MRI safety screening of children with implants: updates and challenges

Pediatr Radiol. 2023 Jun;53(7):1454-1468. doi: 10.1007/s00247-023-05651-4. Epub 2023 Apr 20.

Abstract

MRI is the imaging modality of choice for assessing many pediatric medical conditions. Although there are several inherent potential safety risks associated with the electromagnetic fields exploited for MRI, they are effectively mitigated through strict adherence to established MRI safety practices, enabling the safe and effective use of MRI in clinical practice. The potential hazards of the MRI environment may be exacerbated by/in the presence of implanted medical devices. Awareness of the unique MRI safety and screening challenges associated with these implanted devices is critical to ensuring MRI safety for the affected patients. In this review article, we will discuss the basics of MRI physics as they relate to MRI safety in the presence of implanted medical devices, strategies for assessing children with known or suspected implanted medical devices, and the particular management of several well-established common, as well as recently developed, implanted devices encountered at our institution.

Keywords: Implants; MRI; MRI safety; Pediatric.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / adverse effects
  • Prostheses and Implants*