Tennessee probes Premier Radiology after fatal MRI incident

Tennessee health authorities are investigating the death of a patient who underwent MRI at a Premier Radiology outpatient imaging center in Brentwood, TN.

The patient had a pacemaker and an implantable cardiac defibrillator at the time of the July 11, 2025, exam, according to an investigative report obtained by WSMV4 Investigates.

Before the scan, the patient reportedly had difficulty breathing. During the exam, he signaled to staff that he was OK, but a technologist later said the patient appeared red-faced and that the scan needed to be completed quickly.

By the end of the MRI, the patient was unresponsive. During the 911 call, a staff member said the patient was not responding, was turning blue, and did not have a pulse.

Emergency response procedures are also under review. State investigators wrote that “the clinic failed to ensure staff were adequately trained on the use of emergency medical equipment,” after call logs indicated staff had difficulty connecting automated external defibrillator pads.

The investigation also raised questions about whether the patient’s cardiac devices were placed in MRI-safe mode before the exam. The device manufacturer reportedly told investigators that the defibrillator was not placed in MRI-safe mode until 37 minutes after the 911 call, while Premier Radiology disputed that account and cited a daylight-saving time discrepancy.

MRI safety specialist Tobias Gilk filed a complaint with Tennessee authorities after the incident. He told WSMV that the report showed “alarming inconsistencies” in accounts of the event.

The State Health Facilities Commission has indicated there is sufficient evidence to impose deficiencies and penalties, according to WSMV. The commission’s executive director said the agency could not comment while the investigation remains ongoing.

Premier Radiology did not respond to multiple WSMV requests for comment. Ascension St. Thomas, which is affiliated with the clinic, referred questions to Premier Radiology.