Magnet dislocations through MRI-Scans in patients with Cochlea-Implants- Management of complications and prevention

Introduction The range of indications for MRI-Scans has widened exponentially in the past few years. Pertaining to MRIs in cochlea implant patients, complications regularly occur regardless of the examined body region, often as result of incorrect proceedings concerning the MRI regulations dealing with cochlea implants. The establishment of magnet dislocations is often delayed due to inconsistent diagnostic proceedings leading up to the diagnosis.

Material and methods Between 2015 and 2019, 10 patients with magnet dislocations were identified after MRI-Scans.

Evaluated were time interval MRI-Scan-diagnosis, symptoms, diagnostic imaging, extent of the magnet dislocation, consequential damages.

Results In 50% of the analyzed cases, the MRI-Scans were performed incorrectly. All patients reported painful sensations during the scan. A CT-Scan of the skull could not show the magnet dislocation sufficiently due to metal-artifacts of the implant and a lack of overall perspective. The diagnosis could be made reliable through an a-p X-ray-scan of the head. Clinical findings were hematomas und edged formations around the magnet, malfunctioning of the magnet, as well as magnet dislocations from the silicone embedment. A repositioning or exchange of the magnet was performed in all cases. In one case an exchange of the entire cochlea implant became necessary.

Discussion MRI-scans, if performed incorrectly, can cause magnet dislocations. Sufficient diagnostics are necessary. Concerning the potential complications and following economic and health-related consequences, sensitization and education of radiologists and patients is essential.

Poster-PDF A-1783.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020