Patient dies during MRI in Arkhangelsk: who cannot have the scan
In Arkhangelsk, an elderly patient died after a doctor sent her for an MRI despite knowing about her pacemaker and the contraindications. The medic has been convicted. We learned who should not undergo an MRI and why.
What are the contraindications
As explained by Elena Levina, head of the medical activity organization department of the Arkhangelsk Region Ministry of Health, there are absolute and relative contraindications for the procedure. Pacemakers fall under absolute contraindications, but there are exceptions.
«Now there are new-generation pacemakers that can be loaded into the MRI machine, but this information must be checked by the technician conducting the study. They must request the pacemaker»s documentation, knowing about its presence,« comments Levina.
Absolute contraindications:
presence of any electronic devices on or in the body;
any metal objects and structures on or in the body;
hearing prostheses.
Devices worn on or in the body can themselves malfunction, heat up, and cause burns.
«A patient who has any wearable devices must be aware of this and tell the doctor again before the procedure. The exchange of information between doctor and patient supports and insures.»
Relative contraindications — the decision is made individually in each case:
claustrophobia;
pregnancy — it is unknown how the study may affect the child in the long term;
unstable and inadequate condition of the patient;
allergy to contrast agents;
high body weight — some machines may not withstand weight over 120 kilograms (264 pounds).
Who definitely needs an MRI and who should choose other methods
As Elena Levina explained, MRIs are now prescribed to a large number of people, and not always out of necessity.
«In this flow, doctors» attention is scattered, and situations are possible where the human factor comes into play.«
According to Levina, an MRI is mandatory only for the diagnosis of oncological diseases.
«Everything else — cardiac diseases, joint problems — can be solved by more gentle and faster methods than MRI,» comments Elena.
The procedure lasts on average an hour, including preparation, which is quite long. Those who undergo an MRI without necessity burden the system, and therefore patients in need have to wait much longer in line.
«We need to approach the prescription of this type of research more thoroughly. And prioritize those patients who need the procedure,» emphasizes Elena again.
Recall that the number of cancer patients in the Arkhangelsk region is growing. We have reported on what women, men are more often sick with and how cancer is treated in the region.
