Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan radiologists are warning against the growing use of full-body MRI scans marketed as preventive health screenings for average-risk patients, according to a May 11 WILX report.
The scans are increasingly being promoted nationwide as “peace of mind” evaluations, but physicians said they can lead to unnecessary follow-up testing, appointments and patient anxiety.
Matthew Davenport, MD, a radiologist at U-M Health, told WILX incidental findings from whole-body MRIs can shift how patients perceive their health even when abnormalities would never have caused harm.
The University of Michigan team said major cancer and radiology organizations do not recommend whole-body MRI scans for average-risk individuals because there is no proven clinical benefit tied to the screenings. Physicians also noted that the scans can cost patients thousands of dollars out of pocket.
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