My son's MRI Findings

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone:

Forgive me for having not posted in a long while and it has been a while.

For those of you who do not know me, I have a son (Raj) with AIH/PSC

overlapping syndrome.

I am looking forward to attending the Chicago conference in early May and

meeting many of you. For now though I want some feedback on the recent

contrast-MRI findings on Raj's liver. The doctor wants to do a follow up

MRI on his liver in 3 months.

MRI exam states " Dilation of several intrahepatic ducts in the right and

left lobes of the liver are similar in appearance, except for an increased

prominence of the of the peripheral bile ducts between segment IVA and

VIII. No other change in dilation or narrowing since the prior exam.... "

It further states " Dynamic enhancement demonstrates no abnormal hepatic

masses. No definitive evidence of cholangiocarcinoma.... "

On the other hand, the Ultrasound findings were normal for the Intrahepatic

ducts.

I have two following questions.

1. Am I correct that compared to Ultrasound MRI exam has better resolution

and therefore, the results of the latter are to be believed?

2. What do the MRI findings " an increased prominence of the peripheral bile

ducts " exactly mean? What are different interpretations and causes of this?

Thanks and take care.

Umesh

Umesh (father, son Raj -- May '99 AIH, Jan '02 suspect auto cholangitis,

Sept '02 UC, Jan '05 small duct PSC, March '07, PSC)

[Guest guest]

Thanks Penny for your reply. Yes, Gadolinum contrast was used.

Umesh (father, son Raj -- May '99 AIH, Jan '02 suspect auto cholangitis,

Sept '02 UC, Jan '05 small duct PSC, March '07 PSC)

Re: Fwd: Repost - My son's MRI Findings

To:

> This is way too technical for me, but I would like to know if contrast

> was used in the MRI? I have MRCPs with contrast and they seem to give

> a very good picture of what's happening. Like all of these types of

> tests, the proficiency of the reader has a lot to do with accuracy of

> the information or diagnosis.

>

> Penny

>

[Guest guest]

Umesh,

 

1. Both Ultrasound and MRI use waves at frequencies which will pass through bodies to " see what can't be seen with visible light " . Both provide a image that is lower quality than a good quality photo, but even a good quality photo can be misinterpreted. Both Ultrasound, MRI and photos sometimes show stuff that isn't there and sometimes miss stuff that is there.

2. The MRI findings are best discussed with your doctor.

 

Ian 

1. Am I correct that compared to Ultrasound MRI exam has better resolution and therefore, the results of the latter are to be believed?2. What do the MRI findings " an increased prominence of the peripheral bile

ducts " exactly mean? What are different interpretations and causes of this?

[Guest guest]

Umesh,

 

1. Both Ultrasound and MRI use waves at frequencies which will pass through bodies to " see what can't be seen with visible light " . Both provide a image that is lower quality than a good quality photo, but even a good quality photo can be misinterpreted. Both Ultrasound, MRI and photos sometimes show stuff that isn't there and sometimes miss stuff that is there.

2. The MRI findings are best discussed with your doctor.

 

Ian 

1. Am I correct that compared to Ultrasound MRI exam has better resolution and therefore, the results of the latter are to be believed?2. What do the MRI findings " an increased prominence of the peripheral bile

ducts " exactly mean? What are different interpretations and causes of this?