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…
Author: A. Mendelson, MD
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…
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…
Mediastinal Lymph Nodes Borderline Size on Radiology Reports: What It Means
A radiology report of the chest can mention “mediastinal lymph nodes of borderline size.” The mediastinum is the central part of the chest, located between the lungs, that contains the…
Traction Bronchiectasis on Radiology Reports: What It Means
Traction bronchiectasis on a chest CT report refers to airways (bronchi or bronchioles) that are pulled open or stretched because of nearby scarring or fibrosis (lung tissue damage). This is…
Pleural Plaque on Radiology Reports: What It Means
Pleural plaques are described on radiology reports of the chest. They are usually benign and do not directly cause serious illness. They represent a form of scarring on the lining…