Results for MRI...?

[Wobbly]

Hi everyone, I picked up my CD and written results for my head MRI I had July 28...

it was for a camparison to previous MRI Mar 2007

Findings: Numerous T2 hyperintense foci are again seen in the cerebral white matter, involving the deep, subcortical and periventricular white matter.  A few of these lesions have slightly increased in size as compared to previous.  At least 2 tiny lesion are present in the corpus callosum.  A few of the lesions have perivenular (Dawson's fingers) orientation.

the midline is central and the ventricles and basal cisterns are of normal size for the patient's age.  No space-occupying lesion or extraaxial collection is seen.

Impression
Numerous T2 Hyperintense foci.  Their pattern is suspicious for demyelination.  The findings have slightly worsened as compared to previous.


Now, I have to wait till Sept?? to hear from the Neuro who is on vacation (guess he's allowed..hehe).. so I don't know..what this really means.  All it means right now I guess is there are changes...what do you think??  

take care
andie

[Wobbly]

thank you for all your advise and comments.  This is helping me adjust to this and know that I will survive this.  

I have come to call this forum my family and friends...and couldn't see myself leaving it.  I feel like this is just another path with my friends here.  

I'll keep you updated when I see my GP tomorrow and see what he says as well.  

I'll read up on some DMD info, to educate myself as well...thanks again guys...

I'm sure glad we have each other here...talk to you later.

Hugs
andie

[Lulu54]

All,
I just want to tell you that even though I don't understand 80% (at least - if not more!)  of what you are comparing and talking about I find it all reassuring to know that you are out there for all of us when and if  our moment comes.  Does that make sense to you? It does in my brain at least.

This is a post I will read and reread because a lot of the mri information relates directly to my mri reports and maybe I can figure out another piece of this puzzle.  I don't want to be the expert - if I did I would go to med school - I just want to be an informed patient who can talk about my questions and concerns intelligently.  Thanks to you and this forum I feel like I am on my way.

And Quix, as best as I can figure, you are queen for life of this forum - you cannot abdicate your role or be dethroned.  Like it or not, you're here for the long haul.

I'm greatly indebted to you all.

Be well,
Laura

[Quixotic1]

darn


uh,....bloom

[Quixotic1]

Well, This will likely cinch the diagnosis for MS.  If they have done a good rule out the description of the lesions and their location is "classic" for MS.

All the answers above were right.  I am just going to be reinforcing what they have said.

Lesions in the periventricular, juxtacortical (often misread as subcortical) and in the corpus callosum are the classic locaations for MS.  Yes, other things like Sjogren's and neurosarcoid "can do this" but they are both MUCH more rare.

The ventricles are the butterfly-shaped dark areas on the T2 lesions in the brain.  they are an area filled with CSF.

The classic MS plaque is hyperintense on T2, ovoid and aften somewhat irregular in shape with well-demarcated edges.  The center is homogeneous.  And the long axis, if there is one, is oriented perpendicular to the ventricles.

This tendency to have longish oval (often described as fat cigar-shaped) T2 hyperintensities radiating out from the ventricles often takes the shape of the fingers of an outstretched hand, first described by a radiologist named Dawson, I believe (if not, it makes a good story).  The first three things to think of when you have lesions of this pattern are 1) MS, 2) MS, and 3) MS.  I find it worrisome that the lesions are increasing, but your appointment is only about a month away.  That's okay.

It is okay that your LP was negative.  The LP is not a required test for diagnosis and NO neuro should rely on it.  They don't even use it in Europe according to what the bigwig at NYU told Elaine.

Let me get this right.  You expect to be out of Limbo, not out of this forum, right??  You know about the Mob Family Rules and what I am willing to do to keep you here, don't you?

Begin preparing yourself.  This is a different kind of rollercoaster.  But, the diagnosis is not taking you by surprise, I would bet.  You KNOW something is really wrong, don't you wobbly lady?  A diagnosis will be a relief - at least until you get pissed off about it.  At least that was my reaction.  About a month of enjoying that I had been validated.  then the blume was off the rose and I was mad.

Really, everyone told you the right stuff.  I'm so proud of my people here.  Soon I won't be needed at all!

Quix, the Unnecessary

[santana8]

Andie,

I do understand what you are saying.  I too want to know what happened to me two years ago, that has changed my life forever, but then again, I am afraid to hear the actual words of what it is!  Fear of the unknown, I guess, but anyway I think this is a normal response for us to be having!!

I have a husband and three son's but feel that my illness has put them through so many changes so far that I try not to burden them with things that they cannot possibly understand.  So I am so thankful to have my friends here to talk to about this.  It's like I know that when I write my feelings here that the person or persons who are reading it know how I feel, from experience.

It sure is good to have a place where you are always accepted and understood, isn't it?
I am glad you don't have a long wait for results!  Make sure to update  with your results as soon as you get them.  Until then, Your friends are all here day or night to help you get through it!!!

Friends,
~Santana~

[Wobbly]

Hi there, yes, this is not easy...never has been though.

I'm scared... it's like I don't want to know now...oh boy.  

Dawson's finger...I think mean the shape of the lesion..oval shape...?

Periventricular is an area in the brain I think... boy I'm glad I can chat about this.  

I see my Dr..not the Neuro this Thurs..he is the one that requested the new MRI to look for changes.... wonder what he will say?? I don't have long to wait for his response anyway...

I don't have a clue about what is the most common treatment for MS...and nervous to look it up...it's like if I look it up..I will have it...??  weird eh.

Right now, I want to talk to someone....but I don't have anyone in person to talk toooooo.... thanks for my friends here...but I wish one of you guys lived here....

I'm trying not to freak myself out.... I've been on this forum for almost a year in Limboland...I can't beleive I might be out soon??  

It's just not real...not till I hear it clearly from a Neuro...and have it down in writing or something...you know what I mean....

thanks again

nervous
andie

[santana8]

I am kind of in the same boat as you.  I was suposed to go in for my fifth repeat brain MRI today, but I changed it to Sept, 11th.  My neuro is on vacation too and won't be back until Sept 18th.  I have an appt with him on this day.

The last four repeat MRI's showed no change and no new lesions, also no enhancement. I don't know what this one will show, but I didn't want to wait a month to get the results, so I decided to reschedual it for a week before my neuro appt.  This is easier for me than worring for a whole month. I know, I'm a  Whimp!!  LOL.

It is so hard going through this waiting game and not knowing what will be in our future!  I am right here with you on this one and know how you are feeling.  Some of my lesions are in the Corpus Calossum too.  They have never mentioned Dawson's Fingers, but I have never asked about it either.

Does Periventicular mean Dawson's Fingers?  Just curious, because this is what mine said.

I am here to talk or watever you need.  Try not to worry too much, It is what it is, this is what I keep telling myself, but I don't think I have mananged to convince myself yet!  LOL!!

Big Hugs,

~Santana~

[Wobbly]

thanks everyone for your comments, I'm just getting up here and havn't had my coffee yet.  But can't sleep anymore...just can't stop thinking.  

I'm so glad that you are here for me to chat with and let out some crazy feelings I'm having right now.... I don't know that much about treatment...as I thought I didn't have MS, and still don't really know... (it must just be in my mind).. the Dr did get to me at times..


I don't know if the lesions with Neurosarcoid are the same type of lesions with MS.. the reason I mention this is the rash I get once in awhile...it was one thing the Dr were concerned with and shortness of breath??  

I had contrast on my last MRI  2007, no contrast on this one...July 2008..

thanks again for being here...just to read up on things and hear from you guys really HELPS ALOT...

talk later...going to get a coffee..

andie

[sllowe]

Suspicious - Ya think?  And, changes? My guess is things are going to move quicker at this Sept. appt. In a years time, they are bigger.  Did they use contrast the 1st or this time? I'm not remembering - did they ever order MRIs on your spine?

Hang in there Andie, August is almost over, and it will be Sept. before you know it.

-Shelly

[Heather3418]

Hey girl...you know I have been diagnosed for a long time with MS.  Although my lesions are slightly bigger than yours, your lesions and their changes do indicate MS, in the absence of any other causes.  This is in my humble opinion.  Remember that I am not a doctor.

Dawsons' fingers and the corpus callosum describes some of my lesions.  This IS what they would see in someone with demyelinating disease.  If all other mimics are ruled out, then I hazard to guess that this is indeed MS.

There should be no reason that a person should have to wait for a possible diagnosis with this positive MRI.  It is very unfair that your doctor's partner (if he has one) should not see you promptly.  MS waits for no one.  It continues to be active.  Doesn't your Neuro have anyone that takes over for him when he is out of the office for so long?  This is a disservice to his patients....

I know that you feel like you are in the Twilight Zone right now.  You don't know whether to be happy or sad about these changes in your MRI.  It's scary isn't it?  You are happy on one hand that changes DO show the changes seen in MS, but on the other hand, it scares you to know that whatever the doctor says this is, it's progressing.  

A positive LP might be what the doctor ask for to confirm things in his mind, but a positive LP is NOT needed to diagnose MS.  I was one of those that was diagnosed by the first Neuro without the LP.  A slam dunk he said.  The second Neuro....well long story for another day.........

If you want to "talk" please feel free to PM me.  I am here, along with all of us on the Forum.  Been in your shoes sweetheart and it's a scary place to be...Let's talk.

Best Wishes and Forum hugs,
Heather

[cjacks]

Andie

I mean this in the best way ..  Great News !!  :)    Deb is right , Dawson's fingers are seen in MS  and the neuros look for them when considering MS,  along with lesions in the corpus callosum.  If you don't get a dx.from this MRI and report ,   it will be very useful in pushing ahead for it ...

I'm sorry is looks like MS but you will be out of limbo and onto fighting with DMDs( a very good thing ).    Start thinking about which one you want to take  and if you do get the dx. , you won't be sent home to think about it for a couple of weeks , you'll already have your info and decision ,... to speed up the process .    Yes,  don't get your hopes up yet , just be prepared .


I don't see why the neuro would want another LP , they are not needed for a dx.

How are you feeling about this ?  Do you need to talk, vent , a little scared?  You are NOT alone , we are here always .

Good luck Andie
HUGS
Jo

[Wobbly]

thanks for your info, I'm guessing the Neuro might want another LP...I had one over a year ago and it was neg.  Wait and see...but you might be right and I could be out of limboland..

I won't get my hopes up for an answer till I hear one... I just want a Dx and treatment for my symptoms...I guess just like everyone else here eh.  

Not that I want MS either, I wonder if it could still be Neurosarcoid?

thanks for you info again...nice to be able to talk about it..to friends who understand how we feel.

take care
andie

[Deb61]

There are several things that point to MS.  Dawson's fingers is seen in MS and I'm not sure that anything else causes this--maybe someone else may be able to tell you.  I have lesions in the corpus callosom and my neuro pointed out that this is an indicator of a demyelinating disease like MS.  Plus, with the increase in size and numbers and the lesions consist with MS . . .

This MRI will clench an MS diagnosis in my opinion.  It looks like your limboland days are over.  

Deb

[Wobbly]

thanks Rena...it does feel weird to see some changes...not sure how I feel about it..but I'll try not to worry to much about it.. till Sept.  I just wonder how many things it could mean...you know what I mean..heheh

take care
andie

[Rena705]

Wow...sound to me like you might be getting somewhere don't you think?  I can relate to having to wait YET AGAIN before you see the neuro but I wish you all the best honey!

Lots of hugs,

Rena