MRI with MS protocol question

[east323]

I just had my first  brain MRI  done with and without contrast.   Thankfully it returned normal.
The neurologist gave me a copy of the report which I looked at once I returned home.

It was done using 5 mm slices.
I called the facility that did the MRI and questioned them asking about the   MS protocol that states  1-3 mm slices.  They told me that they only use 5 mm slices and diagnose MS all the time with this setting.  I then called another facility in our town and questioned their setting for MS protocol.  They also told me  they do   5 mm slices with flare.  
Now I wonder if this is really an accurate reading  of the brain MRI.
What do you think?

[east323]

thanks for your replies.  I just made an appointment with a MS Specialist in another city.  My  neurologist is not a specialist.   I will bring the CD of my MRI.   It is time I jump to a higher level for my health care.    I hope he tells me that all is normal.  My symptoms do not feel normal..

[sllowe]

Hi East,

I agree with what Kyle says, 1.5 tesla is a minimum I would personally accept. And, closed for better quality.

And, the facility mispoke when they stated they "diagnose MS all the time..."        Imaging facility radiologists (and technicians) do not diagnosis MS. MS is a clinical diagnosis given by neurologists.  If your doctor is comfortable with the imaging you received you may have no recourse but to wait until he/she orders another set of imaging if warranted.

I was dx'd on a 1.5 for what it's worth. I'm glad your initial came up clear. The doctor may have more thoughts on this if you ask.

-shell

[kwarendorf]

Hi East -

That's a tough call. Many lesions can appear using 5mm slices. More will often show up using 3mm slices. I'm not sure if this is controlled by the ordering neurologist or the imaging center.

I see, from an earlier thread, that you went to a center that uses open 1.2 Tesla machines. I would consider finding a center that uses at the very least 1.5 Tesla, if not 3.0 Tesla, closed machines. MS lesions can be difficult to find under the best of circumstances.

Your normal results may have as much to do with the machine used as they do with not having any lesions.

Kyle