Structural neuroimaging findings in migraine patients with restless legs syndrome.

PURPOSE: One out of three migraine patients might have accompanying restless legs syndrome (RLS). In our study, we aimed to compare the volumes of the brain structures of migraineurs with and without RLS. METHODS: We had 37 female patients with migraine and 17 females as the control group. Nineteen migraineurs had no RLS (RLS0) and 18 migraineurs had comorbidity of RLS (RLS1). The volumes of the brain structures were obtained by manual measurements, volBrain, and voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Manually, we measured caudate and putamen volumes. We used age, years of education, depression, anxiety scores, and total intracranial volume as covariates. RESULTS: According to VBM analyses, the volumes of the left superior occipital gyrus and precuneus were increased, and the substantia nigra and cuneus were decreased in the RLS1 group compared with the RLS0 group. RLS1 patients had larger superior temporal gyrus, Brodmann area 38, and left insula, and RLS0 patients had larger Brodmann area 22, right superior temporal gyrus, and Heschl gyrus compared with controls. Migraine and RLS0 patients had a smaller corpus callosum anteriorly, whereas RLS1 patients had a smaller splenium. Caudate volumes were larger in migraine patients via the three techniques. There was a positive relation between the caudate and putamen volumes and attack frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidity of RLS might be a confounding factor in structural neuroimaging studies in migraine. Deficits in the visual network seem to be related to accompanying RLS; deficits in the auditory network are particularly related to migraine.

Normative hippocampal volumetric measurements using magnetic resonance imaging

Background/aim: A wide variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders have been shown to be closely related to changes in hippocampal volume (HV). It appears that hippocampal volumetry will be an indispensable part of clinical practice for a number of neuropsychiatric disorders in the near future. The aim of this study was to establish a normative data set for HV according to age and sex in the general population. Materials and methods: Hippocampal magnetic resonance imaging scans of 302 healthy volunteers were obtained using a 1.5 T unit with a 20-channel head coil. The hippocampal volumetric assessment was conducted using the volBrain fully automated segmentation algorithm on coronal oblique T1-weighted magnetization prepared rapid gradient-echo (MP-RAGE) images obtained perpendicular to the long axis of the hippocampus. The mean values of HV of groups according to age and sex were calculated. The associations between HV and age and sex were analyzed. Results: The mean HV of the study group was found to be 3.81 ± 0.46 cm3. We found that the mean HV of males (3.94 ± 0.49 cm3) was significantly higher than that of females (3.74 ± 0.42 cm3), and the mean right HV (3.86 ± 0.48 cm3) was significantly higher than that of the left HV (3.78 ± 0.49 cm3) (P = 0.001). Among both females and males, there were statistically significant but poor negative correlations between age and volumetric measurements of both the right and the left hippocampi (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The normative hippocampal volumetric data obtained in this study may be beneficial in clinical applications for many neuropsychiatric diseases, especially for mesial temporal sclerosis and cognitive disorders.

Initial Fludeoxyglucose (18F) Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (FDG-PET/CT) Imaging of Breast Cancer - Correlations with the Primary Tumour and Locoregional Metastases.

BACKROUND: We aimed to evaluate initial PET/CT features of primary tumour and locoregional metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in breast cancer and to look for potential relationships between several parameters from PET/CT. MATERIAL/METHODS: Twenty-three women (mean age; 48.66±12.23 years) with a diagnosis of primary invasive ductal carcinoma were included. They underwent PET/CT imaging for the initial tumour staging and had no evidence of distant metastates. Patients were divided into two groups. The LABC (locally advanced breast cancer) group included 17 patients with ipsilateral axillary lymph node (LN) metastases. The Non-LABC group consisted of six patients without LN metastases. PET/CT parameters including tumour size, axillary LN size, SUVmax of ipsilateral axillary LNs (SUVmax-LN), SUVmax of primary tumour (SUVmax-T) and NT ratios (SUVmax-LN/SUVmax-T) were compared between the groups. Correlations between the above-mentioned PET/CT parameters in the LABC group as well as the correlation between tumour size and SUVmax-T within each group were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: The mean values of the initial PET/CT parameters in the LABC group were significantly higher than those of the non-LABC group (p<0.05). The correlation between tumour size and SUVmax-T value within both LABC and non-LABC groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). In the LABC group, the correlations between the size and SUVmax-LN values of metastatic axillary LNs, between tumour size and metastatic axillary LN size, between SUVmax-T values and metastatic axillary LN size, between SUVmax-T and SUVmax-LN values, and between tumour size and SUVmax-LN values were all significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found significant correlations between PET/CT parameters of the primary tumour and those of metastatic axillary LNs. Patients with LN metastases had relatively larger primary tumours and higher SUVmax values.

Evaluation of Arachnoid Granulations in Cranial Dural Sinuses with Contrast-Enhanced 3-Dimensional T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies in the literature have used contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to investigate arachnoid granulations protruding into the cranial dural sinuses. The current study aimed to investigate the protrusion of arachnoid granulations into the superior sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, straight sinus, and confluence of sinuses and determine the frequency of brain herniation into giant arachnoid granulations using contrast-enhanced 3-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Images of 550 patients with intra-sinus arachnoid granulations who underwent contrast-enhanced 3-dimensional T1-weighted thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging were retrospectively re-evaluated. Only 300 patients with at least 1 intra-sinus arachnoid granulation were included in the study. The protrusion of arachnoid granulations into superior sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, straight sinus, and confluence of sinuses was investigated. In addition, large arachnoid granulations and brain herniations into arachnoid granulations were also noted. RESULTS: A total of 889 focal filling defects of arachnoid granulations, at least 1 in the dural sinus, were detected. Of the filling defects of arachnoid granulations, 183 were in the right transverse sinus, 222 in the left transverse sinus, 265 in superior sagittal sinus, 185 in straight sinus, and 34 in confluence of sinuses. Brain herniation into arachnoid granulations was detected in 8 (2.7%) of the patients included in the study. All the filling defects detected in the dural sinuses on post-contrast 3-dimensional T1-weighted images were isointense with cerebrospinal fluid and had round, oval, or lobulated contours. A positive weak correla- tion was found between patient age and the size and number of arachnoid granulations (r = 0.181, P < .01 and r=0.207, P < .001, respectively). It was observed that the size and number of arachnoid granulations increased as the age of the patients increased. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution, shape, number, and size of intra-sinus arachnoid granulations can vary considerably. Brain herniation into arachnoid granulation can also be seen. Three-dimensional cranial magnetic resonance imaging sequences can be safely used in the evaluation of arachnoid granulations.

Study of the left renal variations by means of magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: A prospective study was designed to figure out the percentages of the left renal vein variations using routine lumbar spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with neurological problems. METHODS: Between March 2010 and October 2010, the study population was recruited from a total of 2,644 consecutive patients who would undergo a routine lumbar spinal MRI examination. In addition to the routine MRI sequences, axial, balanced turbo field echo sequence (BTFE-BH SENSE) was applied after detection of a left renal vein variation. RESULTS: As the left renal vein variations, retroaortic left renal vein (RLRV) and circumaortic left renal vein were detected. The number of cases with the correspondent percentages of the total left renal vein variations, RLRV and circumaortic left renal vein were 71/2,644 (2.68%), 44/2,644 (1.66%) and 27/2,644 (1.02%), respectively. In cases with RLRV, the numbers of males and females with their correspondent percentages were 19/44 (43.2%) and 25/44 (56.8%), respectively. In cases with circumaortic left renal vein, the numbers of males and females with their correspondent percentages were 13/27 (48.1%) and 14/27 (51.9%), respectively. With Chi-square test, no statistically significant gender difference was found between the percentages of left renal vein variations (P = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: MRI is useful in detecting RLRV and circumaortic left renal vein. If a left renal vein variation is detected, an additional BTFE-BH SENSE sequence is suggested to confirm whether it is retroaortic or circumaortic.

Giant mesenteric cyst of gastric origin: a case report with imaging findings.

We present a very rare case of a giant gastric mesenteric cyst with ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) findings. An eight-year-old boy was referred for treatment of an intraabdominal cyst, known to exist for six years. On abdominal US, a giant, thin-walled, unilocular intraabdominal cyst was demonstrated, extending from the epigastric region to the pelvis and measuring 18 x 15 x 6 cm. In contrast-enhanced abdominal CT, the cyst was demonstrated as a giant, unilocular, hypodense, non-enhancing structure, located dominantly on the right side of the abdomen. During open surgery, the cyst was found to originate from the mesentery-serosa of the gastric antrum and was filled with serous fluid. The cyst was excised totally. Both surgery and pathology confirmed the diagnosis of mesenteric cyst, originating from the stomach. The patient was discharged in good health. US and CT were effective in defining the features of the giant gastric mesenteric cyst and in narrowing the differential diagnosis in favor of mesenteric cyst.

Correlation of the Radiological Emphysema Score of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients with Clinic Parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the degree of emphysema on computed tomography (CT) images and disease severity, in order to predict the clinical characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey between January 2016 and January 2017. The analysis of the medical records of patients was performed in December 2020. METHODOLOGY: Clinically diagnosed COPD patients were included in this study. Based on emphysema severity on CT, the patients were classified into three groups as group I (n=59), group II (n=37), and group III (n=20), and emphysema was not present in the remaining 15 patients. The associations between emphysema severity and the GOLD stage, mMRC dyspnea score and exacerbation frequency were analysed with Chi-square test. RESULTS: In 131 patients, the severity and presence of emphysema was found to be significantly associated with smoking history (p=0.034). However, no significant differences were observed between emphysema severity and exacerbation frequency (p=0.512) and mMRC dyspnea scores (p=0.110). The severity of emphysema was related with the GOLD stage (p=0.001). There was also a significant association between BMI and severity of emphysema, with the severe emphysema cases tending to be underweight (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: CT-emphysema severity can be used to classify COPD to assist in the clinical characterisation of patients. This type of classification is important to determine the underlying pathophysiology and genomic profile of COPD.     Key Words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Computed tomography, Emphysema.

Hypertrophic olivary degeneration: A case report.

Hypertrophic olivary degeneration is a rare occurrence in which different pathological processes including enlargement and vacuolation of the neurons, demyelination of the white matter, and fibrillary gliosis of the inferior olivary nucleus take place. It mostly develops secondary to a destructive lesion involving the Guillain-Mollaret pathway. The mostly reported destructive lesions causing hypertrophic olivary degeneration are stroke, trauma, tumors, neurosurgical interventions, and gamma knife treatment of brainstem cavernoma. It presents with symptomatic palatal tremor, and typically appears as an expansive nonenhancing nodular lesion that shows increased signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The identification of hypertrophic olivary degeneration on MRI is of great importance as its MRI appearance is very similar to those of more severe pathologies, including tumors, infarction, demyelinating lesions, and infections. We present a case of hypertrophic olivary degeneration in a patient with a history of ischemic stroke two years before the development of palatal tremor.

Chudley-McCullough Syndrome.

Chudley-McCullough syndrome (CMS), an autosomal recessive condition first reported by Chudley et al., in 1997, comprises profound sensorineural hearing loss and specific brain abnormalities. The hearing loss may be congenital or early onset. Brain abnormalities are striking, but despite these brain malformations, individuals with CMS do not present significant neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Recently, the cause of CMS has been shown to be the inactivating mutations in G protein signaling modulator 2. We aimed to present a 36-year-old male who has the characteristic clinical and neuroimaging findings of CMS.

Clinical Significance of Incidental Pituitary TC-99m MIBI Uptake on Parathyroid Spect and Factors Affecting Uptake Intensity.

OBJECTIVE: (1)To define a quantitative cutoff value for incidental pituitary Technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (Tc-99m MIBI) uptake above which is of clinical importance and (2) to investigate possible factors affecting the intensity of uptake in pituitary adenoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 55 patients with a simultaneous parathyroid single-photon emission computed tomography and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging were included. Twenty-four patients with pituitary adenoma were chosen as the study group and 31/55 patients who had no signs of a pituitary adenoma were included in the control group. Mean count values (count/pixel) for pituitary region of interest (ROI)/mean value for normal cortical region ROI (P/C) were calculated in both groups. Median P/C values were compared. A cutoff value for P/C was calculated as a quantitative parameter to indicate pituitary tumors. Possible contributing factors in intensity of pituitary Tc-99m MIBI uptake were investigated. RESULTS: Median P/C ratios were significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.001). A cutoff value of 7.675 was found for P/C to have a sensitivity, spesificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value 100%, 96.8%, 96%, and 100%, respectively. There was no correlation between investigated factors and degree of pituitary Tc-99m MIBI uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Incidental pituitary Tc-99m MIBI uptake values above 7.675 for P/C are suspicious for pituitary adenoma and can be further investigated clinically and radiologically. Tc-99m MIBI uptake is not affected from the biochemical nature of the adenoma, the therapies received, size, local invasion, or cystic necrotic component of the tumor.

Cyst-to-kidney volume ratio in the sonographic diagnosis of unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney in children.

AIMS: To evaluate the usefulness of the cyst-to-kidney volume ratio determined by ultrasonography (US) in unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study group included 21 children (average age: 431 days) with unilateral MCDK and 22 children (average age: 440 days) with unilateral grade IV hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction as the control group. All the children underwent transabdominal US. In children with MCDK, we calculated cyst-to-kidney volume ratios (volume of the largest cyst/volume of the MCDK) and in the control group the volume ratios of the renal pelvis and the largest calyx (volume of the pelvis or largest calyx/volume of the ipsilateral hydronephrotic kidney). Ellipsoid formula was used to calculate kidney and pelvis volumes. Sphere volume formula was used to calculate the largest cyst and calyx volumes. RESULTS: The mean cyst-to-kidney volume ratio (0.38±0.21) was significantly higher than the mean volume ratios of the renal pelvises (0.10±0.05) and the largest calyces (0.04±0.02) (p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between cyst-to-kidney volume ratio and the ages of the children (r=0.141, p=0.541). CONCLUSIONS:  With the aid of both the qualitative sonographic criteria and the newer data that we have proposed, US is a useful tool in the initial diagnosis of MCDK and for differentiation of MCDKs from grade IV hydronephrotic kidneys in children. The cyst-tokidney volume ratio is independent of age and thus, it can be helpful in the diagnosis of unilateral MCDK at any age.

Evaluation of renal anomalies, inferior vena cava variations, and left renalvein variations by lumbar magnetic resonance imaging in 3000 patients

Background/aim: The variations and anomalies of the kidneys besides the variations of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and left renal vein (LRV) are mostly asymptomatic, but they carry potential risks particularly during retroperitoneal surgery and radiological interventions. Our aim was to find the frequencies, types, and sex distribution of renal anomalies and variations of the IVC and LRV utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and methods: Between November 2010 and April 2011, a retrospective study was conducted including lumbar spinal MRI of 3000 consecutive patients (1869 females and 1131 males) with a median age of 54 years (range: 9-78 years). Results: The percentages of renal anomalies and variations of the IVC and LRV were 0.9%, 0.07%, and 2.6%, respectively. Sex did not affect the distribution of renal anomalies (P = 0.2), IVC variations (P = 0.72), or LRV variations (P = 0.26).Conclusion: Lumbar spinal MRI is useful in detecting renal anomalies and variations of the IVC and LRV.

Punica granatum L. Juice Attenuates Experimental Cerebral Vasospasm in the Rabbit Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model: A Basilar Artery Morphometric Study and Apoptosis.

Background This study investigated the effect of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) juice on the rabbit basilar artery in an experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model. Methods Eighteen adult male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (n = 6), SAH group (n = 6), and SAH + treatment group (n = 6). Basilar artery diameter was measured with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in all groups at the beginning of the study. Experimental SAH was created by injecting autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna. In the treatment group, the subjects were administered a daily dose of 30 ml/kg pomegranate juice via gastric gavage for 4 days after the SAH. The SAH group and SAH + treatment group underwent cerebral MRA after 72 hours. After a neurologic score assessment, all the animals were killed. The wall thickness and lumen area of the basilar artery were measured histometrically in all groups, and the apoptotic cell percentage in the artery was identified. The mean diameter of the basilar artery during MRA was measured. Results Pomegranate improved neurologic functions compared with the SAH group (p < 0.01). The mean basilar artery diameter on MRA in the SAH + treatment group was larger than in the SAH group and smaller than in the control group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The mean vessel wall thickness value in the SAH + treatment group was lower than in the SAH group (p < 0.01), whereas there was no difference between the control and the SAH + treatment group (p > 0.05). The apoptotic cell rate in the SAH + treatment group was significantly lower than in the SAH group (p < 0.001). Evaluation of the basilar artery luminal area showed no difference between the three groups (p > 0.05). Discussion Pomegranate was shown to have a vasospasm- attenuating effect on the basilar artery in the rabbit SAH model for the first time in our study.

The use of ultrasonography in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: does the patient's age and weight affect pyloric size and pyloric ratio?

AIMS: We aimed to obtain pyloric measurements of our patients with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) using ultrasonography (US) and to evaluate the correlations between age, weight and pyloric size, pyloric ratio (PR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a retrospective study including 20 term infants with surgically proven IHPS and studied the ultrasonographically obtained pyloric muscle thickness (PMT), pyloric diameter (width) (PD), pyloric length (PL) and PR (PMT/PD) to determine if there were statistically significant associations between patient age/weight and pyloric measurements. RESULTS: The mean age of the infants was 38.7+/-17.3 days (range, 9-76 days) and their mean weight was 3688.5+/-772.7 g (range, 2810-6000 g), at referral. Mean PMT was 4.98+/-1.04 mm (range, 3.5-6.8 mm). Mean PD was 14.04+/-2.39 mm (range, 10-18 mm). Mean PL was 22.16+/-4.02 mm (range, 16-31.5 mm) and mean PR was 0.35+/-0.04 (range, 0.29-0.42). The correlation between age and PMT (r=0.654, p<0.05) and the correlation between age and PD (r=0.747, p <0.05) were significant. Age and weight were not significantly correlated with PR (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The PMT and PD are age dependent parameters. The PR is age and weight independent and therefore, when combined with PMT, PD and PL, it can be useful in the diagnosis of IHPS in infants with early onset disease and/or in those with a lower weight.

Does Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging Change the Follow-Up Strategy in Cases with Residual Cholesteatoma?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in the evaluation of recurrent cholesteatomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients undergoing second-look surgery were included in our study. There were 14 men and 9 women with ages ranging from 10 to 50. All patients underwent DW-MRI prior to second-look surgery. All magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed with a 1.5-T MRI unit using a standard 8-channel neurovascular coil. DW-MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient maps were included in the examination. Cholesteatoma was diagnosed on the DW-MRI as a marked hyperintense signal in comparison with brain tissue. All cases were classified as positive or negative. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of DW-MRI were 86% and 87%, respectively. The positive predictive value of DW-MRI was 92%, while the negative predictive value was 77%. CONCLUSION: The DW-MRI technique is an important and effective technique in the evaluation of residual cholesteatoma. It can be an alternative method to second-look surgery, which can spare patients repeat operations.

Transformation of nonfunctioning pancreatic tumor into malignant insulinoma after 3 years: an uncommon clinical course of insulinoma.

A 62-year-old man admitted to our outpatient clinic with two months of recurrent life threatening hypoglycemia episodes. He was diagnosed as malignant insulinoma with multiple metastases of liver and peripancreatic lymph nodes. Liver biopsy specimen was demonstrated grade 2 neuroendocrine tumor compatible with clinical and radiological results. He was followed under the treatment of continuous intravenous glucose infusion during the diagnostic procedures. He had a pancreatic lesion history measured 20 x 12 mm in diameter via the abdominal tomography examination approximately two years before the diagnosis. Unusual course of this case suggests the transformation of nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor into functional insulin secreting tumor with metastases. The patient was found inoperable and started on chemotherapy.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of ureteral stones in children: can we use stone width as a predictor of spontaneous passage?

AIMS: We aimed to obtain the maximum transverse diameters (widths) of ultrasonographically detectable ureteral stones in children and to evaluate the effect of widths on the rate of spontaneous discharge and on the degree of ipsilateral hydronephrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 52 ultrasonographically detected ureteral stones in 51 consecutive patients (32 males, 19 females) with a median age of 9 years (range, 6 months-17 years). RESULTS: In group 1, in which the stones passed spontaneously (n=29), sonographically measured median and mean widths of ureteral stones were 3.8 mm (range, 2.3-7.3 mm) and 4.1+/-1.3 mm, respectively. In group 2, in which the stones required surgical procedures (n=23), median and mean widths were 5.9 mm (range, 3.9-10.0 mm) and 5.9+/-1.8 mm, respectively. The difference between widths in group 1 and group 2 was significant (p=0.001). With regard to the whole study group (n=52), the majority of the stones below 4.0 mm (88.9%, n=16/18) were passed spontaneously and 2/3 of the stones above 5.0 mm required intervention (66.7%, n=12/18). The width range of 4.0-5.0 mm can be accepted as "range of transition" for spontaneous passage and surgical procedures. The stone width was different in patients with mild and severe pelvicaliectasis (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In children, measuring the width of an ultrasonographically detectable ureteral stone can be useful for assessing its possibility to be passed spontaneously. Pelvicaliectasis should be an alerting sign for the presence of an occult ipsilateral ureteral stone in a symptomatic patient.

Incidental extraspinal findings on magnetic resonance imaging of intervertebral discs.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate pathological extraspinal findings and congenital anomalies/anatomical variations that were incidentally detected on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of intervertebral discs, to find the frequencies of these incidental findings, and to emphasise the clinical importance of them. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study including 1031 consecutive patients (730 females and 301 males, with a median age of 46 years) was conducted by evaluating a total of 1106 MRI examinations of intervertebral discs. Examinations were performed with a 1.5 T MRI unit. Incidental findings were classified as pathological findings and congenital anomalies/anatomical variations. RESULTS: The percentages of incidental extraspinal pathological findings and congenital anomalies/anatomical variations were 16.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14.4-18.8) and 3.7% (95% CI: 2.6-4.3), respectively. The percentage of incidental extraspinal pathological findings on cervical spinal MRI was 25.7% (95% CI: 20.1-31.7), thyroid nodules being the most common incidental findings. On thoracic spinal MRI (n = 19), inferior pole thyroid nodules were demonstrated as incidental extraspinal pathological findings, with a percentage of 10.5% (95% CI: 9.6-11.5). On lumbar spinal MRI, incidental pathological findings were detected with a percentage of 14.2% (95% CI: 11.9-16.6), while the percentage of congenital anomalies/anatomical variations was 4.8% (95% CI: 3.4-6.3). Eventually, 6.5% (95% CI: 2.6-9.4) of all cases with incidental extraspinal pathological findings underwent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: On MRI examination of intervertebral discs, paying attention to incidentally detected pathological extraspinal findings and congenital anomalies/anatomical variations is very important due to the fact that they can alter the treatment of the patient or affect the patient's life.