INTRODUCTION: Incidental findings on brain MRI are not rare since the development of MRI as a diagnostic and clinical research tool. STATE OF THE ART: Prevalence of cerebral incidental finding, based on research volunteers participating in studies, is estimated from 1.7 to 4 percent. The most frequently detected lesions are intracranial tumors (meningioma, arachnoid cysts, neuro-epithelial tumor) and vascular malformations. PERSPECTIVES: A better knowledge of the spontaneous outcome of incidental findings would allow adequate management of these patients. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of the outcome of incidental findings, to reassure patients or trigger a work-up if necessary.
INTRODUCTION: Incidental findings on brain MRI are not rare since the development of MRI as a diagnostic and clinical research tool. STATE OF THE ART: Prevalence of cerebral incidental finding, based on research volunteers participating in studies, is estimated from 1.7 to 4 percent. The most frequently detected lesions are intracranial tumors (meningioma, arachnoid cysts, neuro-epithelial tumor) and vascular malformations. PERSPECTIVES: A better knowledge of the spontaneous outcome of incidental findings would allow adequate management of these patients. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of the outcome of incidental findings, to reassure patients or trigger a work-up if necessary.