What does decreased T2 signal mean?

Decreased T2 signal on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) typically indicates a reduction in the water content or alterations in the tissue composition of the area being examined. This can suggest the presence of conditions such as fibrosis, edema, or certain types of tumors, where the tissue may become denser or more compact. In contrast, normal tissues usually exhibit higher T2 signals due to their higher water content. Therefore, decreased T2 signal often warrants further investigation to determine the underlying cause.