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The Relation Between Anticipatory Anxiety and Movement During an MR Examination
Laura Klaming1, Daisy van Minde1, Hans Weda1
1Philips Research Laboratories Europe High Tech Campus 34 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Rationale And Objectives:
During a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination, patients are required to remain still to minimize motion that may compromise image quality and may make rescanning necessary. It is often assumed that anxiety, which is experienced by a considerable number of patients undergoing an MR examination, increases motion and decreases image quality. The present study explores the relationship between anxiety and movement of patients during an MR examination.
Materials And Methods:
Anxiety was measured subjectively by means of the State Anxiety Inventory and a visual analogue scale for claustrophobia. Motion and image quality were measured in three different ways. First, software was used that allows an estimation of motion based on tracker scans between the clinical scans. Second, the MRI technician who performed the MR examination was asked to indicate the degree of motion artifacts and image quality for each patient. Third, after all scans had been collected, two radiologists evaluated each clinical scan.
Results:
No or low correlations between anxiety and the distinct measures of motion and image quality were found for all three measures.
Conclusions:
This finding shows that there is little evidence for the assumption that anxiety increases motion and decreases image quality during an MR examination.
Insights
Patient anxiety during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not appear to significantly impact motion or image quality. This study found minimal correlation between patient anxiety levels and movement artifacts in MRI scans.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Patient Experience
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) requires patient stillness for optimal image quality.
- Patient anxiety is common during MRI examinations and is often assumed to increase motion.
- Motion artifacts can compromise diagnostic accuracy and necessitate repeat scans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between patient anxiety and motion during MRI scans.
- To determine if anxiety negatively affects MRI image quality.
- To challenge the common assumption linking patient anxiety to increased motion and reduced image quality.
Main Methods:
- Anxiety was assessed using the State Anxiety Inventory and a visual analogue scale for claustrophobia.
- Motion was quantified using specialized software analyzing tracker scans.
- Image quality and motion artifacts were evaluated by MRI technicians and two independent radiologists.
Main Results:
- No significant correlations were observed between anxiety levels and motion.
- Low correlations were found between anxiety and image quality across all assessment methods.
- Objective and subjective measures of motion and image quality did not show a relationship with patient anxiety.
Conclusions:
- The study provides limited evidence to support the assumption that anxiety increases motion during MRI.
- Patient anxiety does not appear to be a significant factor in reducing MRI image quality.
- Further research may explore other factors influencing patient motion during MRI examinations.
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