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The effects of repeated brain MRI on chromosomal damage
Cecile Herate1, Patricia Brochard1, Florent De Vathaire2,3,4
1PROCyTox, DRF, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Paris-Saclay University, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
Background:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently considered a safe imaging technique because, unlike computed tomography, MRI does not expose patients to ionising radiation. However, conflicting literature reports possible genotoxic effects of MRI. We herein examine the chromosomal effects of repeated MRI scans by performing a longitudinal follow-up of chromosomal integrity in volunteers.
Methods:
This ethically approved study was performed on 13 healthy volunteers (mean age 33 years) exposed to up to 26 3-T MRI sessions. The characterisation of chromosome damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed using the gold-standard biodosimetry technique augmented with telomere and centromere staining.
Results:
Cytogenetic analysis showed no detectable effect after a single MRI scan. However, repeated MRI sessions (from 10 to 20 scans) were associated with a small but significant increase in chromosomal breaks with the accumulation of cells with chromosomal terminal deletions with a coefficient of 9.5% (95% confidence interval 6.5-12.5%) per MRI (p < 0.001). Additional exposure did not result in any further increase. This plateauing of damage suggests lymphocyte turnover. Additionally, there was no significant induction of dicentric chromosomes, in contrast to what is observed following exposure to ionising radiation.
Conclusions:
Our study showed that MRI can affect chromosomal integrity. However, the amount of damage per cell might be so low that no chromosomal rearrangement by fusion of two deoxyribonucleic breaks is induced, unlike that seen after exposure to computed tomography. This study confirms that MRI is a safe imaging technique.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may cause minor chromosomal damage with repeated exposure. However, this study confirms MRI remains a safe imaging technique, as significant rearrangements are not induced.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Genetics
- Radiation Biology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely considered safe due to its lack of ionizing radiation.
- Conflicting reports exist regarding potential genotoxic effects of MRI.
- This study investigates the chromosomal effects of repeated MRI exposure in healthy volunteers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the chromosomal integrity of volunteers undergoing repeated MRI scans.
- To determine if MRI exposure leads to genotoxic effects.
- To evaluate the safety of MRI in the context of chromosomal damage.
Main Methods:
- 13 healthy volunteers underwent up to 26 sessions of 3-Tesla MRI.
- Peripheral blood lymphocytes were analyzed for chromosome damage using biodosimetry.
- Telomere and centromere staining were employed to characterize damage.
Main Results:
- No chromosomal damage was detected after a single MRI scan.
- Repeated MRI sessions (10-20 scans) showed a small, significant increase in chromosomal breaks (9.5% terminal deletions per MRI).
- Further exposure did not increase damage, suggesting lymphocyte turnover; no dicentric chromosomes were induced.
Conclusions:
- MRI exposure can impact chromosomal integrity, but the damage is minimal.
- The observed damage does not lead to chromosomal rearrangements, unlike ionizing radiation.
- The study reaffirms that MRI is a safe medical imaging technique.
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