Regional Variability in MRI Scans with Different Magnetic Field Strengths in Japan: Implications for Healthcare Preparedness for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

Abstract

(1) Background: The 2023 approval of lecanemab for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD) highlighted the need for routine 1.5T or 3.0T MRI scans to monitor amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs). Regional disparities in MRI scan frequency, MRI scanner availability, and scanner magnetic field strengths could affect readiness for anti-amyloid therapy and lead to inconsistencies in ARIA detection nationwide. (2) Methods: We assessed regional variance in MRI scan frequency and field strength across Japan using the National Database (NDB) Open Data website, which summarizes Japanese public health insurance claims from the fiscal years (FYs) 2015 to 2021. We employed a mixed-effects model with prefecture-level random intercepts and slopes over time, subsequently categorizing prefectures into clusters based on MRI usage. (3) Results: 1.5T MRI was the most common magnetic field strength, remaining stable from FY2015 to FY2021. 3.0T MRI usage slightly increased, although the COVID-19 pandemic in FY2020 led to a maximum reduction of 5%. Prefecture-level variance was higher for 3.0T MRIs, with more frequent usage in western Japan. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights prefecture-level variance in MRI usage across Japan. The insights gained could be instrumental in improving healthcare preparedness for anti-amyloid treatment and patient management.