A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body’s internal structures. This non-invasive procedure helps physicians diagnose diseases, monitor treatments, and guide medical procedures. After the scan, a specialized doctor called a radiologist reviews the images and compiles a written report. This report is the official communication between the radiologist and the physician who ordered the test. The most distilled and significant part of this document is the Impression section, which provides the final conclusion and overall meaning of the CT scan results.
Defining the Impression Section
The Impression section serves as the radiologist’s ultimate summary and professional judgment on the scan. It is typically the last and shortest part of the report, containing the distilled interpretation of all the visual evidence. This section directly addresses the specific clinical question the referring physician posed when ordering the CT scan. For example, if the question was about appendicitis, the Impression provides the direct answer based on the images.
The radiologist synthesizes technical observations into a clear, concise statement about the most likely diagnosis or diagnoses. Because it provides the expert opinion and conclusion, it is the most referenced section for the treating physician. The Impression often includes suggestions for immediate next steps, such as additional imaging or further testing.
Impression Versus Findings
A CT report is commonly divided into two main sections: the Findings and the Impression. The Findings section is the detailed, technical description of everything the radiologist observes while reviewing the images. It functions as the raw data portion of the report, listing specific measurements and observations, such as “a 3 cm nodule is present in the lower lobe of the left lung.”
The Impression, by contrast, is the interpretation and synthesis of those technical findings. It offers the radiologist’s opinion on what the visual data represents in the context of the patient’s health. For example, while the Findings list the visual characteristics of a nodule, the Impression might state, “The lung nodule is most consistent with a benign granuloma; recommend follow-up CT in six months to confirm stability.”
Understanding the Language of Radiologists
Radiologists often use specific language in the Impression section to convey a measured degree of certainty or uncertainty about a finding. Terms like “consistent with,” “suggests,” or “likely represents” indicate that the imaging patterns align strongly with a particular diagnosis, but other possibilities still exist. This phrasing is necessary because imaging alone is frequently not definitive and requires clinical context.
The term “differential diagnosis” means there are multiple potential explanations for the visual findings, which the radiologist typically lists in order of likelihood, with the first listed being the most probable. Phrases like “cannot be excluded” or “indeterminate” signal that the finding is nonspecific and requires monitoring or further investigation, such as a biopsy. Conversely, a finding described as “unremarkable” means no significant abnormalities were detected.
Next Steps After Reading the Report
If you receive a copy of your CT scan report, avoid attempting to self-diagnose based solely on the Impression. The report is written for your referring physician, who holds the complete picture of your medical history, physical examination, and laboratory results. The Impression is a piece of the puzzle that must be integrated with your overall clinical context.
The crucial next step is to schedule a follow-up appointment with the doctor who ordered the scan. Your physician is the only one who can fully interpret the radiologist’s findings and recommendations in light of your specific health situation. They will determine if the report’s conclusions necessitate further testing, a new treatment plan, or simply a period of observation, guiding your care through the next phase.