Hello, I had an aneurysm coiled in 2006 and had the usual angio and follow up MRI'S. Last year I went to what I thought would be my last appointment with my consultant, thinking that he would discharge me. But he muttered something about there being a little filling at the base of the aneurysm and wanted me to have another MRI next year (2014) then he would discharge me. Since then I have got a copy of my medical records with the MRI report. The report says "there is some focal vascular ectasia where the aneurysm arose and a little filling at the base of the aneurysm. Appearance would tend to suggest recurrence rather than coil impaction. There has been a marked change in the parent artery follow up advised ". I was wondering if anyone has had this happen to them or if anyone know if it is common for aneurysms to come back. I was a bit taken back when I saw the MRI report as I thought everything was ok. Also does anyone know what focal vascular ectasia means. Pat
HI Pat...I was coiled 2 years ago on a 9mm basilar artery tip aneurysm...and I am greatly concerned because I have yet to be cleared and will continue with angiograms...last angio, I was told they saw a space where blood was getting through (basically it didn't occlude)...however, the Neuro's wouldn't do anything at that time because my Parent artery had been cut and they felt too much trauma, I would need to wait 2 years for another angio and then see what happens and decision to be made...I too was taken back from all of this information.
~ I now have decided before June of 2014 ... and my angio ... I am getting a 2nd opinion...you may think the same...sometimes we just need to ease our minds...(no pun intended)...Gotcha in my Thoughts ~ Colleen
Hello Pat
Vascular ectasia means distension or enlargement of a tubular structure (in this case the artery), but not enough to call it an aneurysm. Focal means it is only a short length of the artery affected. It can be quite difficult for the radiologists to work out whether the appearance is just a bend in the artery or artifact due to the angle they have taken the pictures or whether it is actual enlargement. Hence the repeat MRA, to see if things are changing and work out whether it is just a funny shaped artery or whether it is the start of recurrence or a new aneurysm. Clearly the change from the previous was small and the surgeon had no feeling of urgency about it. However, it is good that he plans to look at it again.
In the UK it is usual that the radiologists and neurovascular surgeons sit in a meeting and discuss each MRA they do and come up with a plan. Sometimes this discussion takes place after the report has been written by the radiologist and the radiological view is not always the same as the surgeon. Together they come up with a plan for further investigation or treatment. Often if there are findings on a scan which they cannot be absolutely certain are actual abnormalities (i.e. they may be 'normal' findings) the surgeon will not feel the need to pass on the info to the patient. No clinician wants to set a patient worrying about something they don't need to worry about as it will never cause a problem. That is probably why the surgeon didn't mention it, he doesn't think it is anything to be concerned about.
Judith
Hi Collen, thanks for getting back to me. All this is so scary, your mind just seems to imagine all the worse scenario but I surpose we need to keep clam (easer said that done) as stress isn't good for us. Hope all goes well with yout second opinion. pat x
Hi Judith, thank you so mich for this information, I understand now what it means. when I saw the MRI report and just thought "I can't go through that again" I think I just panicked. You have explained it so well and have put my mind at rest a little. At least my consultant is doing a follow up MRI so keeping a check on things. Patx
Oh you are so right...about easier said then done...you keep us posted Pat...and know I am wishing you a nice day ~ Colleen