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What Does My MRI Scan Report Indicate?
Question: How long does it take for a hematoma to dissolve completely? My child was diagnosed with a hematoma by her spine in mid January, the MRI and US measured it at 1.9 cm. Today it measures 1.1 cm. Doctor is not concerned and said maybe another 3 months for it to be completely gone, something about the location that's taking it longer to dissolve. Is there anything I can do to help this process move faster or will the body just take care of it?
Brief Answer:
No need to do anything
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
As long as the hematoma is not growing in size and is not causing any new symptoms I do not think there is anything to worry about. Resolution may take several months as blood products are gradually broken down and eventually absorbed gradually.
Regarding whether there is something you can do, I am afraid not, additional interventions won't affect the process much, it will take its own time.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
No need to do anything
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
As long as the hematoma is not growing in size and is not causing any new symptoms I do not think there is anything to worry about. Resolution may take several months as blood products are gradually broken down and eventually absorbed gradually.
Regarding whether there is something you can do, I am afraid not, additional interventions won't affect the process much, it will take its own time.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
How accurate are MRIs in diagnosing hematomas? Just curious. The final report said he strongly suspects a hematoma. Why don't radiologists give more precise answers?Also is this how a hematoma dissolves, very slowly? It is getting smaller but not very fast. It's taken 4 1/2 months to shrink that little bit.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
MRI is the procedure of choice to detect hematomas, it has specific sequences for blood, so shouldn't leave much room for doubt. As to why the radiologist is not definitive in his answer it's hard to say, at times may vary among individuals, some physicians feel safer that way, but if there was some other differential diagnosis at play he should normally mention it.
As for the resolution, you do have a point there, usually the expected time would be a couple of months. But it depends also on the surrounding tissue, how much vascularized it is, it may take more. What matters is that it is followed with control imaging tests to confirm it is not rebleeding and no new findings are seen. Of course tests for coagulation are also recommended, but I assume she's already had those.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
MRI is the procedure of choice to detect hematomas, it has specific sequences for blood, so shouldn't leave much room for doubt. As to why the radiologist is not definitive in his answer it's hard to say, at times may vary among individuals, some physicians feel safer that way, but if there was some other differential diagnosis at play he should normally mention it.
As for the resolution, you do have a point there, usually the expected time would be a couple of months. But it depends also on the surrounding tissue, how much vascularized it is, it may take more. What matters is that it is followed with control imaging tests to confirm it is not rebleeding and no new findings are seen. Of course tests for coagulation are also recommended, but I assume she's already had those.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
No differential diagnosis was mentioned in the report. We did see obviously her pediatrician first, radiologist then we got another opinion from a surgeon. They all said the same thing, a hematoma. I guess because of the location by her spine they said it would take longer to resolve. Personally when I first felt the lump, it felt like half a golf ball sticking out of her back and was the size of a quarter maybe bigger? Now when I feel it, it barely sticks out unless she bends over. It's a little bit bigger then a 1/4 inch in diameter, yes I measure it!! Also she had the contrast with the MRI. Google freaks me out cause they mentioned sarcoma!! However that wasn't brought up in the report at all. A sarcoma would grow in 4 1/2 months and not shrink right? Sorry, I won't be 100% relieved until it's completely gone. The US said no blood flow.
Brief Answer:
No indication of sarcoma or any other malignant origin.
Detailed Answer:
As you yourself say a sarcoma would grow in the meantime. It would also have different characteristics in among MRI sequences and would enhance with administration of contrast. It seems to me your physician has been pretty thorough having the necessary consults. So while your worry as a mother is understandable there is no objective reason for panic really.
I hope to have been of help.
No indication of sarcoma or any other malignant origin.
Detailed Answer:
As you yourself say a sarcoma would grow in the meantime. It would also have different characteristics in among MRI sequences and would enhance with administration of contrast. It seems to me your physician has been pretty thorough having the necessary consults. So while your worry as a mother is understandable there is no objective reason for panic really.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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