Hyperintense nodular wall changes in the renal cortex
February 9, 2016 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Christian Lössel
Hello, during an MRI of the spine, an incidental finding was detected. "Incidentally, the sections of the kidneys captured in the scan show T2-weighted hyperintense nodular changes in the right kidney cortex, up to 10 mm in size. Cortical kidney cysts.
Hello, I received this finding a few days ago:
"Incidentally, the sections of the kidneys captured in the scan show T2-weighted hyperintense nodular changes in the right kidney cortex, up to 10 mm in size. Cortical kidney cysts."
Should this finding be further investigated, or is it not necessary? I am a bit scared because I have already survived 2 cancer diagnoses. I am 64 years old, female, and had kidney failure 5 years ago due to sepsis.
I would be very grateful for a response.
Hello,
I am happy to answer your inquiry regarding the MRI findings:
The sentence "Incidentally, the sections of the kidneys captured in the images show T2-weighted hyperintense nodular changes in the right kidney cortex, up to 10 mm in size. Cortical kidney cysts." can be explained as follows:
During an MRI of the spine, the kidneys are partially captured in the images, meaning they are not fully displayed as the main focus of the examination is the spine.
In the sections of the kidneys that are captured in the images, cysts are present in your right kidney, specifically in the kidney cortex. The term "T2-weighted" refers to the imaging technique used in the MRI. "Hyperintense" means that the cysts appear bright in the image, which is typical in the imaging technique used. "Nodular" can be translated as rounded, spherical, or nodular, which is also typical for kidney cysts.
"Cortical kidney cysts" is essentially a summary of the findings described above.
In general, many people have kidney cysts of varying sizes. However, it is advisable to have the cysts evaluated and monitored. It would be recommended to see a urologist or nephrologist for an ultrasound examination of the kidneys. Ultrasound is the most appropriate method initially as it can provide a good view of the kidneys. In a discussion with the examining doctor, the findings can be reviewed in detail and a schedule for follow-up checks can be established.
Best regards,
Ch. Lössel
