MRI Scan

[oxo1947]

I know there are a few threads on MRI scans----just doesn't cover my question.

I have never had an MRI scan before--but have done some damage to my back, had x-rays, but it still seems to be lingering on, although the doctor (Issan) said it wouldn't, so I would like to get an MRI on it, & a 2nd opinion-- I have also got a leaky heart valve, & have had for some years, & although I think the hospital is very competent (The Queen Sirikit Heart Centre of Northeast Thailand--its a university as well as a hospital) it seems content just to give me an ultra sound scan every 6 months--- I thought maybe I could combine this heart check with the same MRI.

My question--- Is This sort of thing usually done ?? getting 2 different parts of the body checked with the one MRI scan. ???

I will be in BKK next month on some other issues & can see any recommended back specialist. So would welcome recommendations.

The heart surgeon I see who is head of that university, I think is quite good. They flew him to France last year to observe a new procedure & I often see doctors from BKK at the university to observe some new procedure.

For anyone who has an interest in this--valve replacement

He tells me there is now a better way to replace / repair the valve, its called TAVR? (Also called TAVI)

This is what he went to observe in France----basically it is placing a valve inside your valve, & can be done without open surgery (through the artery )

"This minimally invasive surgical procedure repairs the valve without removing the old,

damaged valve. Instead, it wedges a replacement valve into the aortic valve’s place.

The surgery may be called a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)."

As you can see the page from the USA was only placed there 6 days ago. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/HeartValveProblemsandDisease/What-is-TAVR_UCM_450827_Article.jsp

The bad news is that he tells me Thailand will not get this equipment for 2 years.. (remember he works at a government facility so this may not be the case in the private sector) Bur as with all these new things---its not the equipment, but the operator of the equipment that makes the difference.

[johnatong]

The valve replacement technique is available in Thailand.

https://www.bangkokhospital.com/hearthospital/th/heart-care-excellence/medical-services/detail/23/tavitavr

The procedure is usually offered to those who would be considered high risk and unsuitable for a standard valve replacement.

Ultrasound is an accepted and standard means of monitoring cardiac valve disease.

You will need a medical(Drs) referral for the MRI.

The page in your link was last reviewed on 03/26/14 and updated Mar 24,2016

[oxo1947]

The valve replacement technique is available in Thailand.

https://www.bangkokhospital.com/hearthospital/th/heart-care-excellence/medical-services/detail/23/tavitavr

The procedure is usually offered to those who would be considered high risk and unsuitable for a standard valve replacement.

Ultrasound is an accepted and standard means of monitoring cardiac valve disease.

You will need a medical(Drs) referral for the MRI.

The page in your link was last reviewed on 03/26/14 and updated Mar 24,2016

Hi Johnatong---are you saying that the replacement is available through the leg (as they do angina) because if so Bumrungrad International has got it wrong when I checked with them 6 months ago.

Could you give me a link please johnatong.....I am most interested. PLEASE A LINK

The page in your link was last reviewed on 03/26/14 and updated Mar 24,2016---johnatong

Yes Jonatong the page has been updated because the way they now do it has now been updated/changed

And thank you for your help....if you could please send me the links........would be grateful

[johnatong]

The valve replacement technique is available in Thailand.

https://www.bangkokhospital.com/hearthospital/th/heart-care-excellence/medical-services/detail/23/tavitavr

The procedure is usually offered to those who would be considered high risk and unsuitable for a standard valve replacement.

Ultrasound is an accepted and standard means of monitoring cardiac valve disease.

You will need a medical(Drs) referral for the MRI.

The page in your link was last reviewed on 03/26/14 and updated Mar 24,2016

Hi Johnatong---are you saying that the replacement is available through the leg (as they do angina) because if so Bumrungrad International has got it wrong when I checked with them 6 months ago.

Could you give me a link please johnatong.....I am most interested. PLEASE A LINK

And thank you for your help....

The link I provided includes all the detail you are asking about.

Brumrungad does indeed know about the technique which makes me wonder who you asked.

https://translate.google.co.th/translate?hl=en&sl=th&u=https://www.bumrungrad.com/healthspot/march-2016/tavi-aortic-valve-heart-replacement-non-surgery&prev=search

[oxo1947]

Hi Johnatong

I looked at the link.....and it does provide information on that procedure ----so like you I am wondering who gave me the misinformation when I spoke to the hospital.

Thank you for the link.

[Sheryl]

An MRI of the spine and one to visualize heart valve (cardiac magnetic resonance) would be entirely different tests. In addition, a cardiac MRI is unlikely to add any useful information not already available through the echo (ultrasound). Echocardiography is the standard method for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of valvular disease and CMR is generally reserved for patients in whom echo is difficult or inconclusive.

Valve replacement is indicated when cardiac output drops below a certain point, as indicated by the "Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction" result on the echo. Prior to that point, periodic monitoring is all that is required. (Aside from the echo results, you yourself will notice changes if your cardiac output starts to fall, e.g. you will get easily out of breath when walking, climbing stairs etc).

I do not think a self-prescribed CMR will do you any good.

Regarding your back, I recommend you consult Dr. Wicharn at the BNH Hospital Spine Center (he is also at Bangkok Christian Hospital once a week, either Saturday or Sunday, forget which). If you want to get an MRI first you can do so at this place

http://www.mrithailand.com/index.php?lang=en# (has 2 branches in Issan) and bring the CD with you when you see the doctor. (Would be MRI without contrast of the cervical or lumbar spine depending on which is the problem). However, there is a chance that the diagnosis can be made without MRI in which case you will have wasted your money. (If MRI is needed, though, you will save time in Bkk and also expense vs having the MRI done at a hospital).

In either case, bring the Xray films with you, some things (e.g. bone spurs) are actually easier to view on an Xray than an MRI. Doesn't matter that your doc in Issan already reviewed the Xrays, a good spinal specialist may see things another doc may miss.

[dominique355]

Don't forget to check how powerful the MRI machine is to get a sufficiently clear picture.

MRI machines with less than 2 Tesla won't do the job properly. Better 3 Tesla.

Or go for at PET Scan.

[oxo1947]

Thank you ---all for the advice...............will be taking it on board......

[steelepulse]

Don't forget to check how powerful the MRI machine is to get a sufficiently clear picture.

MRI machines with less than 2 Tesla won't do the job properly. Better 3 Tesla.

Or go for at PET Scan.

Any idea where these 2 and 3 Tesla machines are? I'm in Phuket and there are only 1 Tesla machines here so a lot of info is missing from the slices as 1 Tesla just isn't precise enough.

[Sheryl]

Have you checked with Bangkok Hospital Phuket?

If theirs is only 1 tesla then that might be all that is available in Phuket..

It does not always matter much, and for that matter sometimes other tests like CT (or even simple Xrays) if read by a good specialist can suffice. Should discuss with the doctor who will be interpreting the film what he thinks is necessary -- and also clarify the specific parameters (contrast vs non-contrast, specific views etc).

If it really requires a 2-3 Tesla you may have to go to Surathani or Bangkok.

In Surathani http://www.mrithailand.com/index.php?modules=article&parent_id=2&id=42

But have to call to find out re the machine

[steelepulse]

Have you checked with Bangkok Hospital Phuket?

If theirs is only 1 tesla then that might be all that is available in Phuket..

It does not always matter much, and for that matter sometimes other tests like CT (or even simple Xrays) if read by a good specialist can suffice. Should discuss with the doctor who will be interpreting the film what he thinks is necessary -- and also clarify the specific parameters (contrast vs non-contrast, specific views etc).

If it really requires a 2-3 Tesla you may have to go to Surathani or Bangkok.

In Surathani http://www.mrithailand.com/index.php?modules=article&parent_id=2&id=42

But have to call to find out re the machine

Bangkok Phuket only has 1 Tesla machines.