Peripancreatic Stranding on Radiology Reports: What It Means
Peripancreatic stranding is a phrase you may see on a CT scan report after an emergency room visit or evaluation for abdominal pain. The wording can sound alarming, but in…
Author: A. Mendelson, MD
Nabothian Cyst of the Cervix on Radiology Reports: What It Means
A nabothian cyst is one of the most common benign findings seen on pelvic ultrasound. It often appears during a routine imaging study done for other reasons such as pelvic…
Spinal Stenosis (Mild, Moderate, Severe) on Radiology Reports: What It Means
“Spinal stenosis” means narrowing of the spinal canal or bony tunnel that surrounds the spinal cord. On MRI, radiologists describe the degree of narrowing as mild, moderate, or severe…
Schmorl Node on Radiology Reports: What It Means
A Schmorl node is a common finding on spine MRI. It occurs when part of a spinal disc pushes into the adjacent vertebral bone, creating a small pit or indentation….
Partial Volume Averaging Artifact on Radiology Reports: What It Means
Partial volume averaging is a common imaging artifact found on studies like CT or MRI. This occurs when tissues get blended together within a single image slice or voxel. The…
Recommend “Recommend MRI for Further Evaluation” on Radiology Reports: What It Means
When a radiology report says “recommend MRI for further evaluation,” it means the imaging doctor (radiologist) saw something that would be best evaluated with an MRI scan. It does not…
Perianal Fistula MRI on Radiology Reports: What It Means
A perianal fistula is a small tunnel that forms between the anal canal and the skin near the anus. An MRI of the pelvis maps this tunnel system in detail…
Hydrosalpinx on Radiology Reports: What It Means
Hydrosalpinx means a fallopian tube is blocked and filled with fluid. On an ultrasound report, it tells you the sonographer saw a fluid-filled, tube-shaped structure next to the ovary. This…
Diverticulitis Uncomplicated vs Complicated CT
Diverticulitis is an inflammation of small pouches in the colon called diverticula. When symptoms are significant, a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is often used to confirm the…
Suspected Metastatic Disease on Radiology Reports: What It Means
“Suspected metastatic disease” on a radiology report means that the cancer may have spread from its original site to another part of the body. This phrase signals concern, not certainty….
Cervical Spondylosis on MRI: What It Means
Cervical spondylosis is a common finding on MRI scans of the neck. It refers to age-related wear and tear changes in the cervical spine, which includes the bones, discs, joints,…
Indeterminate Liver Lesion on Radiology Reports: What It Means
Radiology reports of the abdomen sometimes mention an “indeterminate liver lesion.” This phrase simply means that the radiologist saw a spot or area in the liver for which a…