NAKO Examinations

MRI examination

At five of the 18 study centres, a selected group of study participants have the choice of undergoing an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) examination.

The MRT locations include

More than 30,000 NAKO participants received an MRI scan in the baseline examination and more than 19,000 in the second examination. In the third examination, over 11,000 participants can now be included again in the additional MRI examination.

The MRI examination within the German National Cohort (NAKO) is carried out exclusively for research purposes and does not replace a preventive examination or clinical diagnostics.

The generated images are saved in pseudonymised form in databases and used by scientists to identify risk factors and pre-stages of diseases.

The MRI examination takes approx. 1.5 hours, including the information session. According to the current state of knowledge, MRI examinations do not have any side effects for the individual. No contrast medium is used.

However, the magnetic field can affect the function of certain devices, such as pacemakers, defibrillators, neural stimulators, cochlear implants, vein port systems or insulin/medication pumps. Metal objects in the body can also heat up or move, which can lead to burns or injuries.

For this reason, an MRI examination is not possible for people with certain metallic foreign bodies (e.g. artificial heart valves, stents, metal splinters) or implants, large tattoos, non-removable metallic body jewellery and special intrauterine devices. If a prosthesis passport is available, this should be presented to the study centre in advance so that it can be checked whether participation in the MRI examination is still possible.

The MRI study centres in Augsburg, Berlin, Essen, Mannheim and Neubrandenburg will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Results of the MRI examination

The NAKO MRI examination is not for a diagnosis suitable. The scientifically oriented examination programme is exactly the same for every participant. It is not intended to clarify symptoms, diagnose specific diseases or monitor the course of known diseases. Nevertheless, the MRI images are checked for relevant findings by specialist radiological and medical staff.

Only if there are indications of possible illnesses that require clarification will these be communicated. Further results are not communicated in order to avoid unnecessary worries or fears. Due to the fact that the MRI scans are focussed on the study, there is a risk that either random results without disease significance are reported (false positive results) or relevant findings are missed (false negative results).

The list of incidental findings and information on whether they are reported or not can be found here:
List of Incidental MRI Results (PDF /In German only)

It is not intended to hand over the image data on DVD. However, if the wish is expressed to discuss this with the treating physicians, this can be granted. It must be emphasised that these are research images that do not have the comprehensive quality of a clinical diagnostic examination and cannot replace any necessary diagnostics.

Other Examinations

Tooth counting and detailed dental examination

Interview

3D echocardiography

Retina imaging

Bioimpedance analysis

FeNO-Test