Nearly half of pediatric endocrinology MRIs are unnecessary, study finds

Nearly half of the brain MRI scans performed in pediatric endocrinology patients are unnecessary, with repeated imaging often providing no new clinical insights, according to a study that emphasizes the need for clearer guidelines to reduce the overuse of MRIs.

The research involved a retrospective analysis of 584 MRI scans performed on 414 pediatric patients, including 254 with growth hormone deficiency, 116 with central precocious puberty, and 41 with other causes of short stature.

The analysis found that 67% of the MRI scans were normal. More than one MRI was done on 18% if patients, although the researchers concluded that follow-up scans were rarely justified. The study found that among 170 repeated MRI scans, 86% were deemed unnecessary according to established protocols, with only 5 patients needing the repeat imaging. None of the repeated MRIs found any progression in the initial findings.

In addition, the study identified incidentalomas—unrelated findings that are common in the general population—in 17% of patients, often leading to further imaging or unnecessary follow-ups, contributing to the overuse of MRIs.

The researchers concluded that 268 MRI scans, or 46% of the total performed, could have been avoided.

Reference
Marin M, Murru FM, Baldo F, et al. Minimizing unnecessary brain magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric endocrinology: a retrospective cohort analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024;15:1456541. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1456541. PMID: 39290328; PMCID: PMC11405184.