Incidental Finding during Lumbar Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Lumbar spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging not only evaluates vertebral and neural structures but
also visualizes abdominal and pelvic organs, often revealing incidental findings. These can range from benign cysts
to clinically significant lesions. Reported prevalence varies internationally, but systematic data from Nepal are
lacking. The aim is to determine the prevalence of detected incidental extraspinal finding on lumbar spine Magnetic
Resonance Imaging at a tertiary hospital.

Methods: A descriptive Cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology and Imaging between April and June 2025. A total of 261 adults undergoing lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging were included. Imaging was performed on a Philips Achieva 1.5 T scanner and interpreted by consultant radiologists. Incidental
Findings were classified as intraspinal and/or extraspinal. Data was entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Point estimate and 90% Confidence Interval were calculated.

Results: Among the total 261 patients, incidental findings were observed in 167 (64.0%) (58.2% to 69.8% at 95%
Confidence Interval) patients, with extraspinal abnormalities in 54 (20.70%).

Conclusions: Incidental findings are common on lumbar spine MRI with extraspinal abnormalities. This prevalence is higher than that reported in comparable tertiary hospital studies. Structured reporting of extraspinal structures is
recommended to improve detection of clinically significant lesions and avoid unnecessary follow-up.