Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog got skin burns after MRI scan from radiofrequency injury
By Esther A. Lichtenauer et al.·Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science·2024·IVC Evidensia Small Animal Referral Hospital Hart van Brabant, Neurology, Waalwijk, Netherlands, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Case report: Radiofrequency-induced thermal burn injury in a dog after magnetic resonance imaging
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old male Shar-Pei was brought in for lethargy and trouble using his left front leg. After an MRI scan, the vet found a problem in his spine that was causing these issues. However, about a week later, the dog developed painful burns under both front legs, which were determined to be caused by radiofrequency (RF) exposure during the MRI. Thankfully, these burns healed over the next month with proper care. This case highlights the need for veterinarians to be aware of the risk of RF burns during MRI procedures.
People also search for: dog lethargy and leg weakness · Shar-Pei MRI risks · dog skin burns after MRI
Abstract
A 10-year-old male Shar-Pei was referred for lethargy and proprioceptive deficits of the left thoracic limb. An magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the cervical spinal column and the brain was performed. The MRI examination of the brain was normal. A left-sided C3-C4 intervertebral disc extrusion with spinal cord compression was diagnosed. Medical treatment was elected. Within a week after the MRI examination, the dog presented with deep partial-thickness skin burn wounds in both axillae. Since the specific absorption rate had not exceeded the safety limits during any of the scans and no other procedures or circumstances were identified that could possibly have resulted in burn injuries, the thermal burn injuries were diagnosed as radiofrequency (RF) burns. The wounds healed by secondary intent over the next month. RF burns are the most reported complication in humans undergoing MRI but have not been reported in veterinary patients. Clinicians and technicians should consider the potential risk for RF burns in veterinary patients and take precautions regarding positioning of the patient and take notice of any signs of burn injury when performing follow-up examinations.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1364635