Related Experiment Videos
Use of MR imaging in an outpatient MR center
Abstract:
Indications for MR examinations and patient characteristics are evaluated for 4561 MR examinations performed at a freestanding outpatient MR imaging center between May 1984 and June 1986. Hospitalized patients accounted for less than 3% of the case load. Examinations of the head and spine accounted for 60% and 31% of the work load, respectively. Patients 65 years or older made up 15% of the case load during 1984 and 1985 and 21% in 1986. Referrals from neurologists, internists, and neurosurgeons accounted for 56%, 11% and 9% of patients, respectively. The percentage of patients who had CT, myelography, and other imaging procedures performed before referral for MR imaging declined significantly between 1984 and 1986. Indications for examination were mostly neoplastic diseases; degenerative diseases of the CNS, including multiple sclerosis; other disorders of the CNS; and disk diseases. Approximately 40% of all examinations were interpreted as normal. The number of patients referred for degenerative intervertebral disk disorders increased substantially between 1984 and 1985. This study documents the increasing acceptance of MR imaging as an important primary imaging technique for a variety of conditions, particularly those of the brain and spine.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging is increasingly used as a primary diagnostic tool, especially for brain and spine conditions. This study highlights its growing acceptance in outpatient settings for various neurological and degenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging was established as an outpatient diagnostic tool between 1984 and 1986.
- Hospitalized patients represented a small fraction (<3%) of the total caseload.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient characteristics and indications for MR examinations.
- To assess the evolving role of MR imaging in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 4561 MR examinations performed at an outpatient imaging center.
- Data collection on patient demographics, referring physician specialties, prior imaging procedures, and examination indications.
Main Results:
- Head and spine examinations constituted the majority (60% and 31%) of the workload.
- The proportion of elderly patients (≥65 years) increased from 15% to 21% during the study period.
- Referrals for degenerative intervertebral disk disorders significantly increased.
- Neoplastic and degenerative central nervous system (CNS) diseases were primary indications.
- Approximately 40% of examinations were interpreted as normal.
- There was a significant decline in prior CT or myelography use before MR referral.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging demonstrated increasing acceptance as a primary imaging modality.
- Its utility is particularly noted for brain and spine pathologies.
- The trend suggests a shift towards MR imaging for initial diagnosis over other methods.