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Investigation of Factors Affecting Body Temperature Changes During Routine Clinical Head Magnetic Resonance Imaging
1Department of Radiology, The Korean National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Pulsed radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields, required to produce magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signals from tissue during the MRI procedure have been shown to heat tissues.
Objectives:
To investigate the relationship between body temperature rise and the RF power deposited during routine clinical MRI procedures, and to determine the correlation between this effect and the body's physiological response.
Patients And Methods:
We investigated 69 patients from the Korean national cancer center to identify the main factors that contribute to an increase in body temperature (external factors and the body's response) during a clinical brain MRI. A routine protocol sequence of MRI scans (1.5 T and 3.0 T) was performed. The patient's tympanic temperature was recorded before and immediately after the MRI procedure and compared with changes in variables related to the body's physiological response to heat.
Results:
Our investigation of the physiological response to RF heating indicated a link between increasing age and body temperature. A higher increase in body temperature was observed in older patients after a 3.0-T MRI (r = 0.07, P = 0.29 for 1.5-T MRI; r = 0.45, P = 0.002 for 3.0-T MRI). The relationship between age and body heat was related to the heart rate (HR) and changes in HR during the MRI procedure; a higher RF power combined with a reduction in HR resulted in an increase in body temperature.
Conclusion:
A higher magnetic field strength and a decrease in the HR resulted in an increase in body temperature during the MRI procedure.
Insights
Higher magnetic field strength and reduced heart rate increase body temperature during MRI scans. Older patients showed a greater temperature rise, particularly with 3.0-T MRI, indicating age is a factor in MRI-related heating.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging Physics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Thermoregulation
Background:
- Pulsed radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are known to cause tissue heating.
- Understanding the extent and physiological impact of this heating is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between body temperature rise and RF power deposition during clinical MRI.
- To determine the correlation between MRI-induced heating and the body's physiological response.
Main Methods:
- Studied 69 patients undergoing routine brain MRI at 1.5 T and 3.0 T.
- Recorded tympanic temperature before and after MRI.
- Compared temperature changes with physiological responses, including heart rate (HR).
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between increasing age and body temperature rise after MRI.
- Older patients exhibited a greater temperature increase, especially after 3.0-T MRI (r=0.45, P=0.002).
- Higher RF power combined with a reduced heart rate correlated with increased body temperature.
Conclusions:
- Increased magnetic field strength (3.0 T vs 1.5 T) contributes to greater body temperature rise.
- A decrease in heart rate during MRI is associated with an elevated body temperature.
- Age and physiological responses like heart rate are key factors in MRI-related thermal effects.
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