What is an incidental finding?
An incidental finding is something that is seen during the examination but was not the original reason or main question of the scan.
Examples can include:
- a cyst;
- scar tissue from a previous surgery or inflammation;
- anatomical variations;
- wear and tear without any symptoms;
- a benign growth;
- a finding whose significance is not yet clear.
An incidental finding is not automatically a disease or a threat to your health. It is also not automatically a mistake in the scan. It is a factual observation that may fall outside the primary examination question.
Is an incidental finding the same as a false-positive result?
No. These are different concepts. An incidental finding is something that is seen but not specifically looked for. A false-positive result is one that initially suggests a condition, while follow-up research shows that the condition is not present. Scar tissue is therefore not necessarily "noise" or false-positive. It can actually be visible and recognized by the radiologist as an innocuous change.
Can the radiologist always see if something is serious?
Often, an experienced radiologist can recognize typical benign findings. However, it is not always possible to assess every finding with complete certainty immediately.
Sometimes additional information is needed, such as:
- comparison with older scans;
- a follow-up examination after a certain period;
- a more targeted MRI;
- an MRI with contrast agent;
- an ultrasound, CT scan, or other imaging examination;
- blood tests;
- evaluation by another medical specialist;
- in some situations, tissue examination.
This additional examination does not automatically mean that something serious is going on. It is often intended to remove uncertainty or further characterize a finding.
Prescan performs MRI scans without contrast agent. If a targeted examination with contrast is needed, this follow-up examination takes place elsewhere.
What are the potential downsides of incidental findings?
An incidental finding can provide useful information, but also have downsides:
- you may become worried about something that ultimately proves to be harmless;
- you may need extra appointments and examinations;
- additional costs may occur;
- you may have to wait for a definitive conclusion;
- follow-up examinations can be burdensome;
- sometimes a finding remains uncertain;
- a harmless finding may need periodic monitoring;
- an examination may lead to information you did not expect beforehand.
Does a normal MRI mean there is nothing wrong?
No. An MRI scan shows a lot, but not everything. What is visible depends on:
- the scanned body area;
- the scan protocol used;
- the size and nature of a finding;
- the quality of the images;
- whether a finding can be made visible with MRI;
- whether a contrast agent or another research method is needed.
A normal result does not rule out every disease or health risk. Also, an MRI cannot always explain where symptoms come from.
Do you have symptoms or notice changes in your health? Then contact your general practitioner. A preventive MRI is not a substitute for targeted diagnostics for symptoms.
How does Prescan reduce the risk of unnecessary follow-up examination?
The MRI images are assessed by two radiologists who review them independently. This is also called double read. The radiologists look at, among other things:
- the characteristics of the finding;
- its location and size;
- the pattern on different MRI images;
- your age and relevant medical history;
- any prior examinations;
- whether monitoring or treatment may be necessary.
As a result, many recognizable, harmless findings can be interpreted immediately. However, the chance of unnecessary follow-up examination can never be completely excluded.
Can Prescan compare my previous MRI images?
Previous scans can sometimes help to assess whether a finding has been present and stable for a longer time. This can prevent unnecessary uncertainty or follow-up examination.
How do I make an informed choice?
Before booking, consider these questions:
- Do I want to receive information about potential health risks even though I have no symptoms?
- How do I deal with an uncertain or benign finding?
- Am I willing to undergo possible follow-up examination?
- Do I want to be informed about incidental findings?
- Do I understand that a normal scan does not rule out everything?
- Do I know what body parts and conditions can and cannot be assessed with the chosen examination?
Do you have questions about this? Discuss them with Prescan before the examination.
