Hi Everyone...

I received the results from my recent MRI/MRA (10/25/05), and it shows no new TIA's or strokes since my last MRI done in June 2005 (about 4 months ago).  ;;D  My only concern, is that it did state...

"The MRA of the Circle of Willis again demonstrates area of vascular stenosis at the right M1 segment.  However, there does appear to be flow related enhancement in the distal right MCA branches, with a patent right external carotid artery-right MCA bypass graft.  The vascular pattern has not changed since the previous MRA of the Circle of Willis of Jne 29, 2005."

I haven't seen my neuro yet, but my internist said it means that my vessel(s) is/are still small... [smiley=huh.gif]

Does anybody know if this will change in time?  Is it because I am only 5 months post-op?  Is this what they mean when they say wait and give it a year to see improvement?  

Isn't MM = vascular stenosis? Hmmmm....  [smiley=huh.gif]  I remember my MRI pre-surgery stated "large-grade stenosis."

If anyone has any insight or had smiliar results, could you please share your thoughts?

Thank you,
Shan

p.s.  Yes, I am sending copies of my MRI/MRA to my neurosurgeon for his opinion.

Hey Shan,

Take a deep breath, I'm sure it's ok!  ;)

Remember, I'm not a doctor... but this sounds "normal" to me.

I would assume/hope you had a bypass of that particular area, meaning blood flow should now be routed around the stenosis in the M1 segment, taking it out of the equation.

The STA-MCA doesn't make the original stenosis open back up, it provides flow around it so the blocked part of the artery isn't needed anymore.

Basically, the beginning part of the M1 where the stenosis is could close up and disappear and you'd be fine because the arterial (MCA) network has been supplemented 'downstream' from the bypass.  I imagine that's what is meant by "flow related enhancement in the distal right MCA branches".

I like to think an STA-MCA is kinda like when a road crew is working on a divided highway.  You know when they make one of those temporary "crossover lanes" in the median to route opposing traffic to one side of the highway while they repair the other side?  An STA-MCA is like the second half of one of those crossover lanes where you are routed back onto your normal stretch of road.

However messed up the road was behind you, it doesn't matter because you were able to go around it.  The road could have been completely gone and you would still be traveling, now back at normal speed.

Does that make sense?

Just my  [smiley=twocents.gif], for what it's worth...

Hang in there!

DJ,

Phew...oh my gosh!  You just don't know...  It makes soooo much sense!  I didn't even think of it that way.  Yes, I had a double bypass, and an indirect on May 27, 2005.  I just noticed "vascular stenosis" and got sick to my stomach all over again, but after reading your post, it makes so much sense.  My next appt with my neuro is this coming Saturday, so I'm hoping he'll just reinterate what you just said!  ;;D  My internist actually ordered this test, so I hope he doesn't feel like his toes were stepped on... :-/

You just don't know, DJ...your post really brought much comfort to me.  ;)  Thank you so much for you response!  [smiley=hug.gif]  You have a gift...a way of explaining things with great examples so that others can understand.  ;)

Take care,
Shan