Testing MRI with contrast dye?

Petra2024 · August 14

my DH is supposed to have 4 MRIs today— one with contrast dye. I’m reading about possible problems for elderly patients with dementia and/or heart disease with the contrast dye…he’s frail and I don’t want to put him through nausea/rashes/increased cognitive issues —- I’m thinking of having him do only the three MRIs without contrast. Anyone looked into this before ? I’ll call his heart doc this am to get his feedback if possible but I’m kicking myself for not thinking of this before the day of the test.

M1 · August 14

Petra, FWIW problems with MRI contrast are not as common as problems with other contrast preps, it's a bit different than the contrast used for other tests. i hope he's able to cooperate, it may be difficult for him. It's short notice, but you could rethink and reschedule. Do you know what they are looking for with these tests? If they find something, would you put him through more treatment?

Petra2024 · August 14

thanks for that info — good to know it’s not as common to have problems… it’s his first brain MRI series, they’re looking to see what exactly he has — cat scan showed moderate brain atrophy but the neurologist is guessing vascular Parkinsonism… worst case we can do the two MRA’s and the brain MRI without contrast…and see if that gives neurologist enough infoI read the contrast dye can contribute to dementia (googling online can be iffy, I know)… DH is FINALLY after nine months done with post-shingles nightmare and he’s 82 with heart disease so I just don’t want him to have any unnecessary pain

Petra2024 · August 14

pS to M1, you hit the nail on the head with this—

“If they find something, would you put him through more treatment?”

I don’t think there’s much to be done to help at this point if it’s vascular Parkinsonism… and he’s on heavy meds for heart disease (amiodarone is one) so I’m wary of adding more medication unless it’s clearly going to make his life better…

Denise1847 · August 14

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/219273#Comment_219273

Hi M1, I just want you to know how much I appreciate the knowledge you share with us on this forum. You make such a difference in helping us all non-medical people. God bless you.

Petra2024 · August 14

Denise1847 I’m so glad you posted this—I was thinking the same thing.

M1 · August 14

to be honest, I'm not aware that one can diagnose Parkinsonism from an MRI scan. I ca't imagine how it could possibly change his treatment….but then again there may be something I don't know, for sure. I just hate to see our frail loved ones put through unnecessary procedures. They might be able to diagnose Lewy Body dementia, that's the only thing i can think of that might show up. But there's certainly a limit to how much we can speculate without knowing the details.

jfkoc · August 14

I am with Ml and would not do any of it unless the results would change treatment. I would get more info before proceeding.

Petra2024 · August 14

he’s in now—doing well after first tests, one more to go.

I talked to his cardiologist right before and he was able to talk to the neurologist (their offices are side by side). They both thought it would be important to get the contrast…

I may be wrong about what the neurologist is looking for so it may be that it’s not the Parkinsonism they look for with this series … but in any case, DH is going ahead with the whole series—I think he wants the neurologist to have the complete info… he’s usually good with tests.

I have faith in the cardiologist’s judgement as he’s kept DH going for 24 years and knows his condition well, and has always made good calls … fingers crossed that all goes well. But i will be quicker in future with research and questions if anyone wants more tests. And jfkoc what you said I will keep in mind in future: “would not do any of it unless the results would change treatment.” That’ what I should have asked from the start… Thanks everyone for your input.