Authors' objectives:

To evaluate the evidence relating to the use, costs and effectiveness of MRI.

Authors' results and conclusions: The first MRI was installed in Sweden in 1984, and by 1992, almost 20 hospitals had acquired MRI. MRI has diffused more slowly in Sweden than in some other countries, but within a few years, between 30 and 40 hospitals in Sweden plan to have access to this technology. The annual operational and capital cost for each unit in Sweden currently is between 3-7 million SEK.

Authors' recommendations: MRI is a recent diagnostic method which is undergoing rapid development and with great potential for the future. Scientific evidence supports the superior safety and diagnostic information from MRI for certain conditions, primarily in the central nervous system, spinal cord, and neuromuscular system. Possible long term risks of exposure to strong magnetic fields are not known. MRI can reduce the need for some other examinations such as CT, angiography, arthroscopy and ultrasound. In some cases, it is possible that MRI may completely replace other examinations such as myelography. There is a lack of rigorous scientific studies comparing the results of MRI with other imaging techniques. No published study verifies the cost effectiveness of MRI relative to other techniques. The purchase, installation and operation of an MRI unit is expensive. Many hospitals in Sweden plan to purchase an MRI, but further MRI installations should focus on county hospitals providing acute care. Decisions about the purchase and choice of equipment must be considered carefully in the context of existing diagnostic imaging facilities (particularly CT) and the volume of patients with indications for MRI investigation.

Authors' methods: Survey

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.sbu.se/Published

Year Published: 1992

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Sweden

Organisation Name: Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services

Contact Address: P.O. Box 3657, SE-103 59 Stockholm, Sweden. Tel: +46 8 4123200, Fax: +46 8 4113260

Contact Name: registrator@sbu.se

Contact Email: registrator@sbu.se

Copyright: The Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care