Unnecessary computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging rates in a tertiary care hospital

Year 2017, Volume: 3 Issue: 1, 49 - 54, 04.03.2017

Mehmet Kilin Evrim Ozmen Oktay Algin

https://doi.org/10.18621/eurj.2017.5000196214

Abstract

Objective. The actual rate of unnecessary imaging is
unknown in our country. In this study we aimed to detect unnecessary computed tomography (CT)
and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) rates and the radiological quality of
these examinations in our hospital. Methods. CT/MRI request documents of
1,713 patients who had multidetector CT or MRI examination in a 2-month period
at a single tertiary care hospital were obtained. We evaluated that whether the
disorder that mentioned in request document was present or not in multidetector
CT or MR images from the picture and archiving communicating system of our
hospital. Scoring was done as follows; score 0 (there is no pathologic
finding), score 1 (suspicious findings), and score 2 (presence of mentioned
pathology). The radiological quality of the examinations was scored as follows;
grade 0 (poor quality), grade 1 (moderate quality), and grade 2 (good quality).
Results.
There was not any pathologic finding in 35% of the patients included in the
study (score 0, unnecessary imaging). There was/were finding(s) regarding to
the disorder that mentioned in the request document in 43% of the patients
(score 2). Suspicious findings were existed in the remaining patients (score
1). In the assessment of radiologic quality of the examinations that included
in the study; 94% of the radiologic examinations had good quality and the
remaining had moderate (0.2%) and poor (5.5%) quality. Conclusions. Unnecessary
CT or MRI rate was detected as 35% in our hospital. Unnecessary imaging causes
increased nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, contrast-induced nephropathy and/or
radiation risks, and total cost. It may also cause reduced patient compliance
and prolongation of therapy period. 

Keywords

Ionizing radiation, medical education, radiological examinations, health policy, imaging utilization, repeat imaging, CT, MRI, health care

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