The Rational Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

At present, a large number of different imaging modalities compete with each other. Parallel use of different diagnostic techniques is costly and may be harmful for the patient. Thus, for both cost/benefit considerations and patient comfort these modalities should be placed in their appropriate position within diagnostic pathways. More than 30 teams involving more than 100 scientists from many European countries have developed basic outlines of recommendations for the rational use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and the present volume is a distillation of these. Recommendations describing the proper use of MR imaging with index overviews, diagnostic pathways and detailed but concise reports of specific topics summarising the results of the conference are published here. This summary also includes overviews of socio-economic aspects of the utilisation of MR imaging. This evaluation offers a better understanding of MR imaging, its potential future utilisation, as well as its place in the health system on a European scale. The results serve as the basis for recommendations regarding the future use of MR imaging as a diagnostic procedure, the planning of magnetic resonance facilities, specialised personnel work-load, and reimbursement schemes.