title: MRI of the claustrophobic patient: interventionally configured magnets.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine whether or not claustrophobic patients would tolerate a scan in an open configuration interventional magnetic resonance (iMR) imaging unit, when they had failed to complete a diagnostic scan in a conventional MRI system. 50 claustrophobic subjects were entered into the study. Their response to the iMR environment was compared with their previous experience in an MRI scanner by means of a two-stage questionnaire. Part 1 was completed before their iMR scan and Part 2 following their attempt at imaging in the iMR unit. 60% (n = 30) of the participants were female and 40% (n = 20) were male, age range 25-71 years (mean 49.5 years). 48% (n = 24) were lumbar spine studies and 28% (n = 14) were studies of the head. 24% (n = 12) underwent scanning of other anatomical regions. 94% (n = 47) of participants underwent successful MRI in the interventional magnet without extra sedation. 6% (n = 3) failed to complete a diagnostic scan in the iMR machine. The GE Signa 0.5 T SP magnet allows successful MRI in 94% of the claustrophobic population who have failed to complete a scan in a conventional diagnostic machine.
authors.affiliation: Interventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Spouse
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Gedroyc
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome