An unexpected ferromagnetic foreign body detected during emergency magnetic resonance imaging: a case report

Abstract

Background: Sedation or anesthesia is often necessary in pediatrics when magnetic resonance imaging is performed. This anesthesia outside of the operation room combines specific requirements and risks. Ferromagnetic foreign bodies are a clear contraindication for magnetic resonance imaging due to the high magnetic field within the scanner. However, insertion of various small objects in mouth, nose or external auditory is not uncommon in small children and often remains unnoticed until specific symptoms develop. Early warning sings like movement of the object or heat development are then concealed by sedation or anesthesia preventing a timely termination of the possibly hazardous procedure.

Case presentation: We present a case of a three year old Caucasian with an acute sinusitis due to unknown ferromagnetic foreign body in his nasal cavity. As soon as the suspicion was raised the procedure was aborted and the object that revealed to be a small button battery was successfully removed.

Conclusions: The potential of unwelcome side effects and effective safety strategies of magnetic resonance imaging are discussed as well as the complications arising from ingested batteries.

Figure 1

Magnetic resonance image of the head ( three year old child). Elimination of the face because of a unknown ferromagnetic foreign body in the nasal cavity.

Figure 2

Button battery removed from the right nostril of the three year old child. After ten days in situ a relevant corrosion can be noted.

Figure 3

Magnetic resonance image of the head (three year old child). Elimination of the structures in the right nasal cavity because of remaining ferromagnetic material of the mucosa.