Q: MRI /MRA Results Normal

[Lenore58]

I am relieved to report that my scans came back normal. No aneurysms or abnormalities seen. I had head and neck done; with, and without contrast dye. The question I have is regarding something PMRpro commented on a few posts ago: that the tests are worthless if you’ve been on prednisone for a while. I’ve been on 10 mg or less this past year, and then about a week before the MRIs I was started on 60 mg for the GCA. Does that mean these MRIs were worthless? My doctor is also ordering CT scans of my chest and abdomen. Will those be worthless as well?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No - SOME tests are possibly worthless after a long period on pred at moderate doses and above. Pred doesn't usually affect MRI and ordinary CT - it does affect PET-CT because it depends on emissions from labelled glucose taken up by inflamed tissues. Pred suppresses that. MRI and CT usually are looking for structural features which don't change.

[Lenore58 in reply to PMRpro]

Oh thank you!

That is such a relief, and I am so grateful for your input and expertise.

[Mooreby]

Good to hear!