[MRI in patients with a cochlear implant: how to proceed]

MRI in patients with a cochlear implant: how to proceed An increasing number of cochlear implantations are being performed for the treatment of severe sensorineural hearing loss. Implant-associated complications leading to malfunction are of major importance since patients are strongly dependent on their cochlear implant (CI) for communication. Here we describe two patients with a CI who underwent MRI for diagnostic purposes and which resulted in dislocation of the internal CI magnet. CIs are generally non-compatible with MRI. However, by taking precautionary measures it is possible to perform MRI under certain conditions, depending on the type of CI and the magnetic flux density of the MRI scanner. When using 1.5 Tesla equipment, a firm bandage is required to prevent the CI magnet from dislocating. If 3 Tesla equipment is used, almost all CIs must be surgically removed prior to scanning. Despite these precautionary measures, the risk of complications still exists. Patient, referring physician and radiologist should be aware of the risks and disadvantages of performing MRI in patients with a CI.