Repeat MRI; same machine or go to 3T?

[jmp77]

Just had a follow up 2nd opinion appnt. This opinion is that I have 'classic' MS lesions on MRI. Last MRI was in Dec 2011. So, they want a new MRI. My question is this: my previous 2 MRIs have been done at one location. Should I stay with this location, or does the availability of a 3 Tesla MRI warrant making a location and machine change?

[jensequitur]

Personally I think you should get as much information from the MRI as you can, and that will mean a 3T MRI.  Yes, it will reveal things that the 1.5T didn't show, but at least you'll know!

[jmp77]

Yes, there is one 3T in a nearby town. Same town I would have to go for the 1.5T. I called the facility where I had the previous 2 MRIs done and asked about the "software" as I had seen that mentioned a few times here.

This facility uses: Toshiba MRI machine and Empower software.

Know if Empower is any good?

The other aspect which I'd read to be considered is that if taking DMDs then switching form 1.5 to 3T could make meds appear to not be effective as the 3 may show more lesions. I am NOT taking any meds right now, so dont think that an issue. Money is an issue tho as we have a high deductible and will have to pay the bill.

[twopack]

I'd check with the ordering doc and see what he suggests.  Switching from a 1.5T to a 3T MRI could show more lesions but it could also make comparing the two studies more difficult.

A 3T MRI will not necessarily give you better images than a high quality 1.5T MRI in my opinion.  The software program used can be as important as the strength of the magnet.

If your diagnosis was made with the 1.5T brain imaging you are probably good to do your follow-up with the same.  I've heard a lot of opinion here that a 3T MRI is superior when imaging the spinal cord.  It's a much smaller area to 'visualize' and very busy (fluids, breathing, etc.) so that may very well be true.

Do you know there are 3T MRI machines in your area?  Sometimes they aren't easy to locate.  I live in a part of the country with a LOT of MS yet an accessible 3T MRI was over two hours away.  I did have to pay more out of pocket to have it done at that facility.  I don't regret my decision to have the 3T MRI but in the end I got nothing more than an additional quantity of images.  The quality was on par with my previous 1.5T MRI.

[SarahL2491]

yeah, cost is another thing!  I understand from what I've heard that 3T is more expensive.  I was just addressing "where" you had them done.  Guess they like to keep all records together!  I know when I left the area, they made me a disc with all of my MRI records on it, brain, spine, knee, etc.  Made it much easier but now that I've moved, I have different CD's for different States/cities!

Perhaps others who have had different experiences might chime in later.

[jmp77]

Well, Sarah, I had not even considered that aspect. I was only thinking of the decision related to staying with the same machine....or upgrading to newer technology.  Have not even started to work on the cost issues. Thanks for that reminder.

[SarahL2491]

well, it depends on where you had it done.  The town I lived in, when I was working and on HMO, would not let me switch sites or locations.  I had to stay with "the one".  Where I am now, I go where I please, as am not on HMO.

You might ask your location where you had them done last or your doctor