Unnecessary computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging rates in a tertiary care hospital

Authors : Mehmet KİLİN, Evrim OZMEN, Oktay ALGİN

Pages : 49-54

Doi:10.18621/eurj.2017.5000196214

View : 16 | Download : 14

Publication Date : 2017-03-04

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective. The actual rate of unnecessary imaging is unknown in our country. In this study we aimed to detect unnecessary computed tomography insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CT); and magnetic resonance imaging insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MRI); rates and the radiological quality of these examinations in our hospital. Methods. CT/MRI request documents of 1,713 patients who had multidetector CT or MRI examination in a 2-month period at a single tertiary care hospital were obtained. We evaluated that whether the disorder that mentioned in request document was present or not in multidetector CT or MR images from the picture and archiving communicating system of our hospital. Scoring was done as follows; score 0 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(there is no pathologic finding);, score 1 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(suspicious findings);, and score 2 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(presence of mentioned pathology);. The radiological quality of the examinations was scored as follows; grade 0 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(poor quality);, grade 1 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(moderate quality);, and grade 2 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(good quality);. Results. There was not any pathologic finding in 35% of the patients included in the study insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(score 0, unnecessary imaging);. There was/were findinginsert ignore into journalissuearticles values(s); regarding to the disorder that mentioned in the request document in 43% of the patients insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(score 2);. Suspicious findings were existed in the remaining patients insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(score 1);. In the assessment of radiologic quality of the examinations that included in the study; 94% of the radiologic examinations had good quality and the remaining had moderate insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(0.2%); and poor insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(5.5%); quality. Conclusions. Unnecessary CT or MRI rate was detected as 35% in our hospital. Unnecessary imaging causes increased nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, contrast-induced nephropathy and/or radiation risks, and total cost. It may also cause reduced patient compliance and prolongation of therapy period. 
Keywords : Ionizing radiation, medical education, radiological examinations, health policy, imaging utilization, repeat imaging, CT, MRI, health care