AJR 2003; 180:31-35
© American Roentgen Ray Society
ACR Blue Ribbon Panel Response to the AJR Commentary by Shellock and Crues on the ACR White Paper on MR Safety
Emanuel Kanal1,
James P. Borgstede2,
A. James Barkovich3,
Charlotte Bell4,
William G. Bradley5,
Joel P. Felmlee6,
Jerry W. Froelich7,
Ellisa M. Kaminski1,
Elaine K. Keeler8,
James W. Lester9,
Elizabeth A. Scoumis1,
Loren A. Zaremba10 and
Marie D. Zinninger11
1 Department of Radiology, Magnetic Resonance Services, University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582.
2 Penrose St. Francis Health System, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.
3 Department of Neuroradiology, Rm. L 371, University of California at San
Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94143-0628.
4 Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar
St., P. O. Box 208051, New Haven, CT 06520-8051.
5 Department of Radiology, University of California at San Diego, 200 West Arbor
Dr., San Diego, CA 92103-8224.
6 Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st S.W., Rochester, MN
55902-3008.
7 Department of Radiology, Hennepin County Medical Center and The University of
Minnesota, 701 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55415.
8 National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Philips Medical Systems, 595
Miner Rd., Cleveland, OH 44143.
9 Durham Radiology Associates, Ste. 500, 4323 Ben Franklin Blvd., Durham, NC
27704.
10 Office of Device Evaluation, Center for Devices and Radiological Health,
United States Food and Drug Administration, 9200 Corporate Blvd., HFZ-470,
Rockville, MD 20850.
11 American College of Radiology, 1891 Preston White Dr., Reston, VA 20191.
Received August 19, 2002;
accepted after revision September 13, 2002.
Address correspondence to M. D. Zinninger.
Introduction
Since its recent publication, the "American College of Radiology
[ACR] White Paper on MR Safety" and its "ACR Magnetic Resonance
[MR] Safe Practice Guidelines"
[1] have met with a continually
growing wave of support that has proven to be most gratifying to all involved
in its creation. There has been widespread support for the concept of
standardization of MR safety practices throughout the MR industry in clinical
and research settings as a means of helping to decrease the incidence of those
adverse MR-related events that are potentially avoidable. Generation of
guidelines that would meet with universal approval would be difficult. Lenient
guidelines result in criticism from those who believe that not enough is being
done to protect patients and MR health care workers from potentially avoidable
adverse events. Stringent recommendations might invoke protests against
excessive external controls and the expense of implementation and restriction
of the free practice of medicine and diagnostic radiology. Each of these
potential concerns is valid in its own right. The "ACR Magnetic
Resonance Safe Practice Guidelines" presented in the "American
College of Radiology White Paper on MR Safety" attempt to balance these
concerns yet accomplish the stated objective of improving the safety of MR
examinations.
It is for these reasons that the comments by our colleagues, Shellock and
Crues [2], in their commentary
are most appreciated. Unfortunately several misunderstandings in the
commentary have introduced a note of confusion to some in our industry who
wish to apply these guidelines to their own practices. It is the purpose of
this response to clarify these issues.
Conventional Clinical MR Scanners Versus Research or Dedicated
Extremity
Shellock and Crues [2]
suggest that the ACR practice guidelines apply only to conventional MR
scanners and not to unconventional MR systems such as dedicated extremity
systems or those used predominantly for research. The MR-safe practice
guidelines were designed to apply to all MR imaging systems. Let us use an
extremity system as an example: the guidelines specifically state that zone
III of an MR system is that area in which free access by unscreened non-MR
personnel and ferromagnetic objects and equipment can result in serious injury
or death. If the extremity MR system does not contain any such fringe magnetic
fields that would produce such a risk, then such a system has no zone III, and
no zone III or zone IV restrictions would be necessary.
Several MR safetyrelated incidents have occurred at MR sites in
which the MR imaging systems involved were predominantly used for research. At
times these sites may be involved in MR studies in which the technologist is
supervised by a researcher who may not be familiar with MR safety. We had this
possibility in mind when we generated these guidelines, so we considered
research-oriented MR sitesin which the guidelines would be a useful
reference for those researchers and research sites reviewing their safety
policies in response to recent accidents. Because the same safety issues are
present in clinical and research environments, it is reasonable to apply
consistent safety methods to both.
Medical Director Qualifications and Training Curricula
The commentary [2]
recommends that the ACR provide guidance as to the qualifications of the MR
medical director and specific training recommendations for the MR
technologists and other staff members. The guidelines do specifically state
that the medical director will be one whose education and experience in MR
safety qualify him or her for designation as level II MR personnel, whose
more-advanced level of education and training is described in the guidelines.
Because the MR safety field is continually progressing, as a matter of
practicality the medical director may judge how level II MR personnel are to
be educated and who would be considered satisfactorily trained to this
level.
Site Access and Zoning
The comments made by Shellock and Crues
[2] regarding the proposed
zones associated with MR environments are somewhat confusing. Whereas the
naming convention differs slightly, the zonal designation and controlled
access are common practice in radiation protection. Further, this methodology
has been in place for more than a decade at several large medical centers,
including the MR Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
[3], and has been successful in
preventing unscreened personnel and equipment from reaching the magnet room.
Before implementation of these guidelines at the University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center, several incidents occurred in which personnel and
ferromagnetic devices inadvertently were allowed access to the MR magnet
rooms. The designation of these zones has since considerably decreased the
incidence of similar events.
Shellock and Crues [2]
recommended that specific magnetic fields be provided to define the various
zones. This concept was considered but not adopted by the ACR safety panel.
Although we all agree that defining zones by magnetic field strength would be
easier, it is the static magnetic field spatial gradient along with the field
strength that is the primary determinant of the translational force, or
projectile effect. Even if sites are aware of the 5-G line around their
magnet, almost no sites are aware of the spatial static magnetic field
gradient strengths and their distribution in space in their MR scanning
rooms.
The commentary also includes the following statement: "Notably, the
so-called zone IV area is not as potentially hazardous for a shielded 0.2-T MR
system as it is for an unshielded 1.5-T MR system"
[2]. The magnetic field and
spatial field gradient that are potentially harmful are determined by numerous
variables, including (among others) the mass, geometry, spatial orientation,
anatomic location, and even rate of motion of the ferromagnetic object in
question, as well as the configuration and extent of shielding. The spatial
gradients associated with a 0.5-T shielded system may match those of a higher
field strength. Even 0.2-T systems have substantial spatial gradients around
the magnet for which access must be controlled. The field and gradient that
might be safe for one type of implant might prove deadly for another. The MR
imaging industry has already recognized the necessity to restrict the general
public from inadvertently accessing the 5-G line. The ACR safety guidelines
take this fact into consideration and are meant to supplement well-established
practices, standards, and policies.
The clinical significance of the impact on shielding and tightly restricted
static spatial field distributions goes even further. In MR installations with
tight fringe field spatial distributions, there might be far less warning to
persons approaching the scanner with a ferromagnetic object on themor
in themthat the field was attracting the device. In such sites, as one
approached, for example, a 0.2-T shielded magnet at normal walking rates
(roughly 4 ft [122 cm]/sec), by the time one noticed a tugging on the device,
it might be too late to correct the problem because maximal or near-maximal
forces would already be present. In other words, by the time one first noticed
the effects of the magnetic field, the device might already be flying into the
magnetor into the patient or accompanying health care worker. In the
unshielded 1.5-T magnet case, on the other hand, as one approached the magnet,
a more gradual increase might occur in the spatial field gradient and,
therefore, in translational "tugging" forces on the device. There
would thus be more warning to the individual in this zone IV that the device
was being pulled into the scanner. This warning may provide the individual
bringing in this ferromagnetic device with sufficient time to remove the
dangerous object from the room or at least from the effects of the MR system's
magnetic fields.
Another reason that we did not recommend identifying only a static magnetic
field line around an MR scanner is because of the variability of field
strengths that can result in interference with some electrically or
magnetically activated devices. For example, some modern pacemakers switch
into asynchronous mode at roughly 5-7 G, whereas some pumps may be affected
only at far greater magnetic fields.
The door to the magnet room is the last physical restriction between an
object or individual and the MR imaging magnet with its strongest associated
magnetic fields. Therefore, we unanimously agree that the presence of the
physical restriction of a door to the scanning room is important and that this
zone merits special caution.
Patient and Personnel Screening
Shellock and Crues [2] raise
the point that patients may be screened by only one individual. Whereas one
individual may often be sufficient, there are many examples of patients with
potentially problematic implants or devices being identified only by a second
screener. A common example is when the MR technologist is about to enter the
magnet room with the patient and only then identifies the presence of the
patient's implanted pacemakerwhich the patient had denied earlier to
another screener. The fact that this should have been discovered on a good
initial screen does not change the reality that there will be instances in
which a second screening is beneficial. By "engineering" a second
screening into the process, the site provides a safety net for those patients
who may be confused or overwhelmed by the first screening.
All who practice emergency medicine recognize the unique patient care
decisions that must accompany emergency health care. As with any other
emergency medical care delivery, the timeliness of the delivery must be
considered. For example, in attempting to address the handling, diagnostic,
and therapeutic needs of a patient who is suspected of having undergone a
hyperacute stroke, minutes are allotted for diagnostic MR imaging. Here the
priority is to safely, rapidly, and efficiently perform the minimal MR imaging
studies necessary for accurate diagnosis. The guidelines recommend an extra
level of safety for nonemergency studies by requiring a second screening
process. However, the panel recognizes that the speed and efficiency of the
delivery of diagnostic care are an integral part of the riskbenefit
assessment for the emergency patient and made special considerations for
emergency patients accordingly.
We thank the authors (Shellock and Crues) of the commentary for making
available a sample MR screening form. The ACR panel agrees that a screening
form is important and sought to provide a reasonable standard for this
purpose. With standardization, we believe that minimal acceptable thresholds
of safety can be satisfied. The input of the commentators (Shellock and Crues)
is appreciated because the ACR intends to continually update the screening
form as additional topics and needs are identified.
MR Safe and MR Compatible
Confusion regarding the terms "MR safe" and "MR
compatible" is quite real. For example, as stated in the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) Web
page [4]:
Designation of a Separation Distance:
Portable devices requiring a separation distance between the device and the
MR magnet should not be considered MR Safe, MR Compatible, or intended for use
in the MR environment. Typically the 5 gauss line is the only location where
the static magnetic field strength is specified around an MR scanner.
Therefore labeling specifying a separation distance between the MR magnet and
the device to ensure safe or proper operation of the device should be
avoided.
Thus, if a device could only be labeled MR compatible or safe by
restricting it to a fixed distance from the magnet and/or by bolting it to the
floor, the device would not seem to meet the criteria for these terms as
outlined previously. Yet, there are several instances of devices that are
labeled as MR safe or compatibleif kept beyond a certain distance.
We recognize that these terms do not satisfactorily address the needs of
the MR industry. It is for this reason that some have recommended to the FDA
that it consider adopting other labeling terminology. (Suggestions included
"MR-safe" if entirely safe such as plastic devices;
"MR-unsafe" if overtly ferromagnetic and dangerous;
"MR-conditional" for all others in which testing conditions would
be specifiedfor example, "MR-tested for up to x static
magnetic field and up to y static spatial gradient field.")
This labeling is also addressed in section 5 of the guidelines,
"Device/Object Screening" (subsection e)
[1]. The American Society of
Testing and Materials and the FDACDRH MR Working Group are presently
working on new terminology for implants and other medical devices (Woods T,
personal communication, 2002).
Patient Monitoring and Radiofrequency Burns
The commentary criticizes the guidelines for overemphasizing the potential
importance of radiofrequency burns with certain types of patient-monitoring
leads and equipment, stating that they have occurred in relatively few
instances. These recommendations in the guidelines were specifically directed
to the monitoring and scanning of unconscious, unresponsive, or anesthetized
or sedated patients who might not be able to detect or respond to
radiofrequency thermal injuries as they were occurring. Monitoring was not
recommended for every patient being studied with MR technology.
Powerful Handheld Magnets
The objective behind the recommendation that each MR site have ready access
to a powerful handheld magnet to assist in detecting possible ferromagnetic
characteristics of devices about to be brought into zones III or IV is a
result of the success of this practice relayed by several large medical
centers. Many instances of MR-safe equipment, such as oxygen tanks, were
discovered to be ferromagnetic upon return from inpatient floors. Ready access
to handheld magnets allowed this equipment to be quickly tested by the MR
technologist. The cost of these magnets is not high, and they are readily
accessible
(www.mrimagnet.com).
The guidelines do not suggest that MR testing with a powerful handheld magnet
be performed by sites to determine that an object is safe, but rather as a
means of trying to detect if it is not safe (Fig.
1A,1B,1C).
Therefore, the ACR recommends the use of these magnets to detect gross
ferromagnetic properties. Over the past 18 years of clinical MR experience,
one of the authors has had many patients with superficial foreign bodies that
have been successfully identified as powerfully ferromagnetic with powerful
handheld magnets placed adjacent to the skin of the patient above the
suspected foreign body. In some circumstances, this evaluation resulted in
cancellation of the study. In other instances, it gave the practitioner a
greater level of preparation by enabling him to explain to the patient
precisely what to expect, obtain an informed consent to proceed, and then
secure the foreign body in place with a pressure bandage. This type of
information is invaluable to clinical practitioners in a busy clinical or
research practice and is readily available using such powerful handheld
magnets as recommended in these guidelines.

View larger version (109K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 1B. Handheld magnet used to assist in detecting ferromagnetic
characteristics. Photograph reveals that strong (1000-G) heavy Alnico handheld
magnet (Sargent-Welch/VWR International, Buffalo Grove, IL) shows no
attraction to fire extinguisher hose connector.
|
|

View larger version (128K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 1C. Handheld magnet used to assist in detecting ferromagnetic
characteristics. Photograph reveals that strong rare-earth neodymium 1200-G
handheld magnet (Steiner Enterprises, Lafayette, IN) shows definite attraction
to fire extinguisher hose connector.
|
|
The handheld magnet's function is to supplement data that might be
available to identify positively the ferromagnetic nature of a device. It is
not meant to replace good history-taking and the assessment on package inserts
or other reliable information that might otherwise be available about an
implant or device. Its primary purpose is for application to portable devices
external to the patients, not in them.
Device Labeling
The labeling of devices that contain metal as green, MR safe, or red, not
MR safe, is entirely in keeping with the present FDA "MR Safe"
nomenclature. The panel believed that such color-coded labeling would greatly
assist in rapidly identifying and appropriately handling external devices that
might be found in zones III and IV.
The commentary states that there are devices whose FDA-approved labeling
permits use in zone IV if appropriately positioned and anchored or fixed in
place. As noted previously, this claim is based on an internal inconsistency
with the FDA's own published guidelines regarding this matter that has caused
considerable confusion to the entire industry. Thus, the panel drafted the
guidelines in a manner that does not preclude the introduction of
ferromagnetic objects into zone IV while emphasizing the site's heightened
responsibility for ensuring patient safety in such situations.
MR Technologist Qualifications
The authors of the commentary
[2] take exception to the
recommendation that MR technologists should be certified by the American
Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The decision of the ACR panel was
that although additional MR certification was laudable, present manpower
availability precluded MR subcertification as a requirement. However, a
minimal level of certification was thought to be necessary. We acknowledge the
severe shortage of MR technologistsjust as we do the severe nursing
shortage throughout the country today. We still do not, however, condone the
practice of having poorly trained or untrained personnel performing MR imaging
examinations on patients or volunteers in this country. It is for this reason
that we recommend that MR imaging be performed by ARRT-certified
technologists.
Auditory Protection
We agree that hearing protection for all in the MR scanning room is
advisable, even for health care practitioners or family members outside the
magnet but still in zone IV. Nevertheless, the amplitude of the auditory noise
induced by gradient switching in MR scanners has been shown to be the greatest
in the bore of the MR scanner itself. Measurements in and around MR imaging
scan rooms have shown noise levels to be within the guidelines of the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. We did not believe it necessary
to require hearing protection for those in the room with the patient during
scanning, although we would certainly have no argument as to its
advisability.
Protection from Thermal Injuries
Our recommendation of placing ice packs or cold compresses on skin staples
also acknowledges the fact that thermal injuries are not likely to occur when
small electrical conductors are in place. Finally, one of us has experienced
at least one incident of a patient who suffered pain, heating, and localized
erythema when skin staples from a recently placed dialysis access port were
exposed to the radiofrequency irradiation volume during MR scanning at 1.5 T.
The same can be said regarding MR imaging of tattoos, in which potentially
injurious local thermal deposition can be at least partially dissipated by
cold compresses or ice packs placed on them during MR scanning. This
recommendation applies if (and only if) the tattoos are expected to be well
within the volume of radiofrequency irradiation during the MR imaging
examination. This was the recommendation of not only one of us on the panel,
but also of Shellock himself
[5] in a letter to the editor
on this particular topic. We believe that attempting to identify only those
tattoos that used an iron oxide pigment, as suggested by the commentary, is
impractical, if not impossible, in virtually all instances.
Claustrophobia, Sedation, and Anesthesia
On a routine basis, radiologists deal with anxious and phobic patients or
with patients having difficulty cooperating or holding still. Therefore, we
did not believe it necessary to address this issue with so many prior
standards and practice guidelines already accessible to all MR (and radiology)
sites. For safe and effective administration of sedation and anesthetics
specifically, the guidelines do reference well-established standards for
monitoring and recovery.
Conclusion
We gratefully acknowledge the MR safety expertise and opinions of our
colleagues and agree that MR safety is a topic whose significance has grown
over the years. We acknowledge the numerous contributions to the MR safety
literature by Shellock. This document was intended to be educational and was
not meant to provide an exhaustive reference set for the many MR safety
publications that we reviewed before issuing these guidelines. With this
intention in mind, many authors (on and off the panel) were not adequately
referenced.
As MR systems and technology improve, the importance of safety
considerations in the field will grow. With this growth, the responsibility of
continued education and adherence to accepted methods is imperative to ensure
a safe environment for all. The "ACR Magnetic Resonance Safe Practice
Guidelines" [1] define
the minimal safety standards today. As the industry continues to develop,
these guidelines should be continually updated to keep pace with the
ever-changing MR imaging field.
References
- Kanal E, Borgstede JP, Barkovich AJ, et al. American College of
Radiology White Paper on MR safety. AJR
2002;178:1335
-1347[Free Full Text]
- Shellock FG, Crues JV III. MR safety and the American College of
Radiology White Paper. (commentary) AJR
2002;178:1349
-1352[Free Full Text]
- Kanal E. Magnetic resonance safe practice guidelines of the
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In: Special
cross-specialty categorical course in diagnostic radiology: practical MR
safety considerations for physicians, physicists, and
technologists, Oak Brook, IL: Radiological Society of North
America, 2001:155
-163
- A primer on medical device interactions with magnetic resonance
imaging systems. Available at
www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/primerf6.html.
Accessed February 27, 1997
- Kanal E, Shellock FG. MRI interaction with tattoo pigments.
Plast Reconstr Surg
1998;101:1150
-1151[Medline]

CiteULike
Complore
Connotea
Del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Technorati What's this?