Screening using whole-body magnetic resonance imaging scanning: who wants an incidentaloma?
OBJECTIVE
Some private health screening companies in the UK provide 'health check-ups' using whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in spite of the lack of evidence demonstrating that such screening is worthwhile. We discuss the issues surrounding the use of an MRI scan as a screening test in 'health check-ups' and set out our concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of the five balance between the potential perils and benefits of the unselective use of brain MRI for 'health check-ups', its use should be restricted to a research setting.
Al-Shahi Salman
Rustam
R
Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK. rustam.al-shahi@ed.ac.uk
Whiteley
William N
WN
Warlow
Charles
C
D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D018570:Risk Assessment; D051598:Whole Body Imaging / Q000379:methods*