The use of full-body cardiovascular and tumor MRI should be peformed in a research setting because of uncertainty over benefit and risk, a study says.
The study by researchers from the University Hospital of Essen, Germany, says MRI use to screen for disease in patients who do not have any suspicious symptoms is technically feasible, but at present, the possible benefits must be balanced against the risks.
For the study, the researchers conducted 298 full-body MRI screenings of healthy patients. The screenings revealed that 21 percent of the study group exhibited signs of atherosclerotic disease and 12 percent had peripheral vascular disease.
Full-body MRI focuses on the brain, heart, arteries and colon, as well as the surrounding tissue. The whole process takes about an hour, with breaks scattered throughout for patient comfort, equipment set-up and dialogue with the doctor.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
