A middle-aged man died in January 2025 in Kuopio after undergoing an MRI while sedated at a private clinic, prompting an investigation by the Accident Investigation Board.
In January 2025, a middle-aged man tragically lost his life after being sedated for an MRI scan at Pihlajalinna clinic in Kuopio. He sought the MRI due to persistent shoulder pain that stemmed from an injury sustained in December 2024. Despite prior attempts to conduct the MRI being unsuccessful due to his claustrophobia, the man was later referred to Kuopio University Hospital, where the procedure was to be performed under general anesthesia.
The report from the Accident Investigation Board (Otkes) outlines the series of events leading up to the patient's death on January 2, 2025. It highlights the man's struggles with severe pain and his visits to various orthopedic specialists in search of relief. His condition was complicated by his fear of confined spaces, which had previously thwarted attempts to conduct the necessary imaging despite the administration of sedatives intended to ease his anxiety.
The investigation raises significant concerns about the handling of patients with specific phobias or conditions requiring certain medical procedures, especially in terms of the protocols in place to ensure patient safety during sedated imaging. The findings may have implications for future medical practices and guidelines surrounding the treatment of patients who face similar challenges in accessing necessary diagnostic procedures.
