What Does My Radiology Report Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 11 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 Answered on

Fri, 5 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : summation density
What could this mean in my report?:
subtle sclerotic appearing density noted in the T5 vertebra - not seen on frontal radiograph - only appreciated on lateral view - may represent a summation density or a projectional change - not seen on previous 2006 radiograph

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I don't think it is a serious finding.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX

I don't think it is a serious finding.
Subtle sclerosis is only seen in lateral view.It may be due to projectional rays during imaging or it may be due to summation.Summation results when parts of a patient or an object in different planes are superimposed.
Generally it is due to technical limitations and doesn't require any treatment.However,further investigations like bone scan can be done if needed.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T