what is the right centrum semi ovale

[cali1892]

Hi, Just got my results from my latest MRI:

There is a three mm focus of increased white matter signal abnormality in the right centrum semi ovale, most consistent with chronic ischemic change.  

What does that mean?

This MRI was not compared to the other, which said there were increased foci in the parietal periventricular white mater bilaterally near the gray white matter junction.  

Can anyone help explain this to me.
Thanks for your help.

[cali1892]

Ok. It's starting to make a bit of sense now. So the difference in the wording is probably due to different radiologists reading them. And if I'm following correctly then there is now a three mm spot either 1. is the same spot that was 1mm. Or 2. Another spot that's 3mm in addition to the previous 1mm.
Am I on the right track?
Thanks again everyone for your help understanding.  

[daisy.girl]

Here is a link to a very good picture.....and yes it is close to the periventricular region. It is the expansive region of white matter in the dorsal core of the frontal and parietal lobes; so-named because of its central position in the forebrain and its semi-oval shape.

http://www.med.harvard.edu/AANLIB/cases/caseB/054t_2.gif

[ashleyPT]

Oh no - my neuro teacher is not going to be happy - I had no idea what part of the brain that was when I read this question.  Time to go learn...

Well, neither my anatomy book, nor my neuroscience book define this area of the brain by a specific name.  They just call is subcortical white matter.

This website let's you click on the word and it will show you the outline of the area, so it's a nice visual (the page is a picture of a real brain post stroke if anyone doesn't like seeing that).   http://pathcuric1.swmed.edu/PathDemo/CNS1/cns1170.htm


I found this old post in regards to the area of the brain.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Need-to-know-what-the-centrum-semiovale-is-and-what-its-role-is/show/374705

[cali1892]

Wow, just wrote a long post, but I wasn't logged in and lost it, ugh.  Anyway,I go back the end of the month. I was just wondering if the right centrum semiovale is within the parietal periventricular region?  Are they saying there are more hyperintensities, or they are larger or what.

Thanks for your responses.

[Lulu54]

The ischemic part means that they believe the spots are caused by decreased blood flow to your brain. Increased foci means there are more spots that showed up in your mri.

When do you go back to your neuro for the official explanation?

I have to laugh at all the synonyms - why can't medical folks pick a name and stick with it?  I sometimes think its meant to confuse us patients.

be well, Lulu

[daisy.girl]

Hi...
centrum semiovale is the great mass of white matter comprising the interior of the cerebral hemisphere; the name refers to the general shape of this white core in axial (horizontal) sections of the hemisphere.


Synonyms: centrum medullare, centrum ovale, medullary center, semioval center, Vicq d'Azyr centrum semiovale, Vieussens centrum