What does my MRI report indicate?

Understanding Your MRI Report

MRI reports are standardized documents that provide detailed information about your imaging study, including the technique used and findings observed, which your doctor will use to guide your diagnosis and treatment.

Structure of an MRI Report

According to the American College of Radiology guidelines, a standard MRI report should include:

1. MRI Technique Section 1

   • Anatomical area examined
   • Field strength of the MRI machine (typically 1.5T or 3T)
   • Slice thickness
   • Type and dose of contrast agent (if used)
   • Sequences performed

2. Findings Section 1, 2

   • Systematic description of all imaging findings
   • Number, topography, size, and shape of any lesions
   • Qualitative assessment of tissue characteristics
   • Comparison to normal anatomy
   • Any incidental findings (unexpected discoveries)

3. Conclusion/Impression Section 1

   • Brief interpretation of radiological findings
   • Relationship to the clinical problem
   • Potential diagnoses or differential diagnoses
   • Evidence of disease activity or progression

Common Findings in MRI Reports

Brain MRI

• White spots (hyperintensities): May indicate inflammation, small vessel disease, or demyelination 2
• Enhancement after contrast: Often indicates active inflammation or breakdown of the blood-brain barrier 2
• Brain atrophy: Noted if brain tissue appears shrunken compared to what's expected for age 2
• Multiple sclerosis lesions: Typically appear as hyperintense areas on T2-weighted images, often in periventricular regions 1

Spine MRI

• Disc abnormalities: Herniation, bulging, degeneration 2
• Nerve compression: Impingement of nerve roots or spinal cord 2
• Signal changes: Abnormal brightness or darkness in tissues that may indicate pathology 2
• Spinal cord lesions: May indicate demyelinating disease like MS 1

How to Interpret Common Terminology

• "Normal": No abnormalities detected
• "Unremarkable": Nothing significant or concerning was found
• "Artifact": Technical interference that may affect image quality 1
• "Enhancement": Area that brightens after contrast administration, often indicating inflammation or increased blood flow
• "Hyperintense": Appears brighter than surrounding tissue on certain sequences
• "Hypointense": Appears darker than surrounding tissue on certain sequences

Important Considerations

• MRI findings must be interpreted in the context of your clinical symptoms 2
• Incidental findings (unexpected discoveries) are common and often clinically insignificant
• Follow-up imaging may be recommended to monitor changes over time 2
• Additional testing might be needed to confirm a diagnosis suggested by MRI findings

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

1. What do the main findings on my MRI mean?
2. Are there any concerning findings that require immediate attention?
3. Do I need any follow-up imaging or additional tests?
4. How do these findings relate to my symptoms?
5. What treatment options should we consider based on these findings?

Remember that your doctor is the best person to explain your specific MRI results in the context of your overall health situation.