Posted: 11/11/2010 5:59:05 PM EDT
| If I have a tattoo on my shoulder, can I get an MRI on that shoulder? |
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Quoted: Quoted: Yes but you will explode. Ever seen the vacuum scene in Event Horizon? Just like that. No but I saw an episode of House where the MRI machine sucked the tattoo out of a guys arm. Television also has firearms portrayed accurately. Edit:  http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=31139237 |
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http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productandingredientsafety/productinformation/ucm108530.htm
Interesting... apparently there have been reports of interactions with older types of ink containing metal fragments... MRI complications. There have been reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup who experienced swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This seems to occur only rarely and apparently without lasting effects.
There also have been reports of tattoo pigments interfering with the quality of the image. This seems to occur mainly when a person with permanent eyeliner undergoes MRI of the eyes. Mascara may produce a similar effect. The difference is that mascara is easily removable. The cause of these complications is uncertain. Some have theorized that they result from an interaction with the metallic components of some pigments. However, the risks of avoiding an MRI when your doctor has recommended one are likely to be much greater than the risks of complications from an interaction between the MRI and tattoo or permanent makeup. Instead of avoiding an MRI, individuals who have tattoos or permanent makeup should inform the radiologist or technician of this fact in order to take appropriate precautions and avoid complications. |