Full-body MRI scans may not be as effective as believed to be; know why

Full body scans have gained popularity in recent years, with many celebrities like Kim Kardashian endorsing them as a way to detect hidden diseases early. However, a new study raises questions about the effectiveness of these scans.

Led by Adam Taylor from Lancaster University, the study analysed 16,000 brain MRI scans of volunteers to assess their ability to identify preventable diseases. The results were surprising: MRI scans were found to be less effective than many believe.

The study revealed that MRI scans detected serious findings in only a small percentage of cases: 1.4% for the brain, 1.3% for the chest, and 1.9% for the abdomen. Additionally, the scans often produced false positives, indicating the presence of a disease when none existed. For example, in 1,000 breast scans, 97 were false positives, while prostate scans showed 29 false positives per 100 scans.

While full-body scans may provide peace of mind for some, it’s important to consider their limitations. Let’s first understand how full-body MRI scans work and why they might not be as useful as previously thought.

What are full-body MRI scans and are they useful?

According to Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, full-body MRI scans are diagnostic imaging procedures that use powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the entire body.

These scans are often used when there are concerns about systemic diseases, metastatic cancer, or unexplained symptoms affecting multiple systems. The procedure itself is non-invasive and does not use radiation, making it a safer option for repeated screenings.

mri scans Can full-body MRI scans be used for preventive medicine? (Source: Freepik)

According to Dr Shruti Sharma, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals, they are highly effective for identifying soft tissue abnormalities, vascular issues, and tumors across the body. She explains that these scans provide detailed views of various organs and tissues, including the brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs, and limbs. Their high resolution allows for early detection of certain conditions, particularly cancer staging and metastasis detection.

However, while the scans are accurate for specific conditions, their sensitivity and specificity can vary. They are not infallible and may produce false positives, which can lead to unnecessary follow-up procedures and anxiety.

Can full-body MRI scans be used for preventive medicine?

Dr. Rahul Gautam, Associate Consultant – Radiology at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals, acknowledges that while full-body MRI scans can detect early signs of disease, their role in preventative medicine is controversial. The scans can uncover asymptomatic diseases like precancerous lesions and structural abnormalities, but the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment is a significant concern. These incidental findings may lead to unnecessary medical interventions, causing more harm than good.

Moreover, while full body MRI scans can detect some early-stage diseases, Dr Gupta points out that they are not suitable for identifying all dangerous preventable diseases. For example, early-stage coronary artery disease, one of the leading causes of mortality, may not be visible on an MRI. Similarly, some metabolic disorders may go undetected until they progress to a more advanced stage.

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