“Unremarkable” can be used to describe an imaging study or imaging finding. The term “normal”, however, refers to a complete evaluation.
Radiologists describe imaging studies as “unremarkable” and imaging findings as “unremarkable”. This means that the abnormalities or study are either normal or not of any significance to the patient. The radiologist might not spend the time to discuss insignificant abnormalities as they consider them insignificant. However, the radiologist is assuming that further examination of the imaging study may reveal additional insignificant abnormalities.
Radiologists who conclude that an imaging study or finding is normal are saying that all findings have been thoroughly evaluated and are “normal”. Further evaluations of the imaging study will not reveal any abnormalities, whether they be significant or insignificant.
