prominent perivascular spaces

[doublevision1]

Does anyone know the significance of "prominent perivascular spaces"?  I got my MRI report today and in addition to some other stuff, it says:

"The areas of high intensity higher up near the vertex on either side are more in favor of prominent perivascular spaces."

??? Is anyone familiar with such a thing???  I will review with my neuro next week, but you know, it's nice to have a little understanding first before going into those discussions.



The report also talks about an area of increased intensity opposite C6 "but not typical of MS nodules."  I am going back for further imaging of this area, as well as of my T-spine, which has never been imaged.

The general conclusion of the report is "There is only minimal change in the white matter near the basal ganglia suggestive of early stage MS."  

I like the words "early stage."

db1

[doublevision1]

Thanks Rena!!

I did some googling myself.  I still don't really understand it, but, so far haven't come across anything that suggests I should be concerned.  

I wonder what 'secondary causes of demyelination" might be as opposed to primary causes???

I guess I will just have to wait patiently to see my neuro to find out more....

thanks again,

db1

[Rena705]

Hi Honey...I googled Prominent Perivascular Spaces and I copied and pasted the following:

The perivascular spaces adjacent to MS lesions are shown to be abnormally prominent. We believe this sign may be secondary to increased inflammatory activity initially resulting in dilatation of the perivascular spaces. This may provide a sign to differentiate primary from secondary causes of demyelination, as well as serve as a useful marker of disease activity and progression.  
    
I don't know if this helps any but I tried...

Lots of Hugs

Rena