I had my second transsphenoidal surgery in 2002 and clear MRI scans since then, except for my latest MRI last September (2008).

My consultant endocrinologist phoned to tell me that the scan was unsatisfactory, because it looked as if there were metal fragments left behind from surgery. This seemed amazing to me, especially since I'd had clear scans before.

On further inspection, I was advised that the "metal fragments" turned out to be "surgical packing" left behind after surgery. Apparently, this is normal and in most people it naturally dissolves over time. In my case, it still seems to be there, although why it wasn't commented upon after previous scans is still a mystery for me. I have asked for more information.

-Jon

Wow! That would be scary. My packing was done with a "fat graft" from my belly. I was told that it would be reabsorbed as it wasn't needed anymore to hold pressure on the hole. I assume they packed yours with something else? I offered to be a fat donor, but I don't think they appreciated the potential:)

On my 2nd go the packing was done with some of my belly as well. I got infected and I had to use "Wilson's solution" with my nasal rinse twice a day. Although I didn't really notice anything other than a bad smell... and the 3rd they used some more dense/muscular tissue from my right outer thigh and no infection.
Jon I am sorry you and this bad news...I hope you are all recovered soon and this has an easy fix!!

JeriTX I am sorry about this for you as well...Yes I do have scar tissue but it is on my coratid artery. Everything is clear of my optic nerve thankfully...but that was a HUGE concern of mine. Keep us posted on what you find out!

Today, at last, I received a letter from my endocrinologist enclosing a report dated 28th November 2008 about my latest MRI scan. The report stated that, There are susceptibility artefacts from foreign (metallic?) bodies in the region of the sphenoid and pituitary fossa degrading imaging of the pituitary gland and surrounding structures beyond any acceptable standard. Diagnosis is not possible.

An addendum to the report stated, I am now able to compare the MRI scan with the previous scans... On todays imaging there has been no significant changes in appearances. I cannot be sure due to the artefacts but I suspect there might be residual tumour adjacent to the right cavernous sinus that can be the cause of the patients symptoms.

A bit of a shock to learn that there may be residual tumour. Also, still no satisfactory explanation as to what the foreign bodies in my head may be. At least they havent started talking to me... :(

-Jon

PS My endocrinologist wrote of the MRI report, "I don't think this has significance."

However,I still found it worrying and would have liked a fuller explanation, some six months after I had the MRI scan.

-Jon

Jon, doesn't seem like you received a very good explanation, I would also be a bit annoyed, does it cause you any problems,headaches for instance? do they need to remove it at all?

Thanks AusieFay for asking. Well, I woke up with an awful and unusual headache after my second transsphenoidal operation back in 2002. The same headache has visited me regularly ever since, but I have no idea if this is anything to do with the foreign bodies in my head. I didnt have headaches before the operation.

My endocrinologist wrote that the report by the radiologist about my MRI scan was self-explanatory, but unfortunately I dont understand it. Hopefully I will find out more at my next consultation.

The artefacts in my head may be surgical packing, which is used to fill the gap left inside the head following surgery. In my case, the packing used was muscle taken deep from inside my right thigh (that was painful). It is known that sometimes these fat or muscle pads can become infected. Some surgeons dont pack the pituitary in this way anymore. One endocrinologist I know (not in the UK) wrote to tell me that their neurosurgeons now use the bone/cartilage removed by the ENT surgeon and glue it back using a little bit of Lyostypt glue. This completely closes the operation site and the glue then dissolves soon after surgery.

Regarding my latest MRI scan, I am more puzzled than anything else. I hope to know more soon and will report back to this Forum.

(JeriTX, I am so sorry I have filled your discussion thread about scar tissue with news instead about foreign bodies in my head! It seemed to be a sort of related topic. I feel sure youll forgive me. Everyone on this Forum seems very nice.)

-Jon