Hi XXXXX
Thanks for writing in.

This is Dr Vivek, Radiologist replying to your query.

As per information provided, you are taking Tamoxifen (nolvadex) for gynecological problems. Your main concern is if your Brain MRI was affected in any way by taking tamoxifen.

Tamoxifen is an estrogen receptor agonist and antagonist that is widely used. Many the patients prescribed tamoxifen are middle aged or elderly. Studies done on women taking tamoxifen suggest that it may be neuroprotective and may have favorable modulatory effects on aging.

Research studies have not detected any evidence of neurotoxicity by 1H MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy - a method used to study concentration of various chemicals using MRI machine). There is accumulating evidence that tamoxifen not neurotoxic and even may be beneficial for cognitive function.

Therefore MRI brain scan is not affected by taking tamoxifen in any way.

However, I would like to make you aware that very rarely tamoxifen can cause blurred vision after use for a long time.

You may also share details on why the MRI brain was done and its results if felt necessary and further this discussion.

Hope your query is answered.
Further questions welcome.

Wishing you good health.

Regards.
Dr Vivek

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Hi XXXXX
Thanks for writing in with an update.

There is no effect of tamoxifen on MRI brain scan results. The interpretation and accuracy of MRI brain scan does not get affected due to intake of tamoxifen.

You might have been assessed for suspected pituitary related problems and I guess that is why a MRI brain scan was felt necessary by your doctor. MRI scan is an investigation of choice in pituitary disorders and also that of mid brain and brain stem, and other brain structures like cerebral cortex, cerebellum. I am sure your MRI scan was done keeping this in mind and was reported accordingly.

I have seen brain scans of over a thousand patients taking tamoxifen regularly and have no reason to believe that tamoxifen has affected your MRI brain scan interpretation in any way. I have also reviewed medical literature and views expressed by researchers are also the same as mine to the best of my knowledge.

MRI brain scan is an expensive investigation and done only with enough reason to confirm or rule out a medical condition. If you ever feel that any other particular finding has been included or missed, I suggest you get your MRI brain scan images reviewed by another radiologist dealing in brain imaging.


Hope I have been able to understand your concern in a better way and it has been answered to the best of my ability.

Wishing you good health.

Regards
Dr Vivek

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