One phrase that might appear on an MRI scan report is “major intracranial flow voids are present.” This finding refers to specific observations made during the imaging process, which can indicate various conditions within the head. This article aims to clarify what this technical phrase means in a straightforward manner.
Understanding Each Part of the Phrase
The term “intracranial” directly refers to structures located inside the skull, encompassing the brain, its surrounding membranes, blood vessels, and cerebrospinal fluid. This precisely defines the anatomical area being discussed in the report.
“Flow voids” are observations on MRI scans where rapidly flowing fluids, most commonly blood, appear dark or as an absence of signal. This occurs because the moving blood protons do not remain in the imaging slice long enough to receive both the initial and refocusing radiofrequency pulses, leading to a loss of signal. Therefore, a flow void is actually an indication of brisk blood flow, rather than an empty space. It is an imaging characteristic related to the physics of MRI and how it interacts with moving substances.
The descriptor “major” indicates that these flow voids are pronounced or significant in their appearance on the scan. This suggests they are more noticeable than minor or incidental flow voids that might be seen in smaller vessels. The term implies that the radiologist has identified these as substantial findings that warrant attention, distinguishing them from less prominent observations.
Why Intracranial Flow Voids Appear
The most frequent cause of flow voids is the presence of large, healthy blood vessels, such as major arteries and veins within the brain. The rapid and consistent flow of blood through these vessels naturally creates the signal loss observed as a flow void on MRI sequences, particularly spin-echo techniques. This is often a normal and expected finding, signifying that blood is flowing freely and efficiently through these vessels.
Beyond normal anatomy, prominent flow voids can also point to vascular anomalies, which are unusual formations of blood vessels. Conditions like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are examples where abnormal connections between arteries and veins lead to turbulent and fast blood flow, resulting in distinct flow voids on imaging. Aneurysms, which are balloon-like bulges in blood vessel walls, can also exhibit flow voids due to the altered blood flow patterns within them.
Other less common causes might include certain types of highly vascular tumors or areas with increased or turbulent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, as CSF can also produce flow voids if it moves rapidly enough. The specific characteristics of the flow void, such as its shape, size, and location, help medical professionals determine the underlying cause.
What to Do About the Findings
Only a qualified healthcare professional can accurately interpret these findings in the context of an individual’s overall health, medical history, and symptoms. A radiologist reads the scan and generates the report, but a treating physician, such as a neurologist, will integrate this information with other clinical data to form a complete picture. Self-diagnosing based solely on an MRI report can lead to unnecessary anxiety.
The significance of these flow voids varies widely. While they can represent normal, healthy blood flow in major vessels, the “major” descriptor means they are more pronounced and could potentially indicate an underlying condition like a vascular malformation. Therefore, discussing the report with the doctor who ordered the MRI is the appropriate next step. They will explain what the findings mean for your specific situation and whether further investigation is needed.
Depending on the suspected cause, the doctor might recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as a more specialized MRI sequence like magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or conventional angiography, to visualize the blood vessels in greater detail. Regular monitoring with follow-up scans might also be suggested to observe any changes over time. Any potential treatment, if necessary, will be determined based on a confirmed diagnosis and the impact of the finding on your health.