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Can MRI results vary per machine and radiologist

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ankur320:
I did first MRI on 3T machine in May 2018, and it measured 10*5 mm. I did next one in another hospital again on 3T MRI machine and result were 13*7mm. I am surprised with the growth in 4 months. Has anyone experienced this vast difference so early.
Can MRI result depend upon MRI machine and how pathologist reads it?

notaclone13:
Many posts have stated that there can be variation from one MRI machine to another.  My otologist instructed me to have my 6 month post-diagnosis MRI performed on the same machine as my previous one so that we could get the most accurate comparison.   I have also read that MRIs done on the same machine can vary from 1-2 mm depending on what cut of the tumor was used for the measurement and which radiologist was doing the measuring.  Has your doctor seen these results and commented?  You may want to see if you can find a neuro-radiologist to read the 2 MRIs and give an opinion. 

ankur320:
Thanks for reply, that gives some relief though. I have appointment in 2 days with neuroSurgeon, He may give more clarity.

notaclone13:
I just found this info in a post from Cityview:

I like what Dr. Haynes said on the Vanderbilt Facebook Live event...that a person could have two MRIs on the same day and it could look like there was growth just because of the way the technology works.  He also mentioned something about not needing contrast every time. (I'm summarizing)
I found that Facebook Live event very good in so many ways....very interesting.
Lots of good stuff.

I did not see this event, but will ask Cityview how to access it. So you see, MRIs can be quite variable. Hope this will make you feel more at ease.

Citiview:
Hi
The Facebook Live event was the one currently found on the ANA Facebook page. Allison Feldman did the event at Vanderbilt. Dr. Haynes said they once gave the same patient an MRI twice in one day on the same machine and it looked like there was growth.

Another doctor on a different webinar (can't remember which one) said that they wouldn't consider there to be growth unless there's a 3mm difference.

I would try not to react too strongly based on a small difference in measurements, given the fact that the machines and Radiologists were different.

Every once and a while I look at a ruler at how big a millimeter is just to remind myself - Wow that's small!

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