Result from C-Spine MRI - no clue

[cyndi25]

So My New Neuro who I went to see a couple of weeks ago, ordered a
MRI of Spine.. I picked up results at Hospital today, I dont have an
appt with Dr. for a couple of weeks until all other test are completed.
VEP, EEG ect... anyway, I was wondering if anyone can tell me what
a few thing mean.  I dont see where there is any leisions mentioned.

Findings: There is a straighting of cervical lordosis.  The vertebral heights,
alignment and disc heights appear normal. There is no evidence of spinal
stenosis.
The bone marroe signal, intraspinal signal and paravertebral soft tissue
appear normal.  
A prominent central canal is seen posterior to C4 through C6 vertebra.
A syrinx should be considered in differential diagnosis. There is no
myelomalcia.
Incidental note is made of a central disc protrusion/herniation at T2-T3
disc level.

So.. would any of that be causing weakness in left arm, and leg .
the MRI of the brain that I previously mentioned showed
a few more lesions from the last MRI that I had prior.
Thanks so much.
Cyndi

[freddie2]

Thanks. I should have mentioned "the brain". I did have an MRI done back in June in the hospital, when I had a flare-up, & the doc's general assessment was: Patient with some strange unexplained symptoms. The patient's computerized tomographic scan showed some atrophic changes.
Of course, they discharged me with anxiety problems. However I'm going to see a new Neuro Monday.
Just wondering.............'ya know.
Thanks

[COBOB]

"There is no CT evidence of intra-axial or extra axial hemorrhage." = No bleeding in the (I;m assuming brain)

The ventricular system is normal in size & configuration. = The fluid filled spaces in the brain look normal in shape and size.

The extra-axial CSF spaces appear prominent for patient's age consistent with a degree of parenchymal atrophy.  =  The brain volume seems reduced for your age.

This should be a clue to do an MRI.  CT of the brain is limited to certain characteristics and lesions are hard to detect.  Also,  parenchymal atrophy on an MRI may show as T1 "Black Holes" or gliosis (Brain scars) on MRI.

Bob

[freddie2]

Hi,
I was reading the forum, and was hoping you could possibly give me a little clarity. I've been suffering symptoms which are progressing since approx 4 years. My latest cat scan ( back in May/2010) showed this: (maybe you can interpret?)
***There is no CT evidence of intra-axial or extra axial hemorrhage. The ventricular system is normal in size & configuration. The extra-axial CSF spaces appear prominent for patient's age consistent with a degree of parenchymal atrophy.
Hope you can help.
Thanks

[COBOB]

Thanks.  I kind of like being an IT Geek.

[cyndi25]

Hi Shell,
Hope all is well with you..
After Bob gave me the info, I started to look into it myself, and I have
to tell you...Im not liking what I read.. However, I also, thought,
, what IF  they saw was actually a lesion. that is possible, something
to be discussed with doctor for sure. Also.. would a syrinx actually
cause relapes like MS.   or is this something that your bothered
with once sx start to bother you and then progress.  I am hoping
that my doctor will also send my for more scans to clarify this .
Bob.. Thank you so much for all your information.. you know, its never
to late to go to medical school.. lol..
Cyndi

[COBOB]

Just to mention this:  According to Orphanet the incidence of syringomyelia is 1:2000.  The incidence of MS is 1:400.  Syringomyelia is much rarer (5 times) than MS.  I'd say additional MRI sequences including coronal and axial views would be in order to demonstrate whether this is an "intra cord defect" a plaque being misinterpreted in a sagittal view.

Bob

[sllowe]

Hi Cyndi,

Bob  - excellent interp. So glad to have you here!

Cynd - Just a quick mention ref. the syrinx. One time a lesion of mine had to get re-looked at because a new imaging facility called it a syrinx. Basically it ended up being incorrect after additional scans were run and they indeed confirmed it was demyelinating plaque.

At the time when I read the report, the syrinx described what I was dealing with exactly! When I read about them I thought Ah Ha! No wonder I'm having so many problems. But, in the end it was the lesion and it was wreaking havoc just the same.

Mentioning all this to you for the sole reason that it's always good to get a 2nd look or have some additional scans add on's when something that can be as serious as a  syrinx gets mentioned.  My doc called me about it (since it was conflicting info from previous scans) and off I went back to the facility for more scans.

ttys,
shell

[selmaS]

Hi, a syrinx is a cyst like cavity filled with CSF...this needs to be addressed as if left untreated it can continue to grow cause nerve damage that could be perm and even cause paralysis.
Many with a syrinx or Syringomyelia may have Chiari malformation, for that reason it is best to seek treatment from a chiari dr as they treat both.

U may want to join us on the chiari forum for more info-
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Chiari-Malformation/show/257?camp=msc&personal_page_id=862904

"selma"

[cyndi25]

As always, Thanks so much for helping me to understand all this
medical lingo..
Cyndi

[COBOB]

After the equal sign should look something like english.

Findings:
There is a straighting of cervical lordosis.= Loss of the curve in your neck

The vertebral heights, alignment and disc heights appear normal. = No disk or bone issues

There is no evidence of spinal stenosis. = no narrowing of the canal the spinal cord sits in

The bone marrow signal, intraspinal signal and paravertebral soft tissue appear normal.
= no strange bright or dark spots
  
A prominent central canal is seen posterior to C4 through C6 vertebra. = There is something in or near the spinal cord from C4 to C6

A syrinx should be considered in differential diagnosis. = the something might be a fluid filled cavity inside the spinal cord.  

[From WIKIPEDIA:  About 1/2 of the people with syrinx also have Chiari malformation.  A syrinx can cause sensory deficits Symptoms usually begin insidiously between adolescence and age 45. Syringomyelia develops in the center of the spinal cord, causing a central cord syndrome. Pain and temperature sensory deficits occur early but may not be recognized for years. The first abnormality recognized may be a painless burn or cut. Syringomyelia typically causes weakness, atrophy, and often fasciculations and hyporeflexia of the hands and arms; a deficit in pain and temperature sensation in a capelike distribution over the shoulders, arms and back is characteristic. Light touch and position and vibration sensation are not affected. Later, spastic leg weakness develops. Deficits may be asymmetric]

There is no myelomalcia = no evidence of spinal cord softening

Incidental note is made of a central disc protrusion/herniation at T2-T3 disc level = there is a damaged disc with protrusion in your upper back