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01-03-2013 | Magnetic Resonance

Potentially relevant incidental findings on research whole-body MRI in the general adult population: frequencies and management

Authors: Katrin Hegenscheid, Rebecca Seipel, Carsten O. Schmidt, Henry Völzke, Jens-Peter Kühn, Reiner Biffar, Heyo K. Kroemer, Norbert Hosten, Ralf Puls

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Objectives

To report the frequencies of potentially relevant incidental findings in the general adult population and to develop a protocol for their management in whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (wb-MRI).

Methods

A total of 2,500 adult subjects (1,271 women, 1,229 men; mean age 53 years) from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania underwent standardised wb-MRI. Additionally, 1,129 participants received contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI, 619 men received MR angiography and 544 women received MR mammography. Two independent residents performed first-line reading. A third reader resolved disagreements. An interdisciplinary advisory board decided about disclosure.

Results

There were 1,330 incidental findings of potential clinical relevance in 904 subjects (36.2 %). Nine findings (0.4 %) required immediate referral. In total, 1,052 findings (79.1 %) were confirmed by the advisory board and disclosed to 787 participants (31.5 %). The abdominal organs (6.8 %), the urinary tract (6.8 %) and the skeletal system (6.0 %) were affected most often. While 383 findings (36.4 %) were indicated as benign and 62 (5.9 %) as malignant, most abnormalities, 607 (57.7 %), were of an unclear nature.

Conclusions

Potentially relevant incidental findings are very common in wb-MRI research but the nature of these findings remains unclear in most cases. This requires dedicated management to protect subjects’ welfare and research integrity.

Key Points

• Whole-body MRI (wb-MRI) research generates numerous incidental findings.

• Potentially relevant incidental findings are found in 32 % of participants.

• Some body regions generate many more incidental findings than others.

• The nature of incidental findings remains unclear in most cases.

• Managing incidental findings by an interdisciplinary voluntary advisory board is feasible.

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Title: Potentially relevant incidental findings on research whole-body MRI in the general adult population: frequencies and management
Authors: Katrin Hegenscheid
Rebecca Seipel
Carsten O. Schmidt
Henry Völzke
Jens-Peter Kühn
Reiner Biffar
Heyo K. Kroemer
Norbert Hosten
Ralf Puls
Publication date: 01-03-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2636-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Potentially relevant incidental findings on research whole-body MRI in the general adult population: frequencies and management

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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