Management of Intracranial Incidental Findings on Brain MRI

Abstract

The wider use of MRI for imaging of the head in both research and clinical practice has led to an increasing number of intracranial incidental findings. Most of these findings have no immediate medical consequences. Nevertheless, knowledge of common intracranial incidental findings and their clinical relevance is necessary to adequately discuss the findings with the patient. Based on the author´s experiences from a large population-based study, the most common incidental MR findings in the brain will be presented, discussing their clinical relevance and giving recommendations for management according to the current literature and guidelines.

Key points:

• Intracranial incidental findings are common.

• The majority of these findings have no immediate medical consequences.

• Knowledge of common incidental findings is necessary for appropriate management.

Citation Format:

• Langner S, Buelow R, Fleck S et al. Management of Intracranial Incidental Findings on Brain MRI. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2016; 188: 1123 – 1133

Zusammenfassung

Durch eine Zunahme von MR-Untersuchungen des Kopfes, sowohl im Rahmen von Studien als auch in der klinischen Routine, kommt es zu einer steigenden Anzahl intrakranieller Zufallsbefunde. Die Mehrzahl dieser Befunde hat keine unmittelbare medizinische Konsequenz. Dennoch sind Kenntnisse über häufige intrakranielle Zufallsbefunde und ihre klinische Relevanz notwendig, um den Befund adäquat mit dem Patienten diskutieren zu können. Basierend auf den eigenen Erfahrungen aus einer populationsbasierten MR-Studie sowie fMRT-Studien werden die häufigsten intrakraniellen Zufallsbefunde in der MRT dargestellt und ihre klinische Relevanz bzw. Empfehlungen zum Management entsprechend der aktuellen Literatur und Leitlinien aufgezeigt.

Key words

incidental finding - brain - MRI

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