Can an MRI be performed with metals on the body?

The magn resonanceética It is a diagnostic testóstico for imágenes that allow us to see inside the body, a test that has a high precisionón and that does not use radiationón potentiallyñthen, unlike what happens with tomographyía  computerized. This técnica is so safe that it can even be performed on pregnant women.

Nevertheless, there is a contraindicationón and has to do with the presence of metallic objectsáelectronic or electronic devicesóunique in the body. If you want to know if an MRI can be performedéethics with presence of metal objectsáelectronic or electronic devicesóunique in the body, We are going to explain what you should know about the magn resonanceética, so that I canás know the cases in which it can be resorted to and in whicháthe no.

Index

Cóhow does an mri workética

The magn resonanceética, spaghettién known by the acronym MRI or MRI, It is an imaging studioíbecause it is carried out with a device called “resonator”, a device that generates a strong magnetic fieldéattic who is in charge of the accommodation of the ábody atoms.

It then emits radio waves that are absorbed by body structures and then the tissues release the radio waves that are picked up by the device. This informationón is processed by a computer that generates the imageságenes.

¿It is dangerous to have an MRIéethics with metals in the body?

By emitting a strong magnetic fieldético, the resonator becomes an imán of great power, so that any met objectánice to seeíhighly attractiveído towards the inside of the device. This itself causes get an MRIéethics with metals in the body is dangerous, since any metal close to the magnetic resonatorético can become a potentially lethal projectile.

Thus, the device is in a special room, and as a precautionón, Eastá It is totally prohibited to introduce any ferromagnetic materialético.

In the case of an MRIéethics and metals in the body, generally implants the endopróthesis, that tooén enterñstill a risk. These objects they move at high speed and get hot, being able toñar the tissues that surround them. In fact, if the risk were reduced, the presence of metals in the body reduces the quality of imageságenes. Thus, metals in the body are usually a contraindicationón to be able to get imágenes by magnetic resonanceética.

implants, Secondly, They are not always a contraindicationón, and the following measures have usually been taken for some time now:ños:

  • replacementón of ferromagn metaléused by other materials such as fiberglass, plástic or other metals such as titanium.
  • Improvement of the software in charge of controlling the implanted devices.
  • Protectionón of met elementsálics with special covers.
  • Changes to the resonator software to recognize and correct distortions in the imageságenes caused by met objectsálicos.

Además, some implants are compatible with magnetic fieldséticos 1.5T, so in these cases the magnetic resonanceéethics can be carried out whenever the imán it is not of great power.

magn resonanceéethics and different metallic elementsálicos

thenóWe are not going to talk about the magn resonanceética y cóHow does having different elements in the body affect:

Váartificial valves, vascular stents or clips

The válvulas cardíacas, vascular clips or vasodilator stents are implants for the cardiovascular system, which are currently usually made of titanium or plástico, which are non-magnetic materialséticos.

This does not represent andún type of danger during an MRIética. Nevertheless, sí what will there beá to wait a while to be able to perform the MRIéethics after placing the implant. In general, hornbeamá to wait six to eight weeks.

Ortho implantsétips

When we are facing implants that are screws, plates or prójoint theses, magnetic resonanceéethics is a procedure that can be carried out safely, as long as they are manufacturing materialsón that do not have ferromagnet propertiesétics. Similarly, it is necessary to remember that, tras su implantationón to día of the magnetic resonanceéethics dutyán at least six weeks have passed.

Dental implants

this depends on each one dental implants Eastán usually made of zirconium or titanium, while protective restorationsésicas isán fiberglass, cerámica or gold alloys. Thus, The objects do not represent any contraindications.ón.

magnetic resonanceéethics can be enhanced, in these cases, prápractically immediately upon placementón of implants. Nevertheless, before any doubt, you can consult with métreating doctor and with the dentistólogo.

brackets or frenillos

orthodontic appliances, are not, as usual, a problem undergoing an MRIética, since when they are attached, they can't move. Nevertheless, the wire, as usual, withdraws before test. in addition, you have to keep in mind the regimeón to examine, since in some cases orthodontic appliances mayíeven causing interference in the imageságenes.

in addition, objects as retainers, garters and aligners do not prevent performing an MRIética.

Intrauterine device (DIU)

As with other devices and metals in the body, being able to have an MRIética having an intrauterine device (DIU) depends on the manufacturing materialón. In general, does not represent anyún problema si está made of gold or copper. Nevertheless, If you have iron you caníto cause injuryón in the patient.

Secondly, spaghettién the intensity of the magnetic field must be taken into accountético  to the kingsón to examine.

Bullet fragments and iron filings

Some objects metálics can end up inside the body by accident, as people who have suffered somethingún shooting or working with metals, as in locksmithía, gentlemenía…; and if you consider that you may have somethingún met objectálic not detected, lo máIt is recommended that before the MRIética have an x-rayía.

Permanent makeup and tattoos

Permanent makeup or tattoos with metallic dyesálics can cause skin irritations, so the decisionóFinal question on whether or not to perform MRIética dependá of the m itselféI say specialist, what will i haveá to evaluate each case in particular.