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“Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) is safe but if something goes wrong, it can go very
wrong” – Prof Dr KH Ng, Department of Radiology, University of Malaya, Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) is one of the most rapidly advancing diagnostic imaging tools today.
Hazards intrinsic to the MR environment must be understood, acknowledged and
respected. MRI-related accidents do happen, however they were not reported
in most countries.
There are several safety issues to be considered by the radiologists,
clinicians, radiographers, nurses and medical physicists involving with MRI
studies. These include:
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Static magnetic field-related issues
such as forces on ferromagnetic materials
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Time varying magnetic field-related
issues such as induced voltage, auditory considerations and thermal
issues
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Site access restrictions
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Pregnancy-related issues
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Guidelines on claustrophobia,
anxiety, sedation, analgesia and anesthesia
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Contrast agent safety
With the recent
introduction of high field 3 Tesla MRI systems with powerful magnetic field
gradients, MRI acoustic noise poses a serious safety concern. Devices
previously MR safe or compatible may no longer be with these new systems
since many claims for compatibility were established with the 1.5 T systems.
Injuries from MRI accidents are occurring more frequently now and there is
an urgent need for MRI facilities and health authorities to implement safety
guidelines.
There is a need to disseminate information on safety recommendations,
awareness and procedures to follow to prevent MR-related accidents. MRI
safety guidelines should be established for all MRI centres. Written
procedures for screening of patients must be available, read and understood
by all authorised persons.
For the slides of Prof Dr Ng’s lecture, presented at the
12th ASEAN
Association of Radiology Congress in Sep 2004,
click here.
(File size is 1.4Mb)
You may need to
before you can open the PDF file.
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