Lumbar MRI obtained for low back pain may reveal findings within any of the organ systems included in the field of view. Vigilance on the part of the radiologist may aid in diagnosis of extraspinal causes of pain. Of equal importance is the detection of asymptomatic but clinically significant conditions.

From the manuscript

Extraspinal findings on lumbar spine MR imaging

Abstract
Interpretation of radiologic studies requires vigilance on the part of the radiologist to identify findings and abnormalities outside the region of interest. In the case of routine lumbar spine MRI for low back pain, many extraspinal abnormalities can often be identified. Some of these findings may account for low back pain. Other findings are incidental, but may have significant clinical implications, and are important to recognize. We present twenty-four examples of incidental findings from lumbar spine MRI examinations. The findings involve various organ systems, covering a broad range of clinical urgency.