My CT says “no acute findings” — why do I still feel pain?
A CT report that says “no acute findings” can be confusing if you still feel pain. It means the radiologist did not see a new, urgent problem on the scan…
Author: A. Mendelson, MD
Recommend Correlation with Labs on Radiology Reports: What It Means
When you receive a radiology report, you might notice the phrase “recommend correlation with labs.” In simple terms, it means the imaging findings are not enough on their own, and…
Atelectasis vs Consolidation on Radiology Reports: What It Means
Radiology reports often use terms like atelectasis and consolidation to describe findings in the lungs. These are imaging patterns that look similar but represent different processes. Atelectasis refers to lung…
When Should You Worry About a Liver Lesion?
When a radiology report mentions a “liver lesion,” it can feel alarming. The truth is that most liver lesions found on imaging are benign, especially in people without liver disease…
Mesenteric Lymphadenitis on CT: What It Means
Mesenteric lymphadenitis refers to inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes in the mesentery, the tissue that anchors the intestines to the back of the abdomen. These lymph nodes help…
Enthesopathy on Radiology Reports: What It Means
Enthesopathy is a term that means there is inflammation, or degeneration at an enthesis. This is the spot where a tendon, ligament, or joint capsule attaches to bone. This attachment…
Synovial Cyst of the Spine on Radiology Reports: What It Means
A “synovial cyst of the spine” is a benign (non-cancerous) finding that relates to normal wear and tear in the joints of your spine. MRI helps with diagnosing synovial cysts…
Facet Arthropathy on CT and MRI: What It Means
CT or MRI reports of the spine often mention facet arthropathy, facet joint arthritis, or facet degeneration. This simply reflects common wear-and-tear of the spine’s small joints. This article explains…
Epididymal Cyst on Ultrasound on Radiology Reports: What It Means
“Epididymal cysts” are often described on a scrotal ultrasound report. The good news is that epididymal cysts are almost always benign (non-cancerous), often painless, and commonly found by chance on…
Lytic vs Blastic Lesions on Radiology Reports: What It Means
When a radiology report mentions a “lytic lesion” or a “blastic lesion,” it refers to how a spot in the bone appears on imaging, Understanding the difference helps patients and…
Bartholin Cyst on Radiology Reports: What It Means
A Bartholin cyst is a common fluid-filled sac that develops near the vaginal opening. These cysts form when the Bartholin gland duct becomes blocked, causing fluid to build up. While…
Superficial Thrombophlebitis on Ultrasound: What It Means
Superficial thrombophlebitis means there is a blood clot and inflammation in a vein just under the skin. This is diagnosed through ultrasound imaging. Superficial thrombophlebitis is often uncomfortable but…