What Does My MRI Report Suggest?

Posted on Mon, 3 Nov 2014

Question: Had an MRI that showed: Prominent perivascular spaces are noted in the anterior commissures. There is a focus of signal alteration in the right frontal subcortical white matter as seen on series 7 image 14 measuring 3 mm with a second one which is more subtle with its long axis perpendicular to the long axis of the right lateral ventricle on series 7 image 16 and this is seen in the periventricular white matter measuring 3 mm. Following IV gadolinium administration no abnormal enhancement is seen in these lesions or the rest of the intracranial structures.
Foci of signal alteration in the right frontal subcortical white matter and in the periventricular white matter of the right parietal lobe without definite enhancement and these could represent demyelinating process which is not active.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
MRI findings are not serious.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your symptoms and MRI brain findings.

First of all, I would like to reassure you that the MRI brain findings do not suggest any serious disease.

Based on the findings, the most likely cause could be ischemic lesion (lack of blood supply to the brain).

Other possibility is a demyelinating disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS), however, the MRI findings are not very suggestive of that. Lack of enhancement on contrast means that the disease is inactive.

We need to follow up and do a repeat MRI after six months for further clarification and confirmation of diagnosis.

I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.

Wishing you good health,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (4 hours later)

Thanks. I have an appointment with neuro in Novemebr. Just didn't know if I should try to get in earlier. This was also seen on the MRI: Mild inflammatory changes are seen in the posterolateral left mastoid. The rest of the mastoids are clear. Scattered areas of mild mucosal thickening are seen in the ethmoid sinuse

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
November is fine.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

Neurologist consultation in November is fine.

Regarding other findings, they are suggestive of mild infection in mastoid region (located just behind the ear) and one of the sinuses. If you have pain or tenderness associated with fever, you may consult an ENT doctor. Otherwise, they can just be ignored for now.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar