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8452642 tn?1398193453

Help me understand my MRI

Here are the results of my MRI and I have NO CLUE what this means to me. Can someone tell me? Do I need surgery or a candidate for it? Is it serious or NOT? Do I need to see a specialist? I feel stupid for not knowing laymen terms and understanding of this.

Findings: there is a loss of disc height at the level L2-L3. The disc is low in signal intensity on T1, T2, and STIR. The adjacent endplates are predominately, however, they demonstrate decreased T1 signal intensity and increased STIR signal intensity. There is no evidence of paraspinal T2 signal increase to indicate the presence of surrounding inflammation.
There is also loss of disc height and decreased STIR signal intensity at the L3-L4 and L4-L5 levels, however, without endplate signal change.
At the L2-L3 level, there is a disc bilge, the posterior aspect measruring 3 mm in AP dimension. The same degree of disc bulge is also seen at the L3-L4, and L4-L5 levels.


MRI OF THE LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST
TECHNIQUE: Sagittal T1, T2, and STIR. Axial T2 sequence
There is mild neural foraminal narrowing at the L3-L4 level bilaterally and at the L4-L5 on the left, secondary to the aforementioned disc bulge and facet hypertrophic degenerative change.
at the L4-L5 level on the right, there is a Tarlov's cyst measuring 4mm in AP diameter.
An ovoid to round high T2 signal intensity lesion is identified in the right lower renal pole. It is not within the scan range of the other sequence.
COMPARISON: MRI of the lumbar spine of the same date.
TECHNIQUE: AP, bilateral oblique, and lateral radiographs were obtained
There is a 2 mm of anerolisthesis of L4 on L5. The vertebral body heights are preserved. Moderate disc space narrowing and surrounding endplates sclerosis is seen at the L2-L3 level, as well as endplate ostephytosis. Loss of disc height is also seen but less pronounced at the L3-L4 level. Facet sclerosis and hypertrophy is seen at the L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 levels.
4 Responses
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8452642 tn?1398193453
I appreciate your positive support and enthusiasm. Much needed n appreciated.
Helpful - 0
8452642 tn?1398193453
Thank you SO MUCH! I did ask the doctor who prescribed it, but honestly, didn't get any answers. He gave me the copy and then said if you have any questions call. I did and still have no answers.
Helpful - 0
8221281 tn?1397570972
By the way, these are not laymens terms. The language used in this report is intended for a medical professional to properly interpret. Its not intended to be understandable by non medical professionals ;) Don't feel bad
Helpful - 0
8221281 tn?1397570972
The high intensity lesion in the right renal pole is likely just a simple cyst, The rest of that, from experience, I recommend seeing a spine surgeon or go to a clinic where ortho and neuros are available.  The physician who ordered the MRI should be able to refer you to the appropriate specialist. He should also be able to explain your results to you.  Whether or not you are a candidate for surgery is based on a host of other clinical data to which is not provided here so it is best to talk to your doctor about this.
Helpful - 0
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