Detecting small annies

[pat benton]

Hi I've been reading the posting about finding small annies. And it would appear that very small annies (about 1-3mm) or not picked up on an MRI scan. Are they also not picked up on a CT angiogram? (not the one were they go in throught the groin).

I had a MRI and thats how the found mine and then had a CT angiogram to confirm. I've just had it coiled a few weeks ago and have a follow up hospital appointment on the 23rd of November. I will then have an angiogram in a few months time (via the groin). I heard the best way of finding them was by the angiogram where they go in through the groin - is this correct.


Sorry to sound a bit muddled bit I find all the different typs of scans a bit confusing.

thanks Pat:)

[pamuk]

Hi Pat

The MRI scan without contrast did not pick up my smaller annies, they were picked up during my angiogram. However, they are being monitored by MRA and MRA is simply an MRI Scan with contrast (they put the contrast through the hand instead of through the groin as in an angiogram), and they show up on that. It is the contrast that is needed to show them up (the contrast highlights the blood vessels.

As you had an unruptured annie, Before your coiling your doctor carried out a CT scan and he would have done this to get the full picture to evaluate you for surgery this would have included looking for any other annies. When you had the coiling done this would have been done through angiogram procedure and that too would have spotted any other annies, so I wouldnt worry too much and when you see your doctor for your check up tell him your fears about the likelyhood of any more annies.

Take care,


pam

[ChrisC]

Pat, first, congratulations on finding the annie and having it successfully fixed!

Pam's right.........the ultimate test for assessing annies is the angiogram, via the groin. They monitor coiled patients very closely so don't worry. I had the 6 month angio after coiling, and then was cleared to not have another one for 3 years. I just had it done in Sept and I'm totally cleared, and never have to have another angio, just MRA's every 5 yrs. My prayers are with you!