MRI measurement taking

[Alison]

Hi, does anyone know, how they measure all three measurements on the MRI. I can get the long and across axis, so to speak, but don't know how the third one is taken.

I'm looking at an image where its from the top of the head, with ears either side clearly in the middle, so the AN is in the middle of the image to one side. Would it be another angle image to get the third measurement?

There is another image taken from the back of the head with an area glowing white, in what I assume is the AN position (I didn't have contrast) but anyway that measures over 2cm so don't know what that is!

Pre treatment was measured approx 14.5 x 10 x 8 mm by the doc. Latest MRI (one year post SRS) I measure 17.05 x 10.08 mm x ? Waiting for a doc to get back to me with their opinion (UK).

Thanks Alison x

Thanks, Alison

[PaulW]

The third measurement can come from a number of ways depending on how the MRI was done.
Chances are the MRI was done on one plane only. If that is the case you will need to look at the thickness of the slice which is normally printed on the MRI.
Then count the number of frames that the AN appears on and multiply it by the slice thickness.

[arizonajack]

Pre treatment was measured approx 14.5 x 10 x 8 mm by the doc. Latest MRI (one year post SRS) I measure 17.05 x 10.08 mm x ? Waiting for a doc to get back to me with their opinion (UK).

I'm guessing that the third figure (if it was measured or imaged at all) is going to be close to the 8mm that it was pre-treatment.

On 10/10/12 mine was 11mm x 4mm x 4mm.

On 1/22/13 (GK date) the MRI report gives only two dimensions 12mm x 3mm. That second figure might just have to do with the position of the "slice."

My post GK MRI was on 8/1/13 and the AN measured 13mm x 4mm x 5mm. Using percentages I'd guess my AN swelling rate is similar to yours.

[Alison]

Hi paul and arizonajack, thanks for your replies.

I am still awaiting to hear from the neuro oncolgy dept to discuss my MRI one year results but I saw my GP who had access to the MRI report.

The radiologist has reported  the new MRI as 17 x 11.4 x 8.3, but also measured one I had in April (at 4 months post SRS) as 18 x 13 x 7.8.

The pre treatment MRI was 14.5 x 10 x 8 in Dec 12 before SRS.

I had measured the new MRI myself as 17.05 x 10.08 so I got close!

Bit concerned it went from 14.5 to 18 , being 3.5mm increase  But at least it seems to be down to 17 now, but still 2.5 bigger than pre treatment. So I hope when I speak to the docs they will see that as positive. Symptoms still worse this December/Jan though, even if the swelling has reduced.

So is a 3.4mm (4 month post) to 2.5mm (one year post) OK or common? I was told it was 2mm from brainstem when 14.5 so could it be touching now if 2.5 bigger?

Any opinions would be gratefully received , thanks Alison x

[Alison]

Hi, question for Paul W if thats Ok. I notice your stats say pre 10 x 5 x 5 then 6 month 13 x 6 x 7, then feeling better at 15 months? Do you know what size your AN was then, or indeed is now? Would be interesting if you felt better at 15 months to compare what size it was then.

many thanks, Alison x

[PaulW]

Hi Alison at 24 months my AN was the same official size as at 6 months..
It did look smaller by volume, but not by the dimensions. The ends got pointier but the tumour was the same length.
I am over due for an MRIand will get it when I return from overseas.
I feel great still have most of my hearing. And life goes on as it did before.. I am off snow skiing in Japan in a few days, my balance is back to normal. Had no problems of any sort for 9 months

[Alison]

Hi Paul, thanks for the information.

So I take it you're overdue your 36 month scan by 6 months, if you were zapped in July 10. Were your docs happy that it had not shrunk back to pre treatment size at 24 months as it appeared smaller by volume, ie in your good description, more pointy.(Sounds like it has lost weight!)

My docs here in the UK don't talk in volume, only the three axis measurements. By my own amateur study of my Jan MRI the AN looks larger all round, not pointy yet, but I live in hope. I gather from your previous posts it was around the 15 month mark you started to feel better.

It's great to hear you are doing so well and are off on a skiing trip. Hope you enjoy it, and thanks for your continuing very useful posts on here.

I'll update about what the docs think, after they have reviewed my MRIs, which I'm now told should be in two weeks time.

Alison