Spinal Films Radiology report

[Fluffysmom]

Hi, All,

I went and picked up my report today, since my neurologist hasn't called me with the results.

So, what do you all think of this, from my thoracic spine:  "There does apear to be some areas of patchy signal alteration withing the visualized spinal cord".

Impression:
Suggestion of patch T2 signal alteration within the visualized cord.  To what extent this is related to artifact and tecnique versus possibly demyelinating process such as multiple sclerosis is less clear.  Please correlate with other avalable paraclinical parameters.

I have seen those same patchy areas in other MRI's, including a 3 tesla from May of '07.  Who knows what my neuro will make of this.  Oh, by the way, the radiologist who read my films was the same one that did my awful Lumbar puncture, if any of you remember my story of that experience.  He didn't see the compression fracture that several doctors and two or three radiologists have seen, but maybe he saw something that will keep my neuro looking.

So, do you think this will be enough, or what?

Kathy

[Fluffysmom]

Well, after a little more research, I think I can rule out the metastatic disease for my C4 irregularity; a neuroradiologist noted it in 2000 as a probable hemangioma.

From what I read, if it was from metastatic disease, I would be at death's door by now.  I didn't read whole medical journals or anything, but I got the impression that it is probably still a hemangioma, even if we add the word atypical.

No radiologist's or doctor's have suggested that it had out-grown and impinged on my spinal cord.  I have some disc bulging around there, but it didn't appear to be affecting any nerves.

P.S.  I noticed a few typos in some of my posts; sorry, hope they can be understood anyway.  I'm sure, since this is the most understanding bunch around.

Kathy

[Fluffysmom]

Well, she may look at the MRIs, they were done Friday; maybe she just hasn't gotten around to it yet.  yeaahhhhh.  I haven't heard from her; looked at my films and report myself.

It's nice to know that three are good doctors out there.  I hope I'll find mine someday soon.  Thanks for the kind words and outrage on my behalf.  I'll let you know if I hear anything new.

Nighty night,

Kathy

[Deb61]

I better get myself into bed, but I couldn't help but respond.  This is an outrage--this whole mess from your neuro not even scheduling a follow-up visit, to relying on the radiologist report (not reading herself), to not giving you a reason for the lesions that you have in the first place.  Plus the radiologist is that incompitent boob that did your LP!!! OMG . . .

I'm not a doctor, but even your spinal MRI has something going on there.  There's no way to deny that you have a disease process, now, in my opinion.  

This has truly been a nightmare for you!!!  I wish there was a way to transport you to see my doctor.  I know that's not possible, but good grief, you need a break!!!!!

Deb

[Fluffysmom]

I'm on my second neuro.  I'm more than willing to try again.  It gets tiring, but heck, I'm tired all the time anyway!  

I'm going over to request chart notes from neuro #2 to see what she's putting in writing about me.  

Sigh, I wish I could find a gem of a neuro!

Kathy

[young at heart]

PLEASE FIND A NEURO THAT IS WILLING TO WORK WITH YOU AND REVEIW YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS AND SO FORTH.DON'T GIVE INTO TO THE DEFECTIVE NEURO'S

IT TOOK ME 4 NEURO'S TO FIND A GEM OF A NEURO.

T-LYNN

[Fluffysmom]

I do think that current neuro kicked me to the curb, but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt unless she doesn't call me soon.  Then I'll move on to someone that's willing to help.

Kathy

[Fluffysmom]

Thanks, I hope that my neurologist will think that further investigation is necessary, too.  If it is outside of her area of medicine, then will know where to refer me, or that my PCP will take over and send me on to the right doctor.  My PCP has been great, working with all my issues over the last ten years; she's awesome.  

I haven't researched the C4 issues, except back in 2000 when it was "most likely a hemangioma".  I didn't think metastatic disease sounded like something I wanted to have.

Tee hee, I just read your mood, love it!

Kathy

[young at heart]

YOUR NEURO SHOULD BE READING THESE MRI'S THEMSELVES AND NOT RELYING ON THE RADIOLOGIST.

YOUR CURRENT NEURO SOUNDS LIKE A WEENIE,YOU SHOULD REALLY FIND A NEURO THATS WILLING TO LOOK AT THE MRI'S AND SEND YOU FOR FURTHER TESTING.

THE C4 AREA REALLY NEEDS FURTHER INVESTIGATING

T-LYNN

[biowham]

Kathy, you absolutely need to follow up on the C4 finding. Not to be alarming, but that needs the further investigation that this otherwise half-blind radiologist mentioned. Either of the differentials mentioned there require attention.

Bio

[Fluffysmom]

I don't have another appointment with my neurologist.  When the LP came back clear, she said she didn't think I have MS, but sent me for full spinal MRI just to make sure.  She said I didn't need a follow-up appointment; that she would call with the results.  

I had the MRI done Friday.  I forgot she only works two days a week, probably the reason I haven't heard from her.

I had bad luck in drawing this radiologist, he didn't see a lot that I know is there, from all the other MRIs and X-rays I've had lately.  I just hope his suggestion that the areas of patchy signal alteration might be MS is enough to cause further testing, like evoked potentials or something.  It really does sound like he doesn't want to commit to anything, doesn't it? :o)  Like " no clear signal abnormality is seen within the visualized cord" of my cervical spine.  Is there something there that's not clear to him?  I don't understand radiologist-speak, some of the time!

I also have :
1. Mild cervical spondylosis

2.Diffusely abnormal signal within the C4 vertebral body.  Differential considerations would include that of metastatic disease or an atypical hemangioma.  Recommend comparison with any prior imaging, if available.  Further evaluation could be performed with  CT and/or bone scan.

There was a prior film at the same hospital done in 2000; I looked at a copy of it a couple of months ago, and have a copy of the report.  It was read by the neuro radiologist that found the lesions on my brain MRI.

Whatever.  I guess it's just more wait-and-see.

How are you doing, Tammy?
Kathy

[wingnut19]

Hi Kathy!

I can't really interpret your MRI results, but it does sound to me like the radiologist isn't sure....
I gathered that from the statement,
"To what extent this is related to artifact and tecnique versus possibly demyelinating process such as multiple sclerosis is less clear"
To me, it sounds like he's confused or something....
When do you see your Neuro next, Kathy??
I hope you're feeling well...
Take Care,
Tammy :)