Brain MRI: Do findings possibly indicate small vessel brain disease?

Posted by sarah371 @sarah371, Jan 19, 2024

Hello,

My recent brain MRI indicates 'moderate likely small vessel ischemic changes and moderate hyperintense T2/Flair signal of the corona radiata bilaterally'.

Do these findings possibly indicate small vessel brain disease that may be similar to my previously diagnosed coronary microvascular disease?

Thank you.

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taylor05 | @taylor05 | Dec 1, 2024

In reply to @red79 "I'm going to hospital to talk to neurologist Wednesday" + (show)

I hope things went well. .

taylor05 | @taylor05 | Dec 1, 2024

Only your Dr. Can say after tests are done.

linnie52 | @linnie52 | 5 days ago

I recently had a brain MRI with contrast and the only results that were impressionable were: Probable mild chronic small vessel disease. I emailed my neurologist last week asking him to speak to the results, but no answer yet. I don't have an appointment with him until March 2025. Everything else was "normal" so I'm thinking this is part of the aging process. I'm not sure what to make of the "probable" part of that diagnosis. I'm a 72 y.o. female, very active and non-smoker, very, very occasional alcohol consumption. Thoughts?

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | 4 days ago

In reply to @linnie52 "I recently had a brain MRI with contrast and the only results that were impressionable were:..." + (show)

@linnie52 - I also find it difficult to read results online (I'm assuming this is what you meant) and not get a prompt response from a real human who can make sense of it all for me and explain any implications. I especially find pathology and radiology reports challenging to decipher as a layperson.

Waiting till your March appointment seems like a long time to get some M.D. input on this.

I did find when I was experiencing delays in hearing back about significant results (the doctor was out of the office on vacation) that her nurse was willing to speak to me to offer some information and perspective, which helped a lot. I did have to be fairly politely persistent to get a timely response, however.

What are you planning to do next to get some explanation of your results, linnie52?

linnie52 | @linnie52 | 4 days ago

Thank you Lisa, for your input. I'm planning on emailing the doc through the patient portal again today. When I had questions in the past, he was very responsive, however, this time, not so much. The results appear to be "normal", so I'm thinking that he feels he can wait until our March appointment; but I don't!

keithl56 | @keithl56 | 3 days ago

In reply to @linnie52 "I recently had a brain MRI with contrast and the only results that were impressionable were:..." + (show)

At 72 years old it would be perfectly normal to have mild chronic SVD. It is part of the aging process. I wouldn't worry about it, unless you are not asymptomatic.

linnie52 | @linnie52 | 5 hours ago

My doc finally got back to me and this were his remarks:
IMPRESSION:

1. Probable mild chronic small vessel disease. No acute or subacute infarct. No mass lesion or abnormal enhancement.
2. Normal MRA head.
3. Normal MRA neck.

So I guess I'm going to proceed as usual! SVD probably due to again process as previously mentioned.