Hubby's SPECT showed hypoperfusion from possible vasculitis or encephalitis.
Docs refuse to do spinal type. Have requested MRA to confirm vasculitits. PCP does not believe that SPECT can diagnose vasculitis.
It is my understanding that MRA would only show vasculitis of large blood vessels, but if it was positive then current neuro might start believing that hubby's tremors/myoclonus/muscle rigors and encephalopathy are real and not psychiatric symptoms. Plus, a positive test would go a long way towards getting insurance to pay for IV antibiotics.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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feelfit
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12770
posted
Hi Bea,
I have not had these tests yet but am scheduled for a MRA this thursday.
MRA dx: abnormal MRI/ doctor says MRA shows the brains vessels.
Monday I am to have a SPECT scan. DX: cognative difficulties.
Doctor states that the SPECT will show where there is less oxygen/blood flow.
Hope this helps. I pray that you and your hubby find some answers/relief soon. In my prayers you are.
Posts: 3975 | From usa | Registered: Aug 2007
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david1097
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3662
posted
Tehy will need to do a volume flow averaged MRA where they measur the excat blood flow at a point in the brain. It is an extra step that has to be done during MR angiogram.
The absolute number measured is not diagnostic but there may be differences side to side and spot to spot. This is more reveling.
The final word and most definative test is a die based angiogram of the brain where they use a cathater to inject die and then do x-rays but this will only show vasculitic process in the larger veins. The blood can be obstructed at the micro vascualture end o the scale in which case the MRA as descibed aboe (as well a spect) will show regional abnormalities.
As the Dr pointed out the overall picture is not diagnostic, its only when you see big differences between various regions that you know something is not normal but you still don't know the cause. the x-ray angiogram is more definative in that vasculitis shows up with a characteristic pattern.
Posts: 1184 | From north america | Registered: Feb 2003
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Most likely neuro will not agree to the test anyway -- think he has already written hubby off as psychiatric.
I did send him a very polite fax and suggested that I would hate to see hubby have a stroke due to oversight in ordering a relevant test!!! And I included a couple of journal references as well plus mentioning the positive tests for cold agglutin and hypercoagulation.
It was worth a shot anyway. Will know if it worked tomorrow.
Getting kind of tired of playing these games with the docs, but you do what you have to do.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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