The Potentially Overlooked Dangers: Prevalence and Clinical Relevance of Incidental Extraspinal Findings on Cervical Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Retrospective Analysis of 2,286 Cases
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Backgroud: Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal incidental extraspinal findings (IESFs) unrelated to the primary evaluation of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. Recognizing these lesions is crucial because some may require further investigation or treatment. Methods: -test. Results: = 0.033). Of 94 patients with available follow-up, 7 (7.4%) were confirmed malignant: 5 thyroid nodules and 2 lymphadenopathies. Two additional cases underwent surgery for pituitary and parathyroid adenomas. Four IESFs went unrecognized on initial review, underscoring the risk of missed diagnoses when the clinical workload is high. Conclusions: IESFs in cervical spine MRI were detected in 4.5% of cases, with a notable subset being malignant. These findings emphasize the importance of systematic review protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure clinically significant lesions are identified and managed promptly.
Source: Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
DOI: 10.4055/cios25062
Authors: Sung Jin Shin, Seung Myung Wi
Institutions: Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University
Language: English
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4417444227