What Does The Following MRI Reports Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 10 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 10 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 9 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Earlier this year I had an follow-up MRI of the brain w/o contrast due to chronic memory issues. I met with the neurologist to review the findings and next steps. An addendum was made to the results to compare the results with the previous MRI two years prior. I just now reviewed the radiologists' impression and found that the 2nd finding on the addendum noted a "prominent tip of the basilar artery. MRA is recommended for further evaluation." My neurologist never mentioned this to me. Of course, my own internet research has me scared to death. Can you advise the significance and recommendations? I do have another appointment with the neurologist next week, however I would like another opinion before I see her. Thank you so much. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Requires to be confirmed by MRA first

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in details.
The basilar artery is an important structure supplying blood to the posterior part of brain. Rarely, the tip of basilar artery might enlarge and form a balloon like formation called an aneurysm. Such aneurysms are rare but if present, they should be treated as per guidelines.

In your case, the doctor has noted that the tip of basilar artery is prominent and this can mean a slight increase in size. It is also possible that the prominence is not such that it can be qualified to be an aneurysm. Measurements are important when we talk about prominence or aneurysms. If it is less than 7 mm in diameter then the risk of anything bad happening in the future is the least.

There can also be misinterpretation due to the position of the normal structures. For this reason the doctor has ordered a MRA and doing it will give a better picture of the situation.

In conclusion, the MRA is certainly required to confirm the MRI finding at the basilar tip. The prominence is not qualified as an aneurysm and that means there is no immediate risk of anything serious happening to you. However if a prominence is confirmed, further repeat imaging might required every year.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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