Abstract
MRI is widely used as the imaging of choice for spinal disorders and may reveal either a clinically insignificant incidental abnormality or a significant lesion, unrelated to the spine, which may explain the patient's symptoms. This article attempts to establish the importance of such findings and describes a sensible approach to the reporting of MRI examinations of the spine with special attention to the incidental findings commonly encountered. The MRI characteristics of such findings are briefly described.
MeSH terms
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Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Aortic Aneurysm / diagnosis
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Female
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Female Urogenital Diseases / diagnosis
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Humans
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Incidental Findings*
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Liver Diseases / diagnosis
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Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
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Lymph Nodes / pathology
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Lymphatic Diseases / diagnosis
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
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Male
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Male Urogenital Diseases / diagnosis
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Middle Aged
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Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
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Radiology Information Systems
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Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / diagnosis
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Spinal Diseases / diagnosis*
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Thyroid Diseases / diagnosis