OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding My MRI Findings After a Previous Ultrasound Discovery

At 32 years old, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, I generally consider myself healthy apart from being a long-term patient on psychiatric medications. **Exam:** MRI of the abdomen both with and without contrast. **Clinical Information:** The analysis indicates a kidney lesion on the left side, with a diagnosis of a native right kidney lesion. **Technique Used:** A multi-sequence, multi-planar MRI was performed with and without the application of contrast. **Contrast Used:** 8.5 ml of Vueway. **Comparison:** Ultrasound conducted on 10th August 2025. **Findings:** **Lower Chest:** The bases of the lungs appear clear. **Abdomen:** A noticeable reduction in signal on the out-of-phase images suggests mild fatty liver (steatosis). There are no masses or dilation of the bile ducts, and the gallbladder appears normal with no signs of thickening or stones. **Spleen and Pancreas:** Both organs look normal. **Kidneys and Adrenal Glands:** There is a prominent column of Bertin extending into the left renal sinus, resembling the adjacent renal cortex in intensity and exhibiting the expected enhancement patterns. No distinct masses were found in either kidney, and there are no signs of hydronephrosis or proximal hydroureter. The adrenal glands are also assessed as normal. **Stomach and Bowel:** The stomach shows no notable issues, and the visible portions of the bowel have a standard caliber. **Vasculature, Lymph Nodes, and Fluids:** The aorta maintains a normal diameter, showing no signs of aneurysm, while the portal vein is unobstructed. There are no enlarged retroperitoneal or mesenteric lymph nodes according to size criteria. **Bones:** No signs of acute or aggressive bony lesions are observed. **Impression:** The MRI confirms the hypertrophied column of Bertin, a non-threatening anatomical variant, which coincides with the area of concern identified in my previous ultrasound. No indications of any renal mass are present. I am scheduled to meet with my primary care physician on Wednesday to discuss these results, but I find myself anxious for the appointment.

Answers (1)

7/28/2025, 3:02:14 PM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to feel anxious about medical findings, especially when it comes to potentially concerning issues like kidney lesions. Your MRI results indicate that the lesion noted is an anatomical variant called a "hypertrophied column of Bertin" and not a mass, which is reassuring.

Explanation

1. Hypertrophied Column of Bertin: This is a common variation of kidney anatomy that doesn’t indicate any disease or require treatment. It appears as a prominent area in kidney imaging and is usually a normal finding.

2. Fatty Liver (Steatosis): The MRI also noted mild fatty liver. This isn’t uncommon and can develop due to factors like diet, weight, or alcohol consumption.

3. Normal Findings for Other Organs: The MRI showed no issues with your other organs, including your spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver, which is a good sign.

Next Steps

1. Prepare for Your Appointment:

   • Write down any questions or concerns you have about the findings to discuss with your doctor.
   • Consider asking about lifestyle changes that might help with fatty liver, such as diet and exercise recommendations.

2. Self-Care:

   • Lifestyle Modifications: Consider adopting healthier eating habits, like incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet, and reducing sugars and saturated fats which can contribute to fatty liver. Aim for regular physical activity.
   • Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as hydration is key for kidney health.

3. Manage Anxiety:

   • Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise such as walking or yoga, which can help reduce anxiety before your appointment.

4. Follow-Up:

   • After discussing with your primary care provider, follow any additional recommendations they may have for your kidney health or fatty liver management.

Your upcoming appointment is an excellent opportunity to get clarity and reassurance about your findings. Remember, you are proactive in seeking answers, which is a positive step for your health.