Hi Everybody,
I had 4 MRIs on 11/12/14. Here is what the report said. I'm gonna have to disagree with their "mild" statement. It freakin hurts to breathe.
Narrative
CSF cine flow study without contrast, noncontrast MRs of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine 11/12/2014
Indication: Spina bifida with hydrocephalus, unspecified region.
Comparison: 5/1/2014
A T2-weighted FIESTA sagittal sequence of the brain demonstrates inferior displacement of the cerebellar tonsils extending 1.3 cm below the foramen magnum. The tonsils demonstrate a pointed appearance. There is crowding of the brainstem and tonsils at the foramen with compression. This appears relatively similar compared to the prior study. The sella is again noted to be mildly enlarged but otherwise unremarkable.
2 CSF cine flow studies were performed in the sagittal midline position. There is absent CSF flow noted anterior to the brainstem and posterior to the tonsils at the level of the foramen magnum. Mild pistoning is identified.
There is straightening of the normal cervical spine curvature. The vertebral alignment is otherwise intact.
There is slight prominence of the central canal within the spinal cord at the C6-T1 levels measuring less than 1 mm in diameter. The spinal cord is otherwise normal in size and signal characteristics.
Minimal noncompressive disc bulging is present at C6-7.
In the thoracic region the vertebral alignment is intact.
On the sagittal views there appears to be slight prominence of the central canal throughout the thoracic cord. This is most prominent at the T3 level where there may be a small syrinx measuring 1 mm in diameter.
Multi-level degenerative disc disease is present. Minimal noncompressive disc bulging is present from T1 to T4.
At T4-5 right central discogenic changes and mild hypertrophic spurring produce mild flattening of the anterior spinal cord.
At T5-6 a broad-based left central disc protrusion produces mild compression of the anterior spinal cord.
At T6-7 diffuse disc bulging abuts the anterior spinal cord without definite compression.
At T7-8 a right central disc protrusion produces mild flattening of the anterior spinal cord.
At T8-9 right central/subarticular disc protrusion produces minimal flattening of the right anterior spinal cord.
Mild noncompressive disc bulging is present at T9-10, T10-11 and T11-T12.
A 1.5 cm ill-defined area of hyperintense T2 signal is noted within the posterior lateral left kidney. The margins are relatively ill-defined and this is poorly visualized on T1-weighted images.
Review of the entire spine demonstrates a transitional segment which represents a 6th lumbarized vertebral body.
The conus ends at the L1-2 level demonstrates normal signal characteristics.
At L1-2, L2-3 and L3-4 mild noncompressive disc bulging is present.
The L4-5 level is unremarkable.
At L5-L6 mild disc bulge and facet disease are present without significant neural impingement.
At L6-S1 mild left foraminal disc protrusion is noted producing mild narrowing of the inferior left L6 foramen.
Impression: CSF cine flow study
Chiari I malformation with the cerebellar tonsils extending 1.3 cm below the foramen magnum associated with compression of the brainstem and tonsils.
Persistent absent CSF flow at the foramen magnum both anterior to the brainstem and posterior to the tonsils. Pistoning is present.
Impression: Cervical spine
Slight prominence of the central canal within the spinal cord at the C6-T1 levels.
Minimal noncompressive disc bulging.
Impression: Thoracic spine
Mild prominence of the central canal within the thoracic cord, most prominent at T3 where there appears to be a small, less than 1 mm in diameter, syrinx.
Multilevel disc herniations as described in detail above producing mild cord compression at T4-5, T5-6, T7-8 and T8-9.
1.5 cm ill-defined focus of increased T2 signal in the left kidney. This does not appear cystic on the MR scan and further evaluation with renal ultrasound is recommended.
Impression: Lumbar spine
A transitional segment is noted which is labeled as an L6.
Mild disc bulging at multiple levels without neural impingement.
Now, my neurologist says that it is hard to see but the syrinx might extend from my cervical down through my thoracic. I'm going to see if I can attach it.
Take care,
Nykki