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The physics of MRI safety.
Lawrence P Panych1,2, Bruno Madore1,2
1Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|May 26, 2017
Summary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) poses risks like projectile accidents and burns. This review explains the underlying physics of MRI risks, bridging basic science and practical safety for those working with MR scanners.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electromagnetism
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) involves significant safety considerations.
- Existing literature covers practical risk management and fundamental electromagnetic principles separately.
- A gap exists in providing intuitive understanding of MRI's physical risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the physical mechanisms behind MRI-related risks.
- To bridge the gap between basic science and practical safety advice.
- To enhance understanding for personnel working with MR scanners.
Main Methods:
- Review article synthesizing existing knowledge.
- Focus on physical mechanisms of risk.
- Categorization of risks by magnetic field type: static, RF, and gradient fields.
Main Results:
- Identifies projectile hazards from static magnetic fields.
- Explains energy deposition leading to burns from RF fields.
- Details nerve stimulation from time-varying fields and auditory risks from acoustic noise.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the physics of MRI risks is crucial for safety.
- This review provides an intuitive grasp of electromagnetic phenomena causing MRI hazards.
- Enhanced understanding can improve practical risk management in clinical settings.
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