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Test Shows Focus Of Increased Signal Intensity. History Of Pitosis Of Eyelid. Taken Aspirin For Stroke. Want Second Opinion

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Posted on Tue, 20 Aug 2013
Question: At the age of 60, T2-FLAIR images showed that I have a 4mm rounded focus of increase signal intensity within the posterior aspect of the right corona radiata which was not present in a previous study done in 2000. This area also demonstrates subtle enhancement following contrast infusion. Just inferior to this area, there is a slightly prominent vein along the lateral margin of the right lateral ventricle which could represent a small vascular malformation not seen in the previous study because the technology is better in 2013. No other abnormalities or masses were found. Alternatively this could represent an area of subacute infarction , inflammation, or demyelination.

My neurologist thinks it was a XXXXXXX stroke and I have been put on a course of aspirin, cholesterol and high blood pressure meds because these are borderline. The Doctor is puzzle because the symptoms which led to the MRI of vertigo and imbalance do not match the diagnosis. I did have pitosis of the left eyelid which was operated on in 2012. I am not sure if this is related to the finding although I was told it was age and muscle related. I am also being tested currently for infectious diseases and I do not know the outcome of the tests right now.

I have been told to wait two months for a repeat MRI which may give a clue that if it is a vascular lesion, it will remain the same. If it is inflammation or other, there will be changes. The waiting has led to stress and speculation on my part that this is going to be a serious event. The neurologist assured me that it is a benign event with the worst case being stroke related.

Can you give me a second opinion about my case? What is your professional opinion about my condition?
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Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (6 hours later)
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query and giving a detailed account of your symptoms, MRI findings and your doctor's opinion about them.
I can understand the stress and anxiety you are going through. However, I would like to reassure you that there is absolutely no need to worry about these findings, as they do not represent any serious brain disease.

I fully agree with your neurologist's diagnosis and treatment plan.

I see several patients with similar MRI findings and it is not uncommon in a 60-year old with high BP or cholesterol or both. This MRI finding is an incidental finding, as you do not have any symptoms related to that. Your current symptoms or vertigo and old symptom of Ptosis are both not related to the MRI lesion.

However, since you have risk factors for stroke, and this finding is suggestive of a small stroke, I also would have started you on aspirin. Follow up MRI would clarify the issue, however, I do not expect any change in that. Also, your tests for inflammation are likely to come back normal as well.

I hope it helps. Please get back if you have any more queries.

Best wishes,
Dr XXXX MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 6231 Questions

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Test Shows Focus Of Increased Signal Intensity. History Of Pitosis Of Eyelid. Taken Aspirin For Stroke. Want Second Opinion

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query and giving a detailed account of your symptoms, MRI findings and your doctor's opinion about them.
I can understand the stress and anxiety you are going through. However, I would like to reassure you that there is absolutely no need to worry about these findings, as they do not represent any serious brain disease.

I fully agree with your neurologist's diagnosis and treatment plan.

I see several patients with similar MRI findings and it is not uncommon in a 60-year old with high BP or cholesterol or both. This MRI finding is an incidental finding, as you do not have any symptoms related to that. Your current symptoms or vertigo and old symptom of Ptosis are both not related to the MRI lesion.

However, since you have risk factors for stroke, and this finding is suggestive of a small stroke, I also would have started you on aspirin. Follow up MRI would clarify the issue, however, I do not expect any change in that. Also, your tests for inflammation are likely to come back normal as well.

I hope it helps. Please get back if you have any more queries.

Best wishes,
Dr XXXX MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist