Acupressure magnets: a possible MRI hazard.
The use of magnets as a component of complementary and alternative medicine is increasingly common. Magnet therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions and often involves tiny magnets adhered to the skin. In auriculotherapy, magnets are placed in specific locations of the ear pinnae which represent particular parts of the body. While generally considered safe, these magnets have the potential to cause imaging problems and serious injury during MRI. We report a case of auriculotherapy magnets which escaped detection despite the use of screening forms and a walk-through metal detector. The magnets caused image artifact but no other patient harm. We recommend updating patient screening practices and educating providers placing therapeutic magnets and performing MRIs of this new potential MRI hazard.
Seattle Children's Hospital, Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Department of Radiology, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Jeffrey P
JP
Otjen
Kara
K
Mallon
Julie C
JC
Brown
D019050:Acupressure / Q000379:methods*; D016477:Artifacts; D055097:Auriculotherapy; D002648:Child; D004423:Ear; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000009:adverse effects*; D059346:Magnets / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000503:physiopathology
acupressure; alternative medicine; auriculotherapy; magnet; magnet therapy; safety