Reddit posts show uncertainty around whole-body MRI screening

Patients are discussing whole-body MRI screening on Reddit with strong interest but substantial uncertainty, according to research published in Clinical Imaging.

Researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine analyzed Reddit posts containing terms such as “whole body MRI” and the names of commercial providers including Ezra and Prenuvo.

The study included 3,100 relevant posts from 1,932 Reddit users between 2013 and 2024. Most users were from the general public, while radiologists accounted for 2% of posters.

Overall sentiment was mixed. About 47% of posters opposed whole-body MRI, 25% favored it, 20% were neutral, and 7% expressed mixed views, according to the report.

Only 4% of users said they had undergone whole-body MRI. Most of those users described positive experiences.

Common discussion themes included early detection and preventive health, information exchange, exam cost, ethical and health equity concerns, and advertising practices. Posts peaked in August 2023 after a viral endorsement from Kim Kardashian, according to the article.

“Radiologists are well-positioned to contribute evidence-based guidance, promote transparency, and help patients make informed decisions about their medical imaging,” the authors wrote.

The study comes as whole-body MRI screening continues to draw scrutiny from radiologists. A JAMA Perspective published May 6 discussed elective MRI screening of the general public, and Michigan Medicine summarized the authors’ position that such screenings are not recommended and may do more harm than good.

Michigan Medicine noted that commercial interest in whole-body MRI has grown despite a lack of endorsements from relevant professional organizations.