My MRI from yesteday that I got on a DVD

[OperaMBA]

I have looked extensively at the MRI of the thoracic and lumbar areas that I got when I had my MRI performed yesterday.

I recall from my MRI in 2001 of the lesion of my spine that it was in super high focus and it was fairly close up.   When I look at my DVD images, I get nowhere near that resolution level.

I am assuming it is because the native file on the MRI computers is at a much higher resolution than the files that I was provided....

Do you guys have any guidance/experience with this?    

Thanks!!!

Richard
OperaMBA

[Heather3418]

I wish I could help you with this.  When I get my CD's from my MRI's, I adjust the size and resolution of my computer screen imagine, so I can get a better look.  Sometimes it's just hard to see.

Sorry I couldn't help you..

Heather

[OperaMBA]

I'll take a look at my resolution on the monitor,but I think it's pretty much maxed out...

A great idea!

[Sunnytoday]

Hi there
Haven't had the chance to welcome you to the forum, so WELCOME.

Hope that you find answers soon and stick around longer.

About your cd. Chances are that yoou had them done on different Tesla machine. For example. the one I had done in May was on an open MRI that was a .5 T stregnth as an outpatient and the pics on the dvd were awful, the ones i had done in July were at the hospital on a 1.5 Tesla machine and the pics were a lot better quality on the dvd. Not great but better.

So, do you know the Tesla stregnth of your MRI? You can call the centers and ask if need be. This is actually very important in helping dx according to my dr. at NYU who just ordered my last one on a 3 Tesla, one of the the best out there.Oh, and was your done with and without contrast? The pictures without contrast are pretty hard to view also.

~Sunnytoday~

[OperaMBA]

I'll have to call them tomorrow and ask about the Tesla strength.

This is what it says on the image...  

For the T2:  TE:106.5/TR:3667/SE
Sag T2 frFSE    3.0mm/4.0mm

No contrast!   This is another reason why I want to strangle the doctor!

Argh!

Richard
OperaMBA

[Sunnytoday]

Ohhhh.... you really need contrast. Not sure if the folks here have told you how important that is.... but is IS IMPORTANT. Also, some dr.s do not care about the Tesla stregnth but those at the larger Center's know that it can pick up the smaller lesions or other problems.

Read Quix story in her journals and you will see how important it is to have a good MRI.

It is also important to have a doctor who will read the MRI film or dvd himself, not just rely on the radiologist.

have a blessed Tues. and let us know what you find out!
~Sunnytoday~

[OperaMBA]

I have read and seen a lot of info on the board about the importance of the contrast and Tesla (Nikola Tesla was and ENTP like me....  :-) )

"Doctor Bonehead" did read them himself in addition to the radiologist, for whatever that is worth.

I will check out Quix's story tonight if I don't run out of gas before then!  The FAT in fatigue is sliping into my brain tonight....

Thanks so much to everyone for all of the great information!

Richard
OperaMBA

``Verdi Rocks, in case you missed it!``

[OperaMBA]

I called the radiology folks, the MRI on monday was a 1.5 Tesla machine - not the best, but not the worst either!

Richard
OperaMBA

[Heather3418]

You are right...the 1.5T "is not the best, but not the worst".  It's true that a couple members have shown no lesions on 1.5T but were found on a 3T.  

I had my first MRI back in the early 90's on the .5, then a 1.5T  At that time the lesion in my spine and the 5 lesions in my brain showed up and highlighted with contrast dye.

My latest MRI in December 2007 was done on a 3T. (one lesion in the spine and 12 in the brain were found during that test)  Wow, Richard, the resolution of those pictures compared to the 1.5T was unbelieveable.  I can only imagine what they could see with the new 7T machine.  Guess it will be awhile before that machine is widely available.

It makes you wonder how people were diagnosed with MS before they even had MRI's.  Some Neuro's are "lesion counter" for sure.  I think they could diagnose alot of people based on their symtpoms, relapses and remissions and exclusion of other mimics.  I know that diagnosing MS can be difficult and complicated, but alot of people are walking around with probable MS, while the doctor continue to count lesions.  This scares me because they are not getting the benefit of the disease modifying drugs that are available.

In your case, Doctor Numb Nuts (excuse me..I hope you understand that I and many others are frustrated with so many doctors these days) continues to look around, like he can't diagnose something when the evidence is sitting there right in front of him.  I totally understand your frustration and am glad to know that you are seeking out another doctor.

You deserve answers AND a doctor that will order the MRI's again with contrast dye.

All the Best,
Heather

[Sunnytoday]

I totally agree with Heather, you NEED a MRI of the spine and brain WITH contrast. While the 3 T is preferrable, the 1.5 will is "ok".

And, WOW, i can't wait until the 7 T is actually avaliable, can you imagine what that would do for patients?
~Sunnytoday~

[OperaMBA]

I fully intend to start slapping people around, not to worry.

I'm gonna go Charles Bronson on 'em!  :-)

Seriously, I am going to push the MS Specialist when I get in to see him.   If he turns out to be numb nuts #2, my psychiatrist can get me into Duke, since she is a Duke med school grad.   The Psych docs at Duke take 1/2 Psych and 1/2 Neurology, so she has proven helpful in getting the ball rolling with this.

Thanks for you ladies help!

Richard
OperaMBA

[Terrie2008]

Hi guys

When we have an MRI in England what copies can we have is the  cds from England  or the states and other places.