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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Is Mri For Lower Back Performed?

I am 65 years old. Had MRI for low back. showed abnormal marrow signal associated with illac bone ont he Right on T1 weighting which is not confirmed on T2 weighting. This abnormality is not included the field of view on STIR images. Just had bone scan. what is radiologist looking for.
Thu, 5 Jun 2014
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Radiologist 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for choosing healthcaremagic.
I think the abnormal signal will be due to fatty changes in the bone marrow which occurs in many people especially in the people above 50. Also, as the scan was done for back the iliac bone was not covered in all sequences. If your back is normal, then I think you can ignore it and no need to worry about it. If you are really anxious, you can undergo a dedicated MRI pelvis with all sequences covering the region and it will give the answer.
Abnormal signals can be due to anything affecting the bone - most commonly fatty replacement, also can be due to infection, inflammation or any neoplastic changes. With just one sequence it is next to impossible to say which one.
So, if you have any other complaints like fever, infection, pain etc you can undergo full MRI Pelvis or else you can just ignore it.
Hope it sorts your problem.
Regards,
Dr. Pankaj Nagori
Specialist Radiologist
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Why Is Mri For Lower Back Performed?

Hi, Thanks for choosing healthcaremagic. I think the abnormal signal will be due to fatty changes in the bone marrow which occurs in many people especially in the people above 50. Also, as the scan was done for back the iliac bone was not covered in all sequences. If your back is normal, then I think you can ignore it and no need to worry about it. If you are really anxious, you can undergo a dedicated MRI pelvis with all sequences covering the region and it will give the answer. Abnormal signals can be due to anything affecting the bone - most commonly fatty replacement, also can be due to infection, inflammation or any neoplastic changes. With just one sequence it is next to impossible to say which one. So, if you have any other complaints like fever, infection, pain etc you can undergo full MRI Pelvis or else you can just ignore it. Hope it sorts your problem. Regards, Dr. Pankaj Nagori Specialist Radiologist