Revisiting MRI Claustrophobia

Claustrophobia during MRI is a well-documented challenge that affects diagnostic accuracy and patient care. Each year, nearly 2 million MRI scans are disrupted due to anxiety, thus leading to early termination of the scan, image degradation from motion, and increasing healthcare costs. This review examines the prevalence of MRI-related claustrophobia, along with the financial and operational burdens. This review also highlights the latest strategies to improve patient tolerance, which range from technological advancements, behavioral techniques and pharmacological interventions, all of which show promise in reducing scan-related distress. Ultimately, a holistic patient-centered approach is key to optimizing both imaging efficiency and the overall MRI experience.