The patients' experience of neuroimaging of primary brain tumors: a cross-sectional survey study

PurposeTo gain insight into how patients with primary brain tumors experience MRI, follow-up protocols, and gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) use.MethodsPrimary brain tumor patients answered a survey after their MRI exam. Questions were analyzed to determine trends in patients' experience regarding the scan itself, follow-up frequency, and the use of GBCAs. Subgroup analysis was performed on sex, lesion grade, age, and the number of scans. Subgroup comparison was made using the Pearson chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U-test for categorical and ordinal questions, respectively.ResultsOf the 100 patients, 93 had a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis, and seven were considered to have a slow-growing low-grade tumor after multidisciplinary assessment and follow-up. 61/100 patients were male, with a mean age +/- standard deviation of 44 +/- 14 years and 46 +/- 13 years for the females. Fifty-nine patients had low-grade tumors. Patients consistently underestimated the number of their previous scans. 92% of primary brain tumor patients did not experience the MRI as bothering and 78% would not change the number of follow-up MRIs. 63% of the patients would prefer GBCA-free MRI scans if diagnostically equally accurate. Women found the MRI and receiving intravenous cannulas significantly more uncomfortable than men (p = 0.003). Age, diagnosis, and the number of previous scans had no relevant impact on the patient experience.ConclusionPatients with primary brain tumors experienced current neuro-oncological MRI practice as positive. Especially women would, however, prefer GBCA-free imaging if diagnostically equally accurate. Patient knowledge of GBCAs was limited, indicating improvable patient information.

Automated summary

This study aims to understand the experiences of patients with primary brain tumors regarding MRI, follow-up protocols, and the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). The analysis of patient surveys revealed that patients consistently underestimated the number of previous scans and most patients did not find MRI bothersome and would not change the frequency of follow-up MRIs. Women were found to be more uncomfortable with the MRI and receiving intravenous cannulas. Patient knowledge of GBCAs was limited.