Body of the Radiology Report

The body of the radiology report is where most of the detail is.  This is where the radiologist describes the findings on the imaging study.  The body of the report is where the radiologist mentions all the organs or structures and whether they are normal or abnormal.

Body of the report is where the radiologist provides the findings that lead to the conclusion.

The impression of the report is where the radiologist provides a conclusion and the most likely diagnosis.  The body of the report precedes the impression of the report.  The body is where the radiologist provides the findings that lead to the conclusion.

Often the body of the report will have the details about the diagnosis.  How big is the abnormality?  Where is it located?  What does it look like in words?   What structures are involved?  Does the process involve other parts of the anatomy?

Both normal and abnormal structures will be mentioned

The body of the radiology report will also mention normal structures.  In a body CT, like that of the abdomen, the radiology will mention that the liver, spleen, pancreas and other organs are normal.  That the aorta is normal without aneurysm.

The body of the report may also provide mention of minor abnormalities which may not necessarily be significant.  Multiple small lymph nodes.  Calcifications of blood vessels that occurs with age.  Mild organ enlargement.  Often significant findings will be placed in the impression or conclusion.

The body of the report may be short when the study is normal or close to it.  It will be longer when there is an abnormality and longest when there are multiple abnormalities like in an oncology patient who follows up after treatment.

Body of the report will include mentions of any old studies

The body of the report may also include comments on comparison studies.  Structures may be measured to see if there is growth.  Abnormalities will be evaluated for any other changes in appearance.  Comparisons are very important because structures or abnormalities that change over time are more likely to be significant.

The body of the report is therefore the place where the radiologist lists the findings.  There are often descriptions of normal and abnormal structures.  There are details provided about the diagnosis which is placed in the impression.  The body is also a place for the radiologist to describe any limitations of the study or technical problems.