Could someone please tell me what the following MRI report is saying in
language I can understand? Thanks...
Thanks for your question. There is a 2CM area of hyperintensity in the lateral aspect of the mid left
temporal lobe. Anteroposteriorly this measures somewhat larger being
approximately 4CM in length. Some of this may represent edema and some
may represent a mass. It is intra-axial and does not appear to involve
the grey matter but appears more situated in the white matter and does
have mass effect. The sulci of the left temporal lobe are effaced. No
enhancement is seen with contrast. Differential would include tumor such
as a low-grade glioma or possibly viral encephalitis. Clinical correlation
is recommended. The "mass" located in the left temporal measures aproximately 2x4 cm, and
is located within the brain tissue (vs. located on the coverings, or further
outside of the brain). It appears to be mostly in the White Matter, which
is the "inner" layer of the brain, which one predominantly finds the neural
fibers (axons). There is a small amount of tissue swelling surrounding this
"mass" and in addition this "mass" is pushing away the adjacent tissues (hence
the "mass effect"). Because of that, the pattern of "foldings" in the
temporal lobe is somewhat distorted. Glioma refers to a tumor of glial cells,
which is a general term used for all the "supporting" cells in the brain
which are not neuronal cells. The mass is not made any "brighter" with
the constrast medium. (...)There are 1 or 2 tiny deep white matter hyperintensities
on the left of unknown significance but could be related to old inflammation,
ischemia or demyelination. No abnormal areas of contrast enhancement are
seen. Ther is a 6MM mass in the interpeduncular cistern which is hyperintense
on T1 and T2 weighted images and does not definitely enhance. Most likely this
represents a lipoma. The prior CT scan demonstrates a very low attenuation
structure. The differential would also include predominantly fatty-containing
dermoid or epidermoid. Lipoma is favored given all of the findings. There is
a retention cyst in the left and right maxillary sinus. The pituitary fossa
is within normal limits. The remaining of the reading described 1 or 2 other much smaller lesions
also located in the white matter, that do not enhance with the contrast
medium and are of unclear clinical significance. The interpeduncular
cistern is a space situated in between the two cerebral peduncles at
the level of the midbrain. Impression:
1. Abnormal hyperintensity in the left temporal lobe demonstrating
mass effect and predominantly white matter involvement. Differential
would include glioma versus viral encephalitis.
2. 6MM mass in the interpeduncular cistern, most likely representing
a lipoma, see discussion above.
3. One or two tiny deep white matter hyperintensities of questionable
significance.
4. Small retention cyst in the maxillary sinuses.
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