Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What are the contraindications for MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most detailed imaging techniques available to health professionals and patients today.
However, there are contraindications to MRI that should not be overlooked.
MRI poses very little risk to health because it does not rely on radiation, as do X-ray images or computed tomography (CT) scans.
Instead, an MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce images.
In some cases, intravenous (IV) contrast is also used to improve the quality of the images.
Although the magnetic field generated for the procedure does not cause tissue damage, and MRI is considered one of the safest diagnostic procedures available, certain conditions can pose a danger to patients undergoing an MRI scan.

Contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging

The powerful magnetic field used in MRI attracts objects containing iron and can cause them to move with great force.
For this reason, patients should remove all jewelry, clothing and other items that may contain metal before entering the MRI area.
These items can create a risk during the procedure.
Similarly, metal-containing objects implanted in the body can pose a danger because they can move or heat up during the MRI scan.
Consequently, the following conditions are often contraindications for MRI: Pace Maker or implanted defibrillator: until recently, MRI was contraindicated for all patients with implantable cardiac devices, because the fields generated have the potential to damage components and interfere with function.
Conditional MRI Pace Makers are now available, but MRI for patients with these new devices should only be performed when deemed medically necessary and under strict guidelines.
Ferromagnetic aneurysm clips can move or become dislodged under the force of the magnetic field.
A cochlear implant can be damaged or create tissue damage in the presence of an MRI system.
There are strict protocols for cochlear implant patients who require MRI.
The electrodes used in deep brain stimulation can be injured or damaged during MRI.
Metallic foreign bodies: Shards or other metallic objects in the body can be heated and/or moved by the magnetic field.
All such bodies should be assessed to determine the risk of injury they present during the procedure.
This includes any tiny metal shards or fragments that may have become lodged in the eye as a result of welding, grinding or any kind of accident.
Some varieties of eye implant pose a risk of damage to the eye due to metal components.
A Swan-Ganz catheter can malfunction during MRI.
This list of contraindications for MRI does not cover all points.
Make sure you inform your MRI technician of any implants or other internal objects that your body may contain.   Other conditions should be passed on and assessed, but may not present contraindications to MRI.
Discuss any concerns before the examination so that the technicians can decide on the most appropriate imaging diagnosis.   Pregnancy: Although ultrasound is the most commonly used imaging method during pregnancy, there are times when magnetic resonance imaging is preferable.
Make sure your healthcare professionals know that you are pregnant so that they can make safe decisions when advising you on your care.
Results of damage to the developing fetus have never been reported with magnetic resonance imaging.
Drug infusion devices can malfunction during MRI.
The details of your specific model will determine whether and how you can safely undergo MRI.
According to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the US health regulator, some adhesives and electrocardiogram (ECG) can cause skin burns during MRI.
Make sure your technician is aware of any implants or prostheses the patient may have.