age of lesions?

[jean_619]

Hi all,

Is it possible to tell from one MRI how long a lesion has been in my brain?  

I've heard conflicting answers to this question  -- some say yes, some say no.  I thought I'd ask this group because I've found you folks to be the most knowledgeable of all the online MS communities I'm part of.

Thanks!
Jean

[jean_619]

Great info!  This helps a lot.

[COBOB]

Black holes are the result of gliosis.  Technically it is not a demyelinating lesion, but a scare left when the axon dies and scars over with astrocytes.  Once the lesion is inactive,  all bets are off.  You can guess that it is a newer or older lesion based on "edge fuzziness."

Bob

[HVAC]

I am not technical like Bob. There is such a thing as a black hole which is an older lesion. As for years I do not think it is possible with out history. In my case they could tell from my MRI, my history, the way my brain compensates for my double vision and 12 o-bands on my LP, and my high ANA. All these things pointed to having MS as a child.

Alex

[jean_619]

Is it possible to tell how many *years* a lesion may have existed?

[COBOB]

Yes, it is possible if the MRI was done with contrast and there are enhancing lesions.  The accepted criteria is that GAD enhancement on T1 sequence means the lesion is active and is less than about 40 days old.

That is about the only accurate aging method.  There are some other "coarse" techniques.  Newer lesions have sharper edges.  Older lesions have more diffuse edges.  Things like that (which are highly subjective.)

Bob