Unnecessary computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging rates in a tertiary care hospital

Objective. The actual rate of unnecessary imaging is unknown in our country. In this study we aimed to detect unnecessary computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) rates and the radiological quality of these examinations in our hospital. Methods. CT/MRI request documents of 1,713 patients who had multidetector CT or MRI examination in a 2-month period at a single tertiary care hospital were obtained. We evaluated that whether the disorder that mentioned in request document was present or not in multidetector CT or MR images from the picture and archiving communicating system of our hospital. Scoring was done as follows; score 0 (there is no pathologic finding), score 1 (suspicious findings), and score 2 (presence of mentioned pathology). The radiological quality of the examinations was scored as follows; grade 0 (poor quality), grade 1 (moderate quality), and grade 2 (good quality). Results. There was not any pathologic finding in 35% of the patients included in the study (score 0, unnecessary imaging). There was/were finding(s) regarding to the disorder that mentioned in the request document in 43% of the patients (score 2). Suspicious findings were existed in the remaining patients (score 1). In the assessment of radiologic quality of the examinations that included in the study; 94% of the radiologic examinations had good quality and the remaining had moderate (0.2%) and poor (5.5%) quality. Conclusions. Unnecessary CT or MRI rate was detected as 35% in our hospital. Unnecessary imaging causes increased nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, contrast-induced nephropathy and/or radiation risks, and total cost. It may also cause reduced patient compliance and prolongation of therapy period.