Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers
Published on: January 5, 2024
Incidental findings in healthy control research subjects using whole-body MRI
S H X Morin1, J F L Cobbold, A K P Lim
1Division of Medicine, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK. s.morin@imperial.ac.uk
Aim:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful clinical tool used increasingly in the research setting. We aimed to assess the prevalence of incidental findings in a sequential cohort of healthy volunteers undergoing whole-body MRI as part of a normal control database for imaging research studies.
Materials And Methods:
148 healthy volunteers (median age 36 years, range 21-69 years; 63.5% males, 36.5% females) were enrolled into a prospective observational study at a single hospital-based MRI research unit in London, UK. Individuals with a clinical illness, treated or under investigation were excluded from the study.
Results:
43 (29.1%) scans were abnormal with a total of 49 abnormalities detected. Of these, 20 abnormalities in 19 patients (12.8%) were of clinical significance. The prevalence of incidental findings increased significantly with both increasing age and body mass index (BMI). Obese subjects had a fivefold greater risk of having an incidental abnormality on MRI (OR 5.4, CI 2.1-14.0).
Conclusions:
This study showed that more than one quarter of healthy volunteers have MR-demonstrable abnormalities. There was an increased risk of such findings in obese patients. This has ethical and financial implications for future imaging research, particularly with respect to informed consent and follow-up of those with abnormalities detected during the course of imaging studies.
Insights
Over a quarter of healthy volunteers undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have unexpected abnormalities. Obesity significantly increases the risk of these incidental findings, impacting research protocols.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging Research
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a valuable clinical tool.
- Its use in research settings is expanding.
- Whole-body MRI is increasingly employed for research control databases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of incidental findings in healthy volunteers undergoing whole-body MRI.
- To assess the clinical significance of these findings.
- To explore factors influencing the prevalence of incidental findings.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study included 148 healthy volunteers.
- Participants were recruited from a hospital-based MRI research unit.
- Exclusion criteria included individuals with clinical illnesses.
Main Results:
- 29.1% of scans revealed abnormalities, totaling 49 findings.
- 12.8% of participants had clinically significant abnormalities.
- Incidental findings correlated positively with age and body mass index (BMI).
- Obese individuals showed a fivefold increased risk of abnormalities (OR 5.4).
Conclusions:
- More than 25% of healthy volunteers exhibit MR-detectable abnormalities.
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for incidental MRI findings.
- These findings have implications for informed consent and follow-up in imaging research.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...