Melissa M. Jones1, Zoltan Patay1, Heather M. Conklin2, Clinton D. Hermes3, Fred H. Laningham4, Robert A. Kaufman1, Robert J. Ogg1
1Radiological Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; 2Behavioral Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; 3General Counsel, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; 4Children's Hospital Central California, Madera, CA
Management of incidental findings in imaging research is a challenging task facing the medical community. We report the elements of a policy developed for neuroimaging of healthy research participants, and summarize initial results of review of image data according to the new policy. The policy requires neuroradiologist review of scans, consensus opinion on categorization of findings, consent of research participants to be informed of findings and for referral to their health provider. We believe this policy balances the interests and responsibilities of participants and researchers, and hope dissemination will further the discussion in the imaging community toward establishing consensus guidelines.