Incidental brain findings in neuroimaging research

LIPINA, SEBASTIAN J.

Ethical Research Involving Children (ERIC)

UNICEF Office of Research Innocenti

Lugar: Florence; Año: 2013; p. 128 - 130

Incidental brain findings (IBFs) are apparently asymptomatic intracranial abnormalities detected in healthy children and adults during their participation in research studies, which apply neuroimaging techniques [i.e., structural (MRI) and functional (fMRI) magnetic resonance imaging, magnetoencephalography (MEG), electroencephalography (EEG-ERP), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)]. IBFs could have clinical significance because of their potential to cause symptoms or influence eventual treatments. However, the scientific community does not yet have an accurate estimate of their incidence since no systematic reporting exists, and there is no consensus that disclosure of findings that are minor or normal is in the interest of research participants. Furthermore, at present there is a significant procedural variability in research units regarding engaging and protecting participants, and detecting and communicating abnormal findings to them. When IBFs occur in children and adolescents, multiple ethical concerns are raised.