Thoracic MRI on 1.5 machine

[momto2grls]

I am having a Thoracic MRI done today and it will be done on a 1.5 MRI machine. If there are lesions to be seen, how commonly are they not picked up on the 1.5 MRI? Doc says if he doesn't find anything he will send me for a 3T. My question is, why not skip the 1.5T and go straight to the 3T MRI? Is there a reason they do it this way?

[momto2grls]

Thanks  doublevision1, and yes I definitely get the picture, it does s**k!  Either way it does. I am hoping if the 3T is necessary, I will get it done right away. It will be interesting to compare.
I have been crying my eyes out since I had this MRI done yesterday. No matter what they tell me I'm so afraid. Scared that I will have MS. Scared that I will have no answers.

[doublevision1]

I always forget they bleep out that word.  What I meant to say was, "well, that really s*cks!!"  You get the picture.

[doublevision1]

My brainstem and numerous c-spine lesions were and are distinctly visible on my MRI film, conducted on a 1.5T machine; with the exception of the very first MRIs I had done, a year before dx.  And even though I was dx'ed relatively early and quickly once my symptoms were very obvious, I have wondered what if I'd had access to a 3T a year earlier, might I have been dx'ed that much sooner?  

T-spine lesion has never been detected on the 1.5, though one of several descriptors my neuro used in his report about my major flare in 2007 was 'thoracic'; he based this on one of my symptoms being MS Hug in the lower ribcage area, and he believes there was/is a lesion there, even though the machine didn't pick it up.  

As I understand it, T-spine is a more difficult area to image, so perhaps 3T will make a big difference.  Shame to waste a co-pay on 1.5 if you move on to 3T anyway; on the other hand, it will be interesting to learn how much of a difference the higher strength might make, especially if your 3T is scheduled soon enough after the 1.5 to ensure an apples-to-apples comparison.  I hope you'll keep us posted.  Great to hear you are off to a good start with your neuro.  

We all understand the mixed feelings you're having; you don't want MS but you want an answer; and if the answer IS MS, well, that really *****.  To say that being dx'ed with MS is a surreal experience is a huge understatement.  For me it was almost like an out-of-body experience; there was the healthy me (as I still saw myself), and then this other sick, gimpy girl who's seeing double and riddled with a multitude of sudden and disturbing symptoms.  It takes a good while to grasp the realities of MS.  But eventually adjustment does come, scary symptoms often remit, and along with that adjustment, the realization that many of your initial fears turn out to be unfounded.  I truly hope you get answers soon and that whatever is causing your symptoms is not MS or anything else just as serious.  BUT...if that is unfortunately the case, you know that you will get a lot of support here, some good advice if you seek any, tons of information, various opinions on this and that, and you'll feel less alone because of the many others here who'll share your pain and empathize and commiserate with you.  

Wishing you strength and peace of mind as you forge ahead.

[momto2grls]

Well, had the MRI done today, will just have to wait and see. Next week, LP. I am so stressing, don't want that spinal headache - yikes!

[jensequitur]

Nice, I'm envious.  Personally I think it's a waste of your copay to send you to the guy with the 1.5, if there's a higher Tesla available.

[PastorDan]

May I borrow your neuro?  ;>)

[momto2grls]

I imagine for both reasons, closer and cheaper. Although the hospital in our area with the 3T MRI is only about 40 miles away - not too far.
As for the possibility of the step up to the stronger machine, doc suggested it with no coaxing from me. I didn't have to ask for or suggest anything. I was so impressed with his thoroughness and professionalism.
I'm anxoius as most here are to get an answer.  Such mixed feelings, as although I want an answer, I certainly don't want to learn that I have MS.

[Lulu54]

My DX MRI's all were done on a 1.5T, but my lesions are pretty obvious.  Brain, cervical and thoracic lesions all appeared visible.  

My followups with the MS Ctr. were also done on the 1.5T.  I plan on asking for the 3T this winter when I have my next round of imaging done.

Its great that your neuro has remained open about the possibility of needing to step up to the stronger machine.  

Don't forget to get a copy of your films and ask for the radiology report when it is done.

be well,
Lulu

[PastorDan]

Is the 1.5 closer?  Cheaper?  Don't know, really, but these two things have come immediately to mind.

I'd certainly pick the higher strength machine if I could, especially for a spinal, but if that means traveling a long way and wrangling with the insurance company with little success, I'd probably go with what I could access.  Just me; each of us has our own set of circumstances against which to weigh things.