A Study on the Appropriate Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Outpatients Referred to Hajar University Hospital in Shahrekord City, Iran, in Year 2017

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable diagnostic tool by its noninvasive/nonionizing nature. The aim of the current study was to determine the justification of MRI in outpatients referred to Hajar university hospital, In Shahrekord City, Iran, in a one-year period of 2017.

A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 438 outpatients referred for MRI during the year 2017, who were selected using systematic random sampling method. Intended data including age, gender, investigated organ, the specialty of requesting physician, MRI with or without contrast, and MRI diagnostic outcome were extracted from patient charts, and collected using checklists. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used for data analysis.

Requested MRI led to a diagnosis in 81.3% of the patients. Women patients represented 64.4% of the requested MRI cases. 45.2% of the exams were performed for the patient with the age range of 41 to 60 years. The most prevalent investigated organ was the lumbosacral (43.2%). Age classes significantly influenced investigated organ (P = 0.001), as well as the prevalence of MRI diagnostic outcome (P < 0.001). The percentage of MRI diagnostic outcome differed significantly among clinical physicians (P <0.001). The prevalence of MRI diagnostic outcome significantly differed in respect to the investigated organ (P < 0.001), with lumbosacral (50%) as the most prevalent.

Requested MRI in tertiary referral center of Shahrekord city led to a diagnosis in an acceptable manner. However, there is need to study appropriate imaging in view of taking most advantages from medical practice guidelines.