Some tests are more accurate than others. But most tests are far from perfect. I think the notion that healthy people can have abnormal test results is underappreciated. Many of these abnormalities are meaningless. They are more of an indication of how sensitive our tests are than an indication of some silent disease lurking unsuspected in healthy people. In people without symptoms, minor abnormalities occasionally predict future trouble, but at least as often, they cause unnecessary anxiety. Common examples of test inaccuracies include: MRI of the spine to look for disc disease – According to studies, up to 85% of people without back symptoms have disc abnormalities such as degeneration or bulging. MRI of the knee to find a cause of pain – A sore knee often leads to MRI studies. However, a study published in 2008 found that 61% of people found to have at least one tear in their knee cartilage had no pain, aching or stiffness during the previous month. MRI of the brain – This can show findings suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS) even in the absence of disease. In one study, 70% of people who had no symptoms but had brain MRI findings suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS) did not develop the disease over more than five years. These studies suggest that treatment based solely on MRI findings may not be helpful. ................This information from Robert H. Shmerling, M.D. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 21:17:23 +0000
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