Re: INTERPRET MRI

Posted By CCF Neurology MD - AY on November 06, 1998 at 13:11:47:

In Reply to: INTERPRET MRI posted by DIANE on November 03, 1998 at 22:36:29:






I need an interpretation for my husband's MRI of his head;
"images reveal the ventricles to be at the upper limits of normal in size
without evidence of displacement.  The basal cisterns and sulci over
the convexities appear somewhat prominent.  
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The ventricules are spaces within the brain that holds the spinal fluid
(Cerebro-spinal fluid, CSF).  These spaces communicated with each other
and with the spinal canal space.  You did not mention your husband's age,
and that information is important to interpret the relevance of "increased
ventricular spaces".  As one ages, the brain undergoes atrophy, and the
ventricular spaces will increase in size.

There are a few small
scattered areas of increased signal intensity involving the subcortical
white matter of both cerebral hemispheres.  
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The above findings could be the result of multiple small infarcts.  These
infarcts are relatively common in patients with long term systemic hypertension,
particularly if the high blood pressure have not been under good control.

No other focal areas of
abnormal signal intensity are noted.  No mass effects are seen.  no
extra-axial fluid collections are noted.  Incidental note is made of probable
mucous retention cyst formation in both maxillary antra.
     IMPRESSION:
1.  Prominent CSF spaces.
2.  Focal areas of hyperintensity suggestive of ischemic change.   The
possibility of diffuse axonal?????? type injury cannot be excluded.  
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Diffuse axonal lysis injury are one of the proposed mechanisms of lesion
for patients that have suffered a relatively severe head trauma, but whose
neuro-imaging studies do NOT show overt evidence of visible lesions.
  
Please use layman's terms.  My husband was diagnosed with a closed
head injury,  I am not sure what all this means.
Thank you very much.

I hope this information is helpful.  Best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.