Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Burn injuries in dogs linked to MRI scans and ECG leads
By Peyton, Jamie L et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2025·School of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Suspected MRI associated burn injuries in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Five dogs were treated for burns that appeared to be caused by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The burns had a linear pattern and varied in severity from mild to severe. These injuries likely happened due to overheating from the MRI equipment, worsened by how the dogs were positioned and how the ECG leads were insulated. The dogs experienced delayed healing and complications that affected their movement and recovery. This highlights the need for better safety measures during MRI procedures in veterinary clinics to prevent such injuries.
People also search for: dog MRI burn injury · dog skin burns from MRI · dog healing after MRI complications
Abstract
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is widely utilized in veterinary medicine for its diagnostic accuracy and safety profile. However, thermal injuries secondary to MRI are a significant adverse event that may be under recognized by veterinary clinicians. This study investigates five canine cases of presumed MRI-induced burns with a distinctive linear pattern, ranging from superficial to full-thickness, at a single veterinary institution. The underlying mechanisms for these thermal injuries was most likely resonant circuit heating or the antenna effect, exacerbated by patient positioning and improper insulation of ECG leads. Clinical implications included delayed wound recognition, extended healing times, and substantial complications such as impaired mobility and delayed neurological rehabilitation. The findings underscore the necessity for improved MRI safety protocols, particularly regarding patient monitoring and positioning during MRI procedures in veterinary practice.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41560856/