Conditions our MRI scans have found

Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that results in a sideways curve of the spinal column. If the spine curves towards the left side of the body, the condition is called levoscoliosis. If the spine curves towards the right side of the body, the condition is called dextroscoliosis. Scoliosis in an adult usually either developed during puberty or is from degenerative spine changes caused by wear-and-tear. The deformity is usually asymptomatic (does not cause symptoms) but can be the cause of chronic back pain.

The spine consists of alternating spine bones (vertebrae) and cartilage discs. A Schmorl's node is an upward or downward pushing of the cartilage disc into the adjacent vertebrae. Schmorl's nodes are most common in the middle and lower spine. They usually cause no symptoms and reflect wear-and-tear of the spine that has occurred over time or could be due to trauma (e.g. car accident).

Subcutaneous (skin) nodules are abnormal growths of tissue in the deepest layer of the skin. They may be non-cancerous or malignant (cancerous).

Staphyloma is the term for a thinning of the outer, white coat of the eye (the sclera).

The spleen is located in the left upper portion of the abdomen protected by the ribs, just beneath the diaphragm. It has a very rich blood supply since it is responsible for filtering blood and playing an essential role in the immune system. Splenomegaly means the spleen is enlarged. However, it is important to note that the size of the spleen correlates with a person's height, weight, and sex. It is slightly larger in taller and heavier individuals, and in men than women. Ultrasound is the best way of assessing splenomegaly as criteria for spleen length are not as well validated in MRI.

Situs inversus is a genetic condition in which the organs in the chest and abdomen are positioned in a mirror image from their normal positions. Your MRI images reflect your known medical history of situs inversus. No further evaluation or follow-up is needed for this finding.