To Örebro University

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging in closed-bore scanners is at times anxiety-ridden. Open scanners are easier to tolerate. Manufacturers are working towards making the bores wider and shorter.

Aim

To compare patient anxiety in closed-bore scanners with bore diameters of 62cm and 70 cm compared to that of open design scanners.

Method

Consecutive patients referred for examination of the spine in 62 cm and 70 cm scanners and one open design were asked to participate. Most of those who were scheduled for examination in the open scanner, was it due to problems with closed bores. For anxiety evaluation, four questionnaires were used:

 Before the examination: Spielberger State and Trait anxiety – state (STAI-S) [1]. Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Anxiety (HAD-A) and depression (HAD-D) [2], The Magnetic Resonance Imaging- Fear survey schedule (MRI-FSS) [3].  

Directly after the examination: The Magnetic Resonance Imaging- Anxiety Questionnaire (MRI-AQ) consisting of two factors anxiety and relaxation [4], STAI-S, patients also ranged their level of worry and experience.

One week after the examination: MRI-AQ, HAD, MRI-FSS

Result

155 patients responded to the questionnaires before and immediately after the examination. 109 responded also one week after. Patients in the open scanner rated higher levels of anxiety (<0.001) before, directly after and one week after the examination, compared to closed bore scanners. No difference was found in the patient scores between the 62 cm and the 70 cm scanners on the examination day. At follow-up, patients in the 62 cm bore rated their examination experience lower (<0.05), compared to patients in the 70 cm bore.

Conclusion

In conclusion patient experience of the examination was similar in the 62 cm and 70 cm bores immediately after the examination. However, patient recall of the examination was more pleasant for those examined in the 70 cm bore scanner.

MRI in an open scanner may be the only way for patients with anxiety problems to endure an examination. If open scanners are unavailable, different interventions are needed to enable these patients to undergo an examination. Patient anxiety in connection with MRI is a challenge for the radiographers necessitating constant improvements in technology and interventions.

1.         Spielberger CD, Goursch, R.L., Lushene, R.E.: Manual for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologist Press 1970.

2.         Zigmond AS, Snaith RP: The hospital anxiety and depression scale. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1983, 67(6):361-370.

3.         Lukins R, Davan IGP, Drummond PD: A cognitive behavioural approach to preventing anxiety during magnetic resonance imaging. Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry 1997, 28(2):97-104.

4.         Ahlander BM, Arestedt K, Engvall J, Maret E, Ericsson E: Development and validation of a questionnaire evaluating patient anxiety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging: the Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Anxiety Questionnaire (MRI-AQ). J Adv Nurs 2016, 72(6):1368-1380.