Document Detail


Biologic effects of 3 Tesla (T) MR imaging comparing traditional 1.5 T and 0.6 T in 1023 consecutive outpatients.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  17608910     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: The recent use of high and ultra-high magnetic field (MF) systems (3.0 T and above) have raised concerns about biologic effects and safety. Sensory symptoms (magnetophosphenes, dizziness/vertigo, headaches, metallic taste, pain changes, and cognitive effects) have been reported. We monitored 1023 consecutive outpatients undergoing MRI after recent introduction of a 3 T MR unit in our community. METHODS/DESIGN: Observational study utilizing a pretest and posttest symptom rating scale (0-10) questionnaire presented to subjects undergoing MRI at three different facilities with five MRI machines, specifically a 3 T (Philips), three units with 1.5 T (GE, GE, Philips), and one 0.6 T (Fonar) unit to record symptoms before and after study. RESULTS: 147 subjects (14%) experienced either new (N= 69; 6.7%) or changes (N= 78; 8%) in symptoms. New onset symptoms occurred predominantly with 3 T and female preponderance (75%) [P= .002]. Vertigo/dizziness (N= 28, 5.6%) [P= .001], headache (N= 8), spine pain (N= 11) occurred more frequently on 3 T, whereas magnetophosphenes (N= 8) and metallic mouth symptoms (N= 4) occurred principally in 1.5 T. Seventy-eight subjects (8%) experienced pain symptoms upward arrow downward arrow with 75% occurring with 1.5 T. Females were 60%. Forty-three percent of individuals had brain MRIs. Symptoms of vertigo/dizziness, headaches, and magnetophosphenes were more commonly seen in individuals undergoing brain MRIs but other body sites were also represented. CONCLUSIONS: Although no harmful effects were reported in 1023 cases, an unexpected high rate of 14% of individuals experienced sensory stimulation in both 3 T and 1.5 T units. Females appear to be more magnetically sensitive.
Authors:
Michael I Weintraub; André Khoury; Steven P Cole
Publication Detail:
Type:  Comparative Study; Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging     Volume:  17     ISSN:  1051-2284     ISO Abbreviation:  J Neuroimaging     Publication Date:  2007 Jul 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2007-07-04     Completed Date:  2007-09-06     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9102705     Medline TA:  J Neuroimaging     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  241-5     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology and Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA. miwneuro@pol.net
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Chi-Square Distribution
Female
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / adverse effects*,  methods*
Male
Questionnaires

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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