Ingested Magnets Found Inadvertently During Elective Magnetic Resonance Imaging

In the presence of a strong magnetic field such as for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ferromagnetic objects may become a source of patient or healthcare provider injury. To prevent such problems, careful screening of patients and healthcare workers is mandatory prior to MRI to identify contraindications to MRI including the presence of external or internal ferromagnetic products. We present a 2-year, 11-month-old child who presented for MRI to evaluate a potential vertebral anomaly. During initial scanning and image acquisition, image distortion was noted which was subsequently determined to be the result of ingested magnetic objects. The basic principles of MRI are discussed, safety pathways to prevent patient and practitioner risk related to ferromagnetic objects presented, and previous reports of patient-related adverse effects from internal ferromagnetic devices reviewed.