Pictures of my MRI/IAC

[JodieK]

I had my MRI today and Right IAC. Actually, they did both the left and right for the IAC part. Anyways, I was really upset thinking it was going to be a non contrast exam. However, when I got there, the tech said "IAC's need to be done with contrast' youre getting contrast". So, needless to say, I got the contrast. At the end of the exam, she told me to wait in the waiting room for 15  minutes. She came out, handed me a CD ( no report) and said .... take this to your neurologist. If you don't have one, get one. That was all that was said. I looked at the CD images when I got home. I am not a radiologist ( and yes, my first and last name is on these, but I couldn't edit this one image).

Is anyone else seeing what I am seeing on this image? Of course, I will wait for my doctor to call.... but these two dots look odd. Perhaps not! They might just be quite normal. I know better than to think anything different.

Here is the link. There were several other images, but this one stood out to me.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l117/thatcommercialgirl/braincrap1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

[susier]

Hi Jodie,
 Well, I am by no means an expert, but that is what mine looked like, only it was only on the right side.  Do you have an appt with your neurologist or ENT?  The good thing is whatever it is, it looks small.  Keep us informed.

[JodieK]

Susie,
Thanks for replying. I do have two appointments, one with my family doc on the third and one with a neurologist on the 10th that my PCP sent me to before even doing this study on me. I didnt hear from my doc today. I am hoping I hear the word from him tomorrow on whether thats a normal scan or not. I hate waiting... its been five  years to get this far!!

[susier]

I know what you mean.  I'm one of those people that when something is wrong, I want it fixed right now.  That is why being a "wait & watcher" is not coming very easily to me.  As much as I hate MRI's, I would love to have one at least once a month, just to satisfy me that its not growing!  Try not to let it consume you...easier said than done... until you hear from your doc.  I just kept telling myself that I wouldnt worry until I had something to worry about.... worked for a while.  Please keep me informed.

[sgerrard]

It's good that you got contrast, it really helps in identifying ANs. You really need a radiologist report to find out if any of the dots are significant. They are quite expert at reading MRIs. I can't tell if the pic you posted is with or without contrast; usually they do some of each for comparison. It is when an area goes from dull without contrast to bright with contrast that you have an "area of interest". When I looked through my MRI images, I saw all sorts of spots. Only the one that changed a lot with contrast, and was in the right place, and so on, really mattered.

So, wait to see what the radiologist report and the neruologist have to say. As for the tech, they are generally under strict orders not to pass on any interpretation of an MRI, since they are not doctors and are not qualified to do so. I asked mine if she saw anything, and she just said "can't say." Since you have waited this long, you can wait a few more weeks to get the definitive results. Won't be long now.

Steve

[Jim Scott]

Jodie:

As you know, we can speculate all day but only a qualified physician can really explain what your MRI showed. 

In my decidedly non-physicians opinion, the two 'dots' appear symmetrical, which would be very unusual for an acoustic neuroma, which usually is on one side (only) and somewhat irregular in shape.  However, I can't decipher my own MRI scans, so I wouldn't venture to pretend to understand what yours show (or don't show, as the case may be).  Wait for the doctor's call and don't take on any unnecessary worry until you have a 'reading' from someone who can actually tell you what the MRI is showing.  It may be fine.

Jim

[HCSTARWIND]

Hello,
I looked at your MRI. It looks like you have two small AN's. I would suggest you see an experienced neurotologist. Helen

[Tumbleweed]

I am not a radiologist, but the symmetry suggests these may be nothing more than blood vessels or nerves viewed in cross-section. I say this because I had two similar (though smaller and located elsewhere) dots on my MRI and the neurosurgeon explained they were simply cross-sections of my trigeminal nerve. I think I remember they only became visible in the MRI taken without contrast agent (gadolineum). But I'd have a competent neurosurgeon look at your MRI to be on the safe side. Symmetrical ANs would suggest NF2 disease. So don't be alarmed just yet as it may be nothing, but check it out to be safe.