Contraindications to MRI

Despite the fact that MRI is a non-invasive and safe for human life and health method of examination, there are a number of contraindications.

Absolute contraindications to MRI:

  • electric cardiac pacemakers, implanted cardiac defibrillators
  • ferromagnetic or electronic implants in the middle ear (cochlear implants)
  • fragments of metallic foreign bodies in the eye area
  • implanted neurostimulators
  • large metallic implants, ferromagnetic splinters in the examined area (due to severe artefacts)
  • ferromagnetic foreign bodies, haemostatic clips on cerebral vessels (the risk of their shifting due to magnetic field and the development of intracerebral or subarachnoid haemorrhage)
  • implanted insulin pump.

Relative contraindications to MRI:

  • insulin pump (should be removed prior to examination and left outside the MR examination room);
  • nonferromagnetic implants in the inner ear;
  • prosthetic heart valves (in high fields, with suspected dysfunction);
  • decompensated heart failure;
  • early pregnancy (first three months);
  • claustrophobia;
  • tattoos made with using dyes containing metallic compounds;
  • inappropriate behaviour of the patient (psychomotor agitation, panic attack);
  • alcohol and drug intoxication;
  • inability to stay still during the entire MR examination (e.g. due to severe pain or inappropriate behaviour);
  • the need for continuous monitoring of vital signs (ECG, blood pressure, respiratory rate) and constant resuscitation (e.g. artificial respiration).

Contraindications to contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging are the same as for non-enhanced MRI.

Additional contraindications for contrast-enhanced MRI:

  • Pregnancy and lactation – the contrast agent penetrates through general circulation, foetal tissue, or breast milk.
  • Hypersensitivity (allergic reactions) to the contrast agent used.

* The list of contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging is based on Regulation 2 of the Order of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus No. 902 dated September 16, 2011