Two MRI's 8 years a part meaning

Please help me understand if there is a big change from one MRI to another..done 8 years apart.  

1st >Extensive foci of abnormal sihnal intensity preset in the deep white matter bilaterally. These lesions are seen to be predominantly frontal with parietal and occipital lesions present. Prominent areas of signal changes are seen immediately adjacent to the sorpus callosum anteriorily and in the mid body on the FLAIR and sagittal images bilaterally.

2> There are multiple scattered hyperintensities identified in the long TR sequences in the subcortical white matter in the bilateral cerebal hemispheres, varying in size from 1-2 mm to approx 10mm. The largest lesion is located in the subcortical white matter in the left frontal lobe. There is  mild hyperintense signal in the periventricular white matter in the long TR sequences.

Does this mean I no longer have MS or that there are no changes in layman terms if anybody can help explain.  Thanks

[Quixotic1]

Hi, and Welcome to the forum.

The two reports are so differnet in their descriptions that I find it impossible to compare them.  In their language it sounds like the 2nd is reporting milder disease than the first, but we cannot know this.  The only real way to compare is to have an expert, a neuroradiologist or an MS neuro, read and compare the two.

In either case, if you had MS before, you still have it now.  It doesn't "go away."

The second MRI should have been compared to the first.  Was it?  That is the only use of doing repeated MRIs.  Also, what does the "Summary" or "Impression" of each say?

Why don't you join us and tell us what is going on?

Quix, MD

[startles]

1st Impression:  (This was done 2001 and compared to one from the year before)Extensive foci of abnormal sihnal intensity preset in the deep white matter bilaterally. These lesions are seen to be predominantly frontal with parietal and occipital lesions present. Prominent areas of signal changes are seen immediately adjacent to the sorpus callosum anteriorily and in the mid body on the FLAIR and sagittal images bilaterally. The films which are directly comparable, i.e. the T@ and FLAIR axial images, do not appear to have changed over the interval. No findings suggesting active plaque identified. Findings are again are comparable with demyelinating process such as multiple sclerosis.

2nd Impression (this was done on Friday at new MRI center, did not compare to previous (MRI)

Scattered foci of abnormal hyperintense signal in the periventricular and subcortical white matter. There are no lesions in the corpus callosum or radiating perpendicular to the corpus callosum. While findings are not classic for demylinating disease, demylinating disease may account for these findings. The differentail diagnosis includes vasulitis and microvasular disease. No abnormal enhancement.


The way I read both they look completely different as if it all just went away.....what are your thoughts? I will see my nuero Thursday.  By the way thanks fro responding so dang quick!!!  I just joined this site. Dxed MS 11/2000....Avonex user

[Quixotic1]

I agree that the language appears to indicate that the recent one is much improved.  I think your neuro should ask for a direct comparison to be made with the new one and the old one from 2001.  This should include lesions that have appeared since then and lesions which are no longer visible.

At any rate, you still have lesions.  Have all the symptoms gone away?  Remember that MS is a disease characterized by symptoms and abnormaities on neuro exam NOT by the appearance of the MRI which is a great tool, but still an imperfect one.

Quix

[supermum_ms]

If i could throw in a thought, your MRI's are from different centres, is it possible that the first MRI was done following MS protocol and the second wasn't, that could account for the variables, thicker images missing what the the thinner (MS protocol) images didn't. Other than that i dont understand, it would apear that they are for 2 different brains, do you have a spare? lol sorry but its a bit strange.

Hope they work it out and you get the answers soon.

Cheers......JJ