Open AccessThe Risks and Benefits of Searching for Incidental Findings in MRI Research Scans
Author(s) -
Royal Jason M.,
Peterson Bradley S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the journal of law, medicine & ethics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1748-720X
pISSN - 1073-1105
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-720x.2008.00274.x
Subject(s) - neuroimaging , medical physics , medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , medical imaging , radiology , medline , psychology , psychiatry , political science , law
We weigh the presumed benefts of routinely searching all research scans for incidental fndings (IFs) against its substantial risks, including false‐positive and false‐negative fndings, and the possibility of triggering unnecessary, costly evaluations and perhaps harmful treatments. We argue that routinely searching for IFs may not maximize benefts and minimize risks to participants.