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