Radiology glossary

Abdomen findings, explained

Plain-English explainers for common abdominal imaging terms — gallstones, kidney stones, fatty liver, liver and kidney cysts, hydronephrosis, diverticulosis, and more — what they mean and what to ask your doctor.

• Hydronephrosis — What It Means on Your Report

  Hydronephrosis means the kidney is swollen from backed-up urine. Plain-English explainer: causes, how ultrasound shows it, and doctor questi

• Gallstones — What It Means on Your Report

  Gallstones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder. Plain-English explainer: how ultrasound finds them and questions for your doctor.

• Kidney Stone — What It Means on Your Report

  A kidney stone is a hardened mineral deposit in the urinary tract. Plain-English explainer: how CT finds it and questions for your doctor.

• Fatty Liver — What It Means on Your Report

  Fatty liver means extra fat in liver cells — a very common incidental finding. Plain-English explainer: how imaging grades it and what to as

• Hiatal Hernia — What It Means on Your Report

  A hiatal hernia means part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm. Plain-English explainer and questions for your doctor.

• Diverticulosis — What It Means on Your Report

  Diverticulosis means small pouches in the colon wall. Plain-English explainer: how CT shows them and questions for your doctor.

• Liver Cyst — What It Means on Your Report

  A liver cyst is a benign fluid-filled sac in the liver. Plain-English explainer: how imaging tells it from other lumps and doctor questions.

• Renal Cyst — What It Means on Your Report

  A renal cyst is a benign fluid sac in the kidney. Plain-English explainer: simple vs complex cysts and questions for your doctor.

• Ascites — What It Means on Your Report

  Ascites means fluid in the abdominal cavity. Plain-English explainer: causes, how imaging shows it, and questions for your doctor.

• Aortic Aneurysm — What It Means on Your Report

  An aortic aneurysm is a widened section of the body's main artery. Plain-English explainer: how it is measured, size thresholds, and next st