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What Does My MRI Scan Report Of Brain Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 2 Mar 2015
Question: I have recently been diagnosed with "mild" SLE. Started Hydroxychloroquine about 7 weeks ago. Since then, I have noticed 3 things: raynaud's in my feet--staying for very long periods at a time, and pins and needles sensation to my feet L >R, especially in the morning, and numbness of my L hand. I am perplexed. My ANA was 1:2580ish, anti DS DNA 9, sed rate and CRP normal, other labs unremarkable. My history in the last 8 years includes ?papillophlebitis or a loss of vision in my L eye x2 episodes for unknown reason that was assoc. with a protein S abnormality, dx of PCOS, dx of hashimoto's, new onset of Migraines at 30 y/o, and an MRI brain that shows "increased T2 and flare signal in the subcortical white matter/premature microvascular change vs demylelinating disease". I think that covers it. Please advise. I have been told everything from MS to SLE to mostly nothing is wrong with you. I am tired of trying to figure this out. Help? thanks!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
systemic lupus erythrematous

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Thank you for writing on health care magic

Well there is a bit of discrepancy in your diagnosis of minor sle. The symptom's you are describing doesn't fit into minor sle. You are having neuropathy symptoms that is the numbness and tingling you are experiencing is due to nerve inflammation. Even the hyper intensities in brain goes well with lupus. Even if it is multiple sclerosis you need to be on higher treatment for it

1. Did you get your nerve conduction study done?

2./how about the lupus anticoagulant and anti cardiolipin antibody test?

3. Any other organs which you didn't mention here

Do let me know for these answers

Would be happy to help you out

Regards
Dr naval
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (1 hour later)
I am a physician assistant, so please be honest with me and straightforward, and I will be forever grateful!

1. no nerve conduction study. Of what exactly?

2. Cardiolipin AB (IGM) < 10 negative. (IGA)<10 negative. (IGG)<10 negative.

3. Only organ systems involved are as above: paresthesias and vision loss--resolved, then lymph node swelling, and some joint pain with very minor swelling. No kidney, heart, lung issues.

4. as far as I can tell, a lupus anti coagulant test has not been run since 2010, which is when I lost the vision in my L eye. I am not familiar with this test and how differs from ANA, but it was not detected at that time.

Hope this helps!


doctor
Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Nerve conduction studies are done to detect any abnormality in the nerves

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

thanks for your reply

Well, i will be honest with you. But your Disease needs stronger medication.

Firstly, the Raynauds you are experiencing. You don't seem to be on any medication for it amongst the list i have seen. Instead of aldactone, i had rather substitute you with Nifedipine retard( a calcium channel blocker) which helps increase the blood flow in the periphery and will help improve your raynauds.

Secondly, Nerve conduction studies are done to detect any abnormality in the nerves, which all nerves are affected and what kind of lesion is affecting it. as the treatment will vary accordingly. They test all the sensory and motor nerves of your upper limbs and lower limbs and will give us an exact clue on the symptoms you are experiencing of tingling and numbness. Considering a diagnosis of SLE, the nerve problems are a very common thing but need a stronger treatment.

Thirdly, The lesions in your brain( hyperintensities) with an Episode of visual loss. Firstly i hope they have ruled out Multiple Sclerosis as this can just be a single episode and ANA can be positive in M.S> as well. If they have ruled out, then you need to check for Lupus anticoagulant, Anti cardiolipin antibody( already done) and Beta 2 glycoprotein 1 antibody as they all can cause clots.

Lastly i will say: if you still have hyperintesities in the brain or nerve involvement you will need steroids for a while as that is the only drug which can reverse these conditions. Leaving them alone is not an option

hope the information was useful

Do let me know for more queries. Would be happy to help you out

Regards
DR Naval
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Naval Mendiratta

Rheumatologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 754 Questions

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What Does My MRI Scan Report Of Brain Indicate?

Brief Answer: systemic lupus erythrematous Detailed Answer: Good evening Thank you for writing on health care magic Well there is a bit of discrepancy in your diagnosis of minor sle. The symptom's you are describing doesn't fit into minor sle. You are having neuropathy symptoms that is the numbness and tingling you are experiencing is due to nerve inflammation. Even the hyper intensities in brain goes well with lupus. Even if it is multiple sclerosis you need to be on higher treatment for it 1. Did you get your nerve conduction study done? 2./how about the lupus anticoagulant and anti cardiolipin antibody test? 3. Any other organs which you didn't mention here Do let me know for these answers Would be happy to help you out Regards Dr naval