Invisible Metallic Microfiber in Clothing Presents Unrecognized MRI Risk for Cutaneous Burn

Abstract

SUMMARY:We report a case of a thermal burn that occurred during MR imaging likely caused by invisible silver-embedded microfibers in the fabric of an undershirt. As the prevalence of fabric containing nondetectable metallic microfiber increases in athletic and "tech" clothing, the importance of having patients change into safe facility-provided garments before MR imaging is emphasized. ABBREVIATIONS:ACR ϭ American College of Radiology; SAR ϭ specific absorption rate; SMF ϭ silver microfiber

ACR guidance document on MR safe practices: Updates and critical information 2019

“…Some materials used in clothing have been increasingly associated with thermal injury and/or burns in patient's undergoing MRI. Additionally, recent trends in the manufacturing of clothing and other related products have incorporated ferromagnetic and/or conductive materials (eg, antimicrobial silver and copper) that are not reliably disclosed in labeling . Such clothing products include, but are not limited to, sportswear (including underwear), brassieres, orthotic‐related items (eg, stump covers or stump shrinkers), and blankets .…”

Do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Canada Always Ask Patients to Change Before Examinations?

“…When silver or copper come into contact with body fluids, they release metallic ions that kill microbes and bacteria [1]. An increased number of clothing items are incorporating metallic microfibers into clothing material ranging from athletic apparel to socks and orthotics [2]. In Canada, these products are sold under various brandsdincluding, but not limited todReebok, Adidas, Knixwear, Mark's Work Warehouse, Lululemon, Tommy Copper, Pere-tex, and Microban [2][3][4][5][6].…”

“…However, the invisible metallic microfibers are conductive materials. When they present in the magnet during the scan acquisition, the material can heat up, resulting in burn injuries to patients undergoing the procedure [2]. In 2013, Pietryga et al reported a case where a patient underwent an MR scan wearing an undershirt containing silver microfibers and sustained cutaneous burns.…”

“…In 2013, Pietryga et al reported a case where a patient underwent an MR scan wearing an undershirt containing silver microfibers and sustained cutaneous burns. The burns were caused by heating in the silver microfibers because of electromagnetic induction of the radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic pulses [2]. When the changing magnetic flux lines intercept an electrically conductive loop (a.k.a.…”

A New Fire Hazard for MR Imaging Systems: Blankets—Case Report

“…Hybrid PET/MR imaging systems may be particularly vulnerable to this situation, because blankets are commonly used for fluorodeoxyglucose PET to maintain a normal body temperature and to avoid fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in brown adipose tissue. (4), identification bracelets (5), or even microfiber undershirts containing silver particles (6). All of these materials have been reported to cause severe skin damage during an MR imaging examination.…”