Perceived Anxiety of Pediatric Patients to Magnetic Resonance

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a nonionizing radiologic technique without known adverse physical effects, is utilized frequently in children and adolescents. The MRI technique requires prolonged immobility in a narrow, confined space, and concern has been raised regarding possible patient anxiety and noncompliance. Several reports suggest that up to 10% of adults undergoing MRI may experience anxiety and/or claustrophobia. ¹ However, to our knowledge, no studies of the subjective MRI experiences of children and adolescents have been published. We report here the general characteristics of 491 consecutive Pediatric patients who were evaluated with MRI at our institution, including the experience of anxiety in 85 older children and adolescents.