Physician Suspected of Causing Death by Negligence in Fatal MRI Procedure in Kuopio
Police in Eastern Finland have completed their investigation into the death of a middle-aged man during an MRI scan at Pihlajalinna Medical Center in Kuopio, suspecting a healthcare professional of causing death by negligence. The suspect, a physician involved in performing the scan, is accused of failing to ensure proper safety protocols during the procedure.
The man, who had sought medical attention for shoulder pain, underwent the MRI while sedated due to claustrophobia. According to Iltalehti, sedation was administered under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, but the patient was later found unresponsive after the imaging. Despite successful resuscitation efforts, he was declared brain-dead days later and disconnected from life support.
The victim’s brother previously told Iltalehti that the sedation was unexpected and that no one appeared to be monitoring the procedure. The man’s 12-year-old son learned of his father’s death in a distressing manner, when the boy attempted to contact him to arrange a weekend visit.
Multiple Safety Failures Identified
The Safety Investigation Authority (Otkes) released a report in February detailing severe shortcomings in the procedure. Helsingin Sanomat reports that the patient received excessive anesthetic medication, equivalent to general anesthesia, along with additional sedative doses during the scan. He was also given insufficient oxygen through an oxygen mask, and his vital signs were only visually observed rather than monitored with proper equipment.
Otkes found that the patient’s unresponsiveness was only noticed after the MRI was completed, delaying resuscitation efforts. The investigation further revealed that the medical center was ill-prepared for emergencies, with deficiencies in both the anesthesiologist’s actions and the facility’s safety protocols.
Pihlajalinna’s medical director confirmed to Iltalehti that the anesthesiologist involved is no longer employed by the company. The company has since updated its guidelines, discontinuing MRI scans under anesthesia at its Kuopio location. In a statement, Pihlajalinna expressed deep regret over the incident and pledged to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Police Maintain Confidentiality
Eastern Finland Police have classified the preliminary investigation report as confidential under the Publicity Act and the law on determining the cause of death. No further details about the suspect or the investigation will be disclosed at this time.
The case has drawn attention to the risks of sedation during medical imaging, particularly when proper oversight and equipment are lacking. HUS chief physician Pertti Pere previously told Iltalehti that such procedures should never occur without direct supervision by an anesthesiologist.
