

Thanks for taking the time respond to my post. I really appreciate all feedback

[essdipity]

Yes, there's only one finding that could relate to MS. Good luck in getting to the bottom of things. It can be a long journey.

ess

[Sweetheartsluv]

You are def right it seems like it will be forever before they figure out exactly what is making me feel so awful. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my post.

Krista  

[Quixotic1]

I just want you to know that I was diagnosed with just one brain lesion.  My first neuro laughed the lesion off.  My good neuro pounced on it like Tony on a mouse.  The whole process took three years.

Q

[Sweetheartsluv]

Thanks for info Quix. Did you have any spinal lesions or a positive LP? My doctor is ordering a spinal MRI next. I know that the MRI makes mention of the Chiari a few times and I have starting wondering if the Chiari could be causing theses problems as well.

I'm really feeling confused right now. My Neuro pretty much dismissed the Chiari and my pcp has told me that she suspects ms. My labs came back and she said something about the Lyme test being a false positive?, my vit d was low and my esr was elevated. She said that her next step after the spinal MRI will be a LP. Now I have heard that LPs are not recommended for Chairi patients so this makes me nervous.

I guess like everyone else has already said this is not a simple process and will take a long time to figure out. I just hate the not knowing part.

Thanks for your feedback Quix I really appreciate it. :)

[Quixotic1]

I think you should wait and see a Chiari specialist before you go much farther.  We have a Chiari Forum here that you might visit.

My six spinal cord lesions were seen about a month after my diagnosis - which my neuro said wasn't a perfect slam dunk diagnosis.

I had one unique O-Band and a markedly elevated IgG Index, so I did have both spinal lesions and a sort of positive LP.

How would she know the Lyme is a false positive??  To be on the safe side I think any positive Lyme should be treated.  The folks on the Lyme Forum will definately back me up there!

MS is not associated with an elevated sed rate.  But, Lyme can be.

Low Vitamin D should be treated.  It's not good.

q

[Sweetheartsluv]

Hi Quix,

I did join the Chiari community the people on that forum are just as kind as this forum and had some good info. I guess right now I am just trying to get as much information as I possibly can.

About the Lyme results which I don't know anything on except what my doctor told me which was some of the ANAS were elevated which doesn't mean I have it but means it could be something else or I may have had it in the past. I still don't understand that but I guess I will ask more about it when I talk to her next.

After I spoke with her her office sent me a letter stating my VIT D is low and I should start taking 4,000 units daily which I will pick up friday and start.

So I guess I will wait for the spinal MRI and see what those results are. I am kind of a get everything done right away type of person so waiting and doing tests and then waiting for results and doing more tests is kinda kiling me. :(

Once again thanks a bunch for taking the time to answer all of my questions.

Krista