MRI's and gadolinium (contrast)

[Lulu54]

Today was a wonderful panel discussion with two neuros, one MS RN and the local NMSS president.  All of them are women, and it was an open session to discuss whatever topics we wanted.  It was absolutely the BEST MS presentation I have been to yet. The one neuro is the head of the Waddell MS Clinic at the university of Cincinnati.  

Some of the questions dealt with MRI technology - strength of machines, software development etc.  

There was talk about the use of contrast agents in MRIs (gadolinium) and both neuros were emphatic that timing with the contrast is everything  .They talked about technicians rushing to finish the MRI's, but it is important to wait long enough for the gad to circulate and enhance active lesions.

When I asked how long that wait  should be, the answer was unanimous that it should be 10-15 minutes after the injection before the next series of images are taken.  

The techs have NEVER waited more than a minute or two with me - I'll be mentioning that when I go for me next series.

When I get a few quiet moments I will put together a journal entry on the past two MS talk I attended - quite a difference and lots of useful information to share.  

be well,
Lulu

[Lulu54]

I don't go to Waddell, but am at OSU and right now very happy, but that could change with some major  restructuring they are doing. My MRI with them last year did not show any enhancement, but then again there was no waiting period, so I will be talking to my doctor about that.

I wouldn't hesitate to switch to her if I want to change - someone asked how to get in touch with her office, and one of her patients pulled out her planner and read a phone number out loud- and the doctor just laughed and said she wasn't supposed to give her cell phone number out publicly like that!  That her patients have direct access to her is a good sign.


Crossing state lines for insurance purposes gets impossible with many  policies .. and that takes me back to the thought that quality diagnostic care should be available in every state!  

my best,
Lu

[MsWobbles]

Lulu,

Just got up from my nap and read your post.  Thanks for the update - I look forward to reading the info package you are putting together!

I had read that it was important to wait after infusing the gadolineum, but, as with you, that wait never materialized for me.  Actually, on my last MRI of the brain (3T) I didn't even feel any gadolineum going in (they had warned that I might have a certain sensation - but I felt nothing).  A small amount must have gone in but I don't think it all went in.  As with you, imaging after gad infusion was immediate!  I'd love for American medicine to actually get back to caring about the patient - rather than just rushing to make the next buck!  Good luck trying to get them to wait longer next time!
Maybe you should actually have your next MRI done at Waddell (it would be interesting to see if they actually practice what they preach).

Do you think Waddell Clinic would be a good place to go for a fair and full MS inquiry for those of us still seeking a diagnosis?

WAF

[cassrox]

Great info.

The two times I've had contrast, they sure didn't wait like that.