Inactive lesions shown on MRI?

[ralthiel1983]

Hello all

I just had a brain MRI as ordered by my Neurologist, for diagnosing a suspected neurological abnormality. I haven't had the MRI read by my doctor yet, I will be tomorrow afternoon. I wanted to get other people's impressions and opinions on what the MRI shows if possible. I talked with the doctor's office earlier today to confirm they got the radiologist's report, the doctor hadn't looked at it yet, but the front desk person said it initially appeared be normal, which I am skeptical about based on the below findings.

The MRI clearly shows several areas that I would call 'black holes' as they are referred to. Dark spots on T1 that match up with bright spots on T2. These areas show as dark on FLAIR. There are a couple small ones and a large one in the Cerebellum. The FLAIR MRI did not pick up any bright lesions.

Could this be a sign of past MS-like activity that has lead to axon death, and is no longer active? (Relapsing-remitting MS?)

thanks!

[0485c10]

Could be & could be just normal brain structure, that you don't have enough experience to distinguish. the written radiologist report would not refer to them as black holes the written report would refer to them as "hypointense lesion" on t1 with contrast or without contrast.

on a t2 mri the cerebral fluid is white on the t1 & Flair the cerebral fluid is black. so a normal physical structure could be leaving a space for the cerebral fluid?

that's why it was really good you looked at this b/4 your appointment so you can specifically ask about the hypointense area.

hypointense area indicate greater tissue damage than hyperintense area. i think it might be going a little too far to call them axonial deaths yet.

you haven't seen the radiologist report yet? imo its a good thing you looked at it so you can ask the question in the appointment.

[0485c10]

You might want to copy and paste a picture of the area you are concerned about into paint then print it out--so you can bring it with you to show the area you want explained.
Goo Luck

[ralthiel1983]

Thanks for the input everyone

The brain MRI was negative, no abnormalities. Still doesn't explain my problems (mainly a neurogenic bladder), but is good news anyway. Getting spine checked tomorrow.

[Lendi]

good luck in getting everything figured out. let us know what you find out.