Pross SE, et al. - This paper encompassed the elucidation of variations in pain connected to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with cochlear implant magnets in place. Data disclosed that highly variable pain correlated with obtaining an MRI without cochlear implant magnet removal. No association was detected between an increase in pain with the duration of MRI scan, body part imaged, or body mass index (BMI). MRI scanning with the magnet in place was preferred by nearly all patients, despite the pain, in order to avoid two surgical procedures.

Methods

• The plot of this research was a prospective, single-arm study.
• It was carried out at a tertiary referral center.
• The eligible candidates included adults with cochlear implants requiring MRI.
• Tight head wrapping over internal device during MRI was included as the intervention.
• The main outcome measure consisted of change in pain score using an 11-point visual analogue scale, duration/completion of MRI, body mass index (BMI), quality of pain, status of the skin, functioning of implant, displacement/polarity change of magnet, willingness to repeat MRI without magnet removal.

Results

• Herein, 27 enrollees obtained 42 MRI scans.
• Among the enrolled candidates, 59% were male with age range of 21 to 80 years.
• All three manufacturers were represented.
• During this study, 48% of the scans imaged the brain/head and 52% imaged other sites.
• It was determined that the mean individual change in pain was 3.9 (SD 3.5, range 0-10).
• Findings revealed that pain was most commonly described as “pressure”, “heat”, or “sharp”.
• No prominent relation was reported between change in pain and scan duration, BMI, or body part imaged.
• As per the outcomes, 88% of the scans were completed.
• No skin complications were discovered, with the exception of temporary erythema (29%).
• Data did not disclose any magnet/device complications.
• Moreover, 88% patients reported that they would undergo MRI without magnet removal again.