Tattooing of eyelids: magnetic resonance imaging artifacts

We describe artifacts (linear densities and distortion of the shape of the globe) on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain and orbits that result from the tattooing of human eyelids with iron oxide particles. Similar artifacts are frequently seen with certain types of external eye cosmetics and dental fillings or braces that contain ferromagnetic materials. The artifacts are most likely due to the distortion of the local magnetic field by the iron oxide. The artifact was reproduced when a tattooed pig's ear was scanned. Plain x-ray films did not detect the iron oxide. These small artifacts should be recognized and not confused with abnormalities due to foreign bodies of surgical material.