Cochlear implant magnet displacement during magnetic resonance imaging

Magnet displacement is a rare but possible complication in patients with cochlear implants. We report 1 case in a young child that occurred during magnetic resonance imaging scanning, despite precautionary measures taken by the surgeon and the radiographer.

Retrospective case report.

This case is presented by the ENT Department of Armand Trousseau Paediatrics Hospital, Paris, France.

An 8-year-old child, implanted with a Freedom Contour Nucleus cochlear implant, was referred for a 1.5-T cerebral magnetic resonance imaging because of a progressive neurologic disorder.

This rare complication underlines the importance of risk information and preventive measures required, even in case of compatible devices, for performing a magnetic resonance imaging examination in patients wearing a cochlear implant with removable magnet.