Extraspinal findings on lumbar spine MR imaging

Interpretation of radiologic studies requires vigilance on the part of the radiologist to identify findings and abnormalities outside the region of interest. In the case of routine lumbar spine MRI for low back pain, many extraspinal abnormalities can often be identified. Some of these findings may account for low back pain. Other findings are incidental, but may have significant clinical implications, and are important to recognize. We present twenty-four examples of incidental findings from lumbar spine MRI examinations. The findings involve various organ systems, covering a broad range of clinical urgency.