Inpatient MRI Research Articles

“My attending really wants it!” Manual clinical decision support adjudicating the “better look” inpatient MRI at an academic medical center

ObjectiveMRI utilization in the United States is relatively higher than in other parts of the world and inpatient MRI utilization is particularly difficult to manage given the lack of direct reimbursement. Body MRI studies present an opportunity to reduce inpatient MRI utilization since they are generally the least emergent. Our objective was to use a targeted questionnaire to probe the necessity of inpatient body MRI orders and present an opportunity to either cancel them or transition them to the outpatient realm MethodsA 9-item questionnaire was devised asking questions about the urgency of the inpatient MRI order including the urgent management question, an inpatient procedure or whether it was recommended by a consultant. Peer-to-peer discussion walking through each of the questions was conducted by radiology housestaff with the ordering clinicians and responses recorded. Results845 recorded responses reported a lack of specific clinical question in 23.9% of orders, 68.9% were recommended by a non-radiology consulting service and 16.1% were recommended by radiology studies. 17.0% orders were felt to be outpatient appropriate and 23.3% were considered possibly appropriate for the outpatient setting. 3.9% were canceled and 4.9% were transitioned to outpatient orders. DiscussionEngaging in a focused discussion about the urgency and appropriateness of an inpatient MRI body order following a list of scripted questions has the potential to reduce utilization. This approach also highlights the relatively high rate of indication uncertainty among ordering clinicians and the central role of consultants in prompting orders.

Exploring the role of in-patient magnetic resonance imaging use among admitted ischemic stroke patients in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare resource utilization.

Despite the diagnostic and etiological significance of in-patient MRI in ischemic stroke (IS), its utilization is considered resource-intensive, expensive, and thus limiting feasibility and relevance. This study investigated the utilization of in-patient MRI for IS patients and its impact on patient and healthcare resource utilization outcomes. This retrospective registry-based study analyzed 1,956 IS patients admitted to Halifax's QEII Health Centre between 2015 and 2019. Firstly, temporal trends of MRI and other neuroimaging utilization were evaluated. Secondly, we categorized the cohort into two groups (MRI vs. No MRI; in addition to a non-contrast CT) and investigated adjusted differences in patient outcomes at admission, discharge, and post-discharge using logistic regression. Additionally, we analyzed healthcare resource utilization using Poisson log-linear regression. Furthermore, patient outcomes significantly associated with MRI use underwent subgroup analysis for stroke severity (mild stroke including transient ischemic attack vs. moderate and severe stroke) and any acute stage treatment (thrombolytic or thrombectomy or both vs. no treatment) subgroups, while using an age and sex-adjusted logistic regression model. MRI was used in 40.5% patients; non-contrast CT in 99.3%, CT angiogram in 61.8%, and CT perfusion in 50.3%. Higher MRI utilization was associated with male sex, younger age, mild stroke, wake-up stroke, and no thrombolytic or thrombectomy treatment. MRI use was independently associated with lower in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.15-0.36), lower symptomatic neurological status changes (0.64; 0.43-0.94), higher home discharge (1.32; 1.07-1.63), good functional outcomes at discharge (mRS score 0-2) (1.38; 1.11-1.72), lower 30-day stroke re-admission rates (0.48; 0.26-0.89), shorter hospital stays (regression coefficient, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.90-0.94), and reduced direct costs of hospitalization (0.90; 0.89-0.91). Subgroup analysis revealed significantly positive association of MRI use with most patient outcomes in moderate and severe strokes subgroup and non-acutely treated subgroup. Conversely, outcomes in mild strokes (including TIAs) subgroup and acute treatment subgroup were comparable regardless of MRI use. A substantial proportion of admitted IS patients underwent MRI, and MRI use was associated with improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare resource utilization. Considering the multifactorial nature of IS patient outcomes, further randomized controlled trials are suggested to investigate the role of increased MRI utilization in optimizing in-patient IS management.

Towards 24/7 MRI: the effect of routine weekend inpatient MRI scanning on patient waiting times

BackgroundDemand for inpatient MRI outstrips capacity which results in long waiting lists. The hospital commenced a routine weekend MRI service in January 2023.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a limited routine weekend MRI service on MRI turnaround times.MethodsWaiting times for inpatient MRI scans performed before and after the introduction of weekend MRI from January 1 to August 31, 2022, and January 1 to August 31, 2023, were obtained. The turnaround time (TAT) and request category for each study were calculated. Category 1 requests were required immediately, category 2 requests were urgent and category 3 requests were routine.ResultsThere was a 6% (n = 128) increase in MRI inpatient scanning activity in 2023 (n = 2449) compared to 2022 (n = 2322). There was a significant improvement in overall mean TAT for inpatient MRIs (p < .001) in 2023 (mean 65.2 h, range 0–555 h) compared to 2022 (mean 98.3 h, range 0–816 h). There was no significant difference in the mean waiting time for category 1 MRIs between 2022 and 2023. There was a significant improvement (p < .001) in mean waiting time in 2023 (mean 37.2 h, range 0–555) compared to 2022 (mean 55.4 h, range 0–816) for category 2 MRI. The mean waiting time for category 3 studies also significantly improved (p < .001) in 2023 (mean 93.4 h, range 1–2663) when compared to 2022 (mean 154.8, range 1–1706).ConclusionRoutine weekend inpatient MRI significantly shortens inpatient waiting times.

Impact of early MRI in ischemic strokes beyond hyper-acute stage to improve patient outcomes, enable early discharge, and realize cost savings

BackgroundEarly in-patient MR Imaging may assist in identifying stroke etiology, facilitating prompt secondary prevention for ischemic strokes (IS), and potentially enhancing patient outcomes. This study explores the impact of early in patient MRI on IS patient outcomes and healthcare resource use beyond the hyper-acute stage. MethodsIn this retrospective registry-based study, 771 admitted transient ischemic attack (TIA) and IS patients at Halifax's QEII Health Centre from 2015 to 2019 underwent in-patient MRI. Cohort was categorized into two groups based on MRI timing: early (within 48 h) and late. Logistic regression and Poisson log-linear models, adjusted for age, sex, stroke severity, acute stroke protocol (ASP) activation, thrombolytic, and thrombectomy, were employed to examine in-hospital, discharge, post-discharge, and healthcare resource utilization outcomes. ResultsAmong the cohort, 39.6 % received early in-patient MRI. ASP activation and TIA were associated with a higher likelihood of receiving early MRI. Early MRI was independently associated with a lower rate of symptomatic changes in neurological status during hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.42; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.20–0.88), higher odds of good functional outcomes at discharge (1.55; 1.11–2.16), lower rate of non-home discharge (0.65; 0.46–0.91), shorter length of stay (regression coefficient, 0.93; 95 % CI, 0.89–0.97), and reduced direct cost of hospitalization (0.77; 0.75–0.79). ConclusionEarly in-patient MRI utilization in IS patients post-hyper-acute stage was independently associated with improved patient outcomes and decreased healthcare resource utilization, underscoring the potential benefits of early MRI during in-patient management of IS. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is warranted to validate these findings.

Safely Shifting MRIs for Seizure Evaluation to the Outpatient Setting.

When a patient is admitted for seizure-like activity, in addition to obtaining a thorough history and physical exam, the evaluation may include a neurology consultation, EEG, and brain MRI. The cost of an inpatient MRI is significant and only 2% of MRIs yield clinically significant findings. At our institution, there was a 20% increase in patients undergoing inpatient MRI from 2018 to 2020. Our aim: Decrease the percentage of patient encounters receiving inpatient brain MRIs for seizure evaluation from 50% to 40% in 6 months by safely shifting MRIs to the outpatient setting. Initially, provider variability in ordering practices of MRIs was analyzed. Stakeholders were gathered and a local guideline was developed to standardize MRI utilization. A process map was created and highlighted barriers to obtaining an outpatient MRI. A new standard process was developed that streamlined and automated processes, and reduced delays and reliance on patients' families. Since implementation of the new clinical guideline, the percentage of inpatient MRIs ordered for patient encounters presenting with seizures and seizure-like episodes decreased from a mean of 50% to 26%. Significant reductions occurred for patients with complex febrile seizures, provoked but afebrile seizures, and unprovoked seizures. The MRI guideline recommendations were followed in 93% of encounters in the final 12 months. None of the patients who underwent outpatient MRI required readmission for acute findings. In this project, the percentage of inpatient MRIs was safely decreased with the implementation of a clinical guideline and standardized process.

Abstract TP136: Disparities In Care Of Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage According To Baseline Functional Status

Introduction: Disparities exist in acute ischemic stroke care according to patients’ pre-stroke functional status. However, the effects of baseline disability on the presentation and care of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are unknown. We aimed to understand this using the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky (GCNK) Stroke Study. Methods: We ascertained all hospitalized ICH patients ≥18 years old in 2015 using ICD-9 430-436; ICD-10 I60-I67, G45-G46 GCNK) population; all cases were physician-reviewed. Per-stroke functional status was ascertained by medical record review. Baseline NIHSS, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), imaging modalities (CT/MRI), in-hospital rehabilitative therapies (rate and frequency), initiation of antihypertensive treatment, and discharge disposition between patients with pre-ICH mRS 0-1 vs ≥2 were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum or chi-square tests. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between pre-stroke mRS and in-hospital therapy, post-discharge therapy, and ICH workup adjusting for age, Glasgow score, insurance status, and ICH location. Results: Of 350 patients with ICH, 187 (53%) had a pre-ICH mRS ≥2. Compared to those with pre-stroke mRS 0-1, these patients had more severe clinical presentation as measured by NIHSS and GCS (table). Among patients who were not made comfort care, no association between pre-ICH mRS and performance of inpatient MRI or in-hospital and post-discharge rehabilitative therapies was found in adjusted analyses. Conclusions: Patients with pre-ICH mRS &gt;2 were made comfort care at a higher rate, but for those not made comfort care there were no post-ICH disparities of care seen in the 2015 GCNK population-based cohort of 350 patients.

Audit of inpatient MRI waiting times for suspected occult femoral neck fracture

Audit of inpatient MRI waiting times for suspected occult femoral neck fracture

Cervical spine injury from gunshot wounds.

Gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the cervical spine have been examined in a limited number of case series, and operative management of this traumatic disease has been sparsely discussed. The current literature supports and the authors hypothesize that patients without neurological deficit need neither surgical fusion nor decompression. Patients with GSWs and neurological deficits, however, pose a greater management challenge. The authors have compiled the experience of the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland, over the past 12 years, creating the largest series of such injuries, with a total number of 40 civilian patients needing neurosurgical evaluation. The current analysis examines presenting bone injury, surgical indication, presenting neurological examination, and neurological outcome. In this study, the authors characterize the incidence, severity, and recovery potential of cervical GSWs. The rate of unstable fractures requiring surgical intervention is documented. A detailed discussion of surgical indications with a treatment algorithm for cervical instability is offered. A total of 144 cervical GSWs were retrospectively reviewed. Of these injuries, 40 had documented neurological deficits. No neurosurgical consultation was requested for patients without deficit. Epidemiological and clinical information was collected on patients with neurological deficit, including age, sex, timing, indication, type of surgery, initial examination after resuscitation, follow-up examination, and imaging data. Twenty-eight patients (70%) presented with complete neurological deficits and 12 patients (30%) presented with incomplete injuries. Fourteen (35%) of the 40 patients underwent neurosurgical intervention. Twelve patients (30%) required intervention for cervical instability. Seven patients required internal fixation involving 4 anterior fusions, 2 posterior fusions, and 1 combined approach. Five patients were managed with halo immobilization. Two patients underwent decompression alone for neurological deterioration and persistent compressive injury, both of whom experienced marked neurological recovery. Follow-up was obtained in 92% of cases. Three patients undergoing stabilization converted at least 1 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grade and the remaining operative cases experienced small ASIA motor score improvement. Eighteen patients underwent inpatient MRI. No patient suffered complications or neurological deterioration related to retained metal. Three of 28 patients presenting with AIS Grade A improved to Grade B. For those 12 patients with incomplete injury, 1 improved from AIS Grade C to D, and 3 improved from Grade D to E. Spinal cord injury from GSWs often results in severe neurological deficits. In this series, 30% of these patients with deficits required intervention for instability. This is the first series that thoroughly documents AIS improvement in this patient population. Adherence to the proposed treatment algorithm may optimize neurological outcome and spine stability.

Inpatient CT and MRI Utilization: Trends in the Academic Hospital Setting

The aim of this study was to determine trends in the utilization of inpatient CT and MRI at academic medical centers. Surveys requesting inpatient CT volumes, inpatient MRI volumes, discharges excluding newborns, and case-adjusted mix index from 2002 to 2007 were e-mailed to all 123 members of the Society of Chairmen of Academic Radiology Departments. CT and MRI studies per discharge were adjusted using the case mix index (CMI) provided by each hospital to adjust for the differences in patient mix at participating institutions. Trends in adjusted inpatient imaging utilization were compared over time and across responding institutions. Twenty-two of 123 chairs (17.9%) of academic radiology departments, representing all geographic regions and a wide variability in National Institutes of Health research funding ranking, provided responses to our survey. Between 2002 and 2007, there was an increase in median CMI-adjusted CT studies per discharge of 28.0% and an increase in median CMI-adjusted MRI studies per discharge of 19.8%. The largest annual percentage increase in CT utilization (20.2%) occurred from 2003 to 2004, and there was negative growth between 2006 and 2007 of -3.74%. The largest annual percentage increase in MRI utilization (13.9%) occurred from 2006 to 2007, with 3 years of negative growth from 2002 to 2003, 2004 to 2005, and 2005 to 2006. In 2007, there was a wide range in CMI-adjusted CT studies per discharge between institutions from 0.16 to 0.75, with a mean of 0.40 ± 0.18, with a corresponding wide range in CMI-adjusted MRI studies per discharge of 0.04 to 0.16, with a mean of 0.09 ± 0.03. There has been large growth in inpatient CT and MRI utilization at academic medical centers. This growth is variable over time and between institutions. Practice leaders can use this information to compare themselves with their peers and to monitor the impact of programmatic improvements on inpatient imaging utilization and in discussions with health system leaders who would like to improve system profitability by decreasing costly inpatient imaging procedures.