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[Temperature stress for patients in routine magnetic resonance examinations]
R Tomczak1, O Staneczek, A Wunderlich
1Abtl. Röntgendiagnostik, Universität Ulm. reinhard.tomczak@medizin.uni-ulm.de
Purpose:
To determine energy exposure and temperature changes in routine magnetic resonance imaging practice.
Materials And Methods:
Body core and skin temperatures were compared in 155 persons (143 patients, 12 volunteers) undergoing routine magnetic resonance examinations with a 1.5 T field-strength magnetic resonance tomography unit using a fluoroptic temperature measurement system.
Results:
Average applied energy was 0.3 W/kg for whole body and 1.92 W/kg for spatially localized SAR. The maximum whole-body SAR was 1.43 W/kg spatially localized. Body core temperatures differed from those of the control group by a median 0.1 degree C and only a few patients (16.8%) exceeded the limit (+/- 0.5%) at which regulatory mechanisms set in. All patients remained within the normal physiological circadian temperature range (+/- 1 degree C). Skin temperature rose a median 0.49 degree C, with a maximal increase of 5.31 degrees C, which may be considered to be within the limits of physiological temperature change.
Conclusions:
Clinically relevant warming of the body is unlikely in routine magnetic resonance imaging practice.