What Could Cause A Dark Spot In A Lower Spine X-ray Report Of A Child?

Posted on Wed, 9 Mar 2022

Question: My 14 year old son had a lower spine X-ray. After the radiologist saw a dark spot she suggested an mri. Saying it was probably nothing. Scares the crap out of my wife and I?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload an image and elaborate upon the spot

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Could you please elaborate on the spot that you mention?
Please describe the exact location of the lower spine and how long it has been there.

Possibly the doctor is just being precautious and there is no cause to worry about. So, I would request you and your wife not to get too apprehensive.

I would also appreciate if you could upload an image of the mentioned dark spot so that I can review it precisely. I will wait for your response.

Feel free to write back.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

L4 we don’t have an image. He went last Thursday went in for follow up today and she said radiologist thought we should get an mri within 6 months. Just a little concerned. I was not with my wife. This was caught secondary to a strained back.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Possibly the spot resembles certain spots that can be associated with certain neurological diseases like tuberous sclerosis or neurofibromatosis. However this does not essentially mean that your child has them. Your doctor just wanted to be doubly safe. You need not grow anxious.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj