Confusing MRI

[marti]

Can anyone hazzard a guess about my last MRI results? I was dx back in 2001, but this report has me wondering. My neuro has not changed her opinion.

It reads:

Multiple small areas of increased signal intensity scattered throughout the white matter of both cerebral hemispheres of uncertain etiology. Considerations should include small vessel disease, demyelinating disease, or a combination of both. The findings were not typical for Multiple Sclerosis, however.

I've seen this wording before, although my first few MRI's were definite for MS. Just interested to see if anyone else has reports like this. Thanks

[22cyclist]

What DMD are you on marti?

[marti]

Been on Copaxone for years. What are your thoughts? My neuro says there are no masses... no strokes etc. So I wonder why the radiologist says this is not consistent with MS. I've been to about 6 doctors and have had many MRI's and everyone agrees this is MS. So.. I'm confused.

[22cyclist]

The neurologist looks at the MRI too and makes their own opinion. Sometimes it differs from that of the radiologist. The radiologist did say in the differential that demeylinating disease was one of the possibilities so, that is what you have. Over the course of time MS lesions can shrink as you know, which is good, yours may have just gotten smaller, or this radiologist may just be reading it from a strict prospective. Hard to know, but if your neurologist has no issue with it, keep going. It will be interesting to see what your next MRI shows, or at least how it is read. Don't let one radiologist get you into a tail spin. If you trust your neurologist then keep it steady as usual. If you want an 8th opinion, then you may want to find another university hospital to look at you. Myself, I would ignore it. I have had some funky stuff written on my MRIs, things missed pointed out by my MS specialist, I would just let it go.

Sounds like the copaxone is working well for you.

Take care
Lisa
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