MRI safety

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe diagnostic tool and over 500 million diagnostic studies have been performed safely up to now. However, there have been at least 15 published cases of patient deaths associated with MRI scanning; 10 cases with implanted pacemakers [1-5], 2 patients with an insulin pump [3], 1 patient with a neuro-stimulator, 1 patient with an aneurysm clip [6], and 1 child killed by an oxygen tank [7]. Additionally, hundreds of severe burns [8] or injuries due to ferromagnetic projectiles have also been reported. The loud noises (up to 120 dBA) induced by the fast switching gradient fields make ear protections mandatory for all patient. The sources of all these risks are the electromagnetic fields of the MRI scanner.