title: Multifocal brain MRI artifacts secondary to embolic metal fragments.
abstract: We report a patient with unusual MRI abnormalities that had the physical characteristics of ferromagnetic artifact. We believe that the MRI artifacts were due to microscopic embolic metal fragments, most likely from a mechanical heart valve prosthesis. Potential sources of metal emboli should be considered in patients with MRI abnormalities compatible with ferromagnetic artifact.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Wingerchuk
authors.forename: K N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Krecke
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Fulgham
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016477:Artifacts; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D004617:Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008280:Magnetics; D008670:Metals
chemical_list: D008670:Metals