Artifacts in cranial MRI caused by extracranial foreign bodies and analysis of these foreign bodies
Selim Kayaci1, Ahmet Tabak2, Irmak Durur-Subasi3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Erzincan University, Erzincan, Turkey.
Purpose:
The purpose of our study was to conduct a chemical analysis of extracranial foreign bodies (FBs) causing artifacts in cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to investigate the association between chemical composition, magnetic susceptibility, and artifact size.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 12 patients were included in the study. The FBs responsible for the artifacts were visualized using cranial computed tomography (CT). Artifact-causing FBs were removed from the scalps of 10 patients and analyzed using scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (X-RD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The magnetic susceptibility of the samples was determined using the reference standard material MnCl2.6H2O. The volume of the MRI artifacts was measured in cubic centimeters (cm3).
Results:
EDS results demonstrated that the mean Fe ratio was 5.82% in the stone samples and 0.08% in the glass samples. Although no phase peaks were detected in the X-RD spectra of the glass samples, peaks of Fe2O3, Al2Ca (SiO4) were detected in the X-RD spectra of the stone samples. The FT-IR spectra revealed metal oxide peaks corresponding to Fe, Al, in the stone samples and peaks confirming Al2SiO5 and Na2SiO3 structures in the glass samples. The mean volumes of the MRI artifacts produced by the stone and glass samples were 5.9 cm3 and 2.5 cm3, respectively.
Conclusions:
Artifacts caused by extracranial FBs containing metal/metal oxide components are directly associated with their chemical composition and the artifact size are also related to element composition and magnetic susceptibility.
Insights
Chemical analysis of extracranial foreign bodies (FBs) causing cranial MRI artifacts revealed that their composition influences artifact size. Stone FBs with metal oxides created larger artifacts than glass FBs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Extracranial foreign bodies (FBs) can induce artifacts in cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Understanding the chemical nature of these FBs is crucial for interpreting MRI scans accurately.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform chemical analysis of extracranial FBs causing cranial MRI artifacts.
- To investigate the relationship between FB chemical composition, magnetic susceptibility, and artifact volume.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 10 FB samples from patients using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).
- Determined magnetic susceptibility and measured MRI artifact volumes (cm³).
Main Results:
- Stone FBs showed higher iron (Fe) content (5.82%) and contained Fe₂O₃ and Al₂Ca(SiO₄) phases.
- Glass FBs had lower Fe content (0.08%) and confirmed Al₂SiO₅ and Na₂SiO₃ structures.
- Mean artifact volumes were 5.9 cm³ for stone FBs and 2.5 cm³ for glass FBs.
Conclusions:
- MRI artifacts from extracranial FBs are linked to their chemical composition, particularly metal/metal oxide content.
- Artifact size correlates with elemental composition and magnetic susceptibility.
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Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...