Hello, I need help in reading my MRI. I've been have lower back problems since 2015 and have just started get tested to find the cause. I have one XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VW that was taken in June of 2018, MRI SPINE LUMBAR W/WO CONTRAST that was taken in October of 2018, and MRI SPINE LUMBAR W/WO CONTRAST that was taken this month. I would like to know what does it mean, any treatments needed, etc. All help is appreciated.
XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VW 06/2018
Impression
Negative study.
EXAMINATION:
XR LUMBAR SPINE AP AND LATERAL
TECHNIQUE:
AP, lateral and spot images were performed of the lumbar spine.
COMPARISON:
None
FINDINGS:
The vertebral body height and alignment are well maintained. The disc spaces are preserved. There is no fracture or acute bony abnormality.
MRI SPINE LUMBAR W/WO CONTRAST 10/2018
Impression
No acute findings in the distal thoracic spinal cord. No spinal canal stenosis or cord compression. No abnormal regions of contrast enhancement in the distal thoracic spinal cord or within the spinal canal. There is subcutaneous edema with mild enhancement L1 through L3 levels which could be potentially represent a phlegmon-suggest clinical correlation.
EXAMINATION:
MRI LUMBAR SPINE W WO CONTRAST
TECHNIQUE:
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine with and without intravenous contrast in multiple planes. Approximately 8 mm L of Gadavist was given intravenously.
COMPARISON:
None
FINDINGS:
The vertebral body appeared unremarkable. No acute fracture.
The spinal cord was normal with normal signal. No abnormal enhancement.
Soft tissues appear to be with edema within the subcutaneous soft tissues from L1 through L3 levels. Tissue does not enhance with gadolinium administration. No drainable abscess is apparent.
The disc spaces from the level of L1 through S1 were unremarkable with no significant disc disease. No spinal canal stenosis.
MRI SPINE LUMBAR W/WO CONTRAST 11/2018
Impression
Mild lower disc herniation without evidence of spinal canal stenosis. There is slight neural foramen narrowing at the L5-S1 level.
No subcutaneous edema observed posteriorly at this time.
EXAMINATION:
MRI LUMBAR SPINE W WO CONTRAST
TECHNIQUE:
Multiplanar, multisequence MR images were acquired from the thoracolumbar junction to the sacrum without the administration of contrast. After IV administration of 8 mm Gadavist, T1 weighted sagittal and axial image was performed.
COMPARISON:
MRI lumbar spine October 22, 2018.
FINDINGS:
Alignment: Normal.
Vertebrae: Normal marrow signal. No fracture.
Discs: Normal height and signal.
Cord: Normal. Conus terminates at L1
Degenerative findings:
T12-L1: Normal disc signal. No evidence of herniation or spinal canal stenosis.
L1-L2: Normal disc signal. No evidence of herniation or spinal canal stenosis.
L2-L3: Normal disc signal. No evidence of spinal canal stenosis or disc herniation.
L3-L4: Normal disc signal. No evidence of spinal canal stenosis or disc herniation.
L4-L5: Normal disc signal. Mild posterior herniation with slight encroachment upon the anterior thecal sac. Normal foramina. No spinal canal stenosis.
L5-S1: Normal disc signal. Mild herniation which encroaches upon the anterior thecal sac. No spinal canal stenosis. Mild narrowing of the neural foramen bilaterally. Mild facet hypertrophy.
Paraspinal muscles & soft tissues: The previously noted posterior subcutaneous tissues do not demonstrate edema at this time. There is no evidence of an enhancing spinal process.