MRI- Total Spine with Cine Results

[sunnyset]

I finally got a copy of my MRI completed on 1/12/12. It was a total spine MRI without contrast. Cine was also done. Here are some results:

-Syrinx extends from C3 to T3.
-Except for syrinx the upper part of the thoracic spinal cord, the thoracic images show no abnormality.
-The lumbar images show mild early intravertebral disk degeneration at L5-S1 characterized by diminished signal intensity.
-Small intra- spinal sacral cysts are present.
-No process causing nerve root compression or spinal stenosis is evident.
-The CSF flow study shows abnormally large flow jets.

Will have to read up on the disk degeneration... anyone know what that is/have it?? And the sacral cysts... It's unfortunate the report doesn't go into detail about anything!

[sunnyset]

This is the report (like I said, I wish there was more detail):
REPORT: The study includes sagittal T1 and T2-weighted images through the
cervical thoracic and lumbar spine with T1 and T2 waiting and includes
selected axial images. Flow studies were obtained with PC MR at 8 levels
between C5 and the posterior fossa.

The study shows a syrinx extending from C3 to T3 essentially unchanged from
the previous study. The syrinx does not extend below T3.. Except for syrinx
the upper part of the thoracic spinal cord, the thoracic images show no
abnormality. The lumbar images show mild early intravertebral disk
degeneration at L5-S1 characterized by diminished signal intensity. Small
intra- spinal sacral cysts are present. No process causing nerve root
compression or spinal stenosis is evident. The flow study shows large jets
in the anterolateral subarachnoid space. It does not show aliasing or
synchronous bidirectional flow. The position of the tonsils is unchanged.
IMPRESSION: No interval change in the cervicothoracic syrinx since a
previous study of September 9, 2011. The CSF flow study shows abnormally
large flow jets.

[selmaS]

  Hi....Rylanesmom had DDD correct, it is not really a disease but what happens with age and wear and tear and I was dx'd with it at age 27.....

  The sacral cyst, is it cysts, and do u know where they r located....a sacral cyst can cause a sacral dimple and most likely indicates tethered cord....

I am  sure there is much more to the reports, and u r posting highlights, but what u leave out may be as enlightening as what u posted.

    "selma"

[sunnyset]

I have vitamin d deficiency so maybe that has something to do with it?

[Rylanesmom]

I copied and pasted that off of the web ... I have it too ... oh the joys of aging before our time!

[Rylanesmom]

What is Disc Degeneration?
Disc degeneration, also known as degenerative disc disease, is not really a disease. Disc degeneration refers to the changes in the spinal discs resulting from chronic wear and tear, injury, or simply aging. These changes include loss of fluid in the discs (a condition called disc desiccation), tears of the disc annulus (the outer layer of the disc), and growth of nerve fibers in the damaged discs.

Spinal disc degeneration is most common in the lower back (lumbar region of the spine) and the neck (cervical region of the spine), but it can happen anywhere in the spine. Our spine is comprised of alternating vertebrae and discs. The discs act as cushions, and most of the pressure and stress of everyday movements is absorbed by the discs. Without them, the vertebrae alone would be unable to absorb stresses, and we would be unable to bend or twist.

[deadmemory]

I think the disc degeneration is the process when the disc starts to break down. The discs are located in between each vertebra, and they sort of act like a shock absorber. I would have a NL or NS interpret this for you... or perhaps even the radiologist or PCP if you have one.