Simultaneous exposure to MRI‐related static and low‐frequency movement‐induced time‐varying magnetic fields affects neurocognitive performance: A double‐blind randomized crossover study

Nierop, Lotte E. van; Slottje, Pauline; Zandvoort, Martine van; Kromhout, Hans

doi:10.1002/mrm.25443

Cited by 20 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 25 publications

(33 reference statements)

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“…There are ∼50,000 MRI scanners worldwide, and each MRI unit involves a minimum of five workers from different disciplines (radiographers, nurses, anesthesiologists, technicians, engineers, cleaners, etc.,) [3] These people may be exposed to various electromagnetic fields (EMF) during procedures, opening a debate about the occupational exposure to EMF in MRI environments [4]. Many self-reported transient symptoms have been associated with occupational exposure to MRI fields, especially from workers in MRI environments with a strong magnetic field (1.5 T, 3 T, or higher) [5][6][7][8]. Several studies assessing the health risk for MRI workers have been published, showing different acute neurobehavioral effects and symptoms, but their long-term health significance is yet unknown.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in magnetic resonance environment: an update on regulation, exposure assessment techniques, health risk evaluation, and surveillance

Hartwig

Virgili²,

Mattei³

et al. 2021

Med Biol Eng Comput

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most-used diagnostic imaging methods worldwide. There are ∼50,000 MRI scanners worldwide each of which involves a minimum of five workers from different disciplines who spend their working days around MRI scanners. This review analyses the state-of-art of literature about the several aspects of the occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in MRI: regulations, literature studies on biological effects, and health surveillance are addressed here in detail, along with a summary of the main approaches for exposure assessment. The original research papers published from 2013 to 2021 in international peer-reviewed journals, in the English language, are analysed, together with documents published by legislative bodies. The key points for each topic are identified and described together with useful tips for precise safeguarding of MRI operators, in terms of exposure assessment, studies on biological effects, and health surveillance.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in magnetic resonance environment: an update on regulation, exposure assessment techniques, health risk evaluation, and surveillance

Hartwig

Virgili²,

Mattei³

et al. 2021

Med Biol Eng Comput

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“…Even though all these effects seem rapidly reversible when EMF exposure of MRI personnel is interrupted, their prevention is relevant because of the possibility of a higher risk of accidents leading to injury, especially after work-shift exposure (16,17). There are also various experimental observations of minor and reversible alterations in performance, balance, and cognitive tests in groups of volunteers (9,10,(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23), also confirmed by a recent case report of two patients falling after an MRI examination (24).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 79%

Subjective Symptoms in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Personnel: A Multi-Center Study in Italy

Bravo

Modenese

Arcangeli

et al. 2021

Front. Public Health

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Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) personnel have significant exposure to static and low-frequency time-varying magnetic fields. In these workers an increased prevalence of different subjective symptoms has been observed. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of non-specific subjective symptoms and of “core symptoms” in a group of MRI personnel working in different centers in Italy, and of possible relationships with personal and occupational characteristics.Methods: The occurrence of 11 subjective symptoms was evaluated using a specific questionnaire with 240 subjects working in 6 different Italian hospitals and research centers, 177 MRI health care and research personnel and 63 unexposed subjects employed in the same departments. Exposure was subjectively investigated according to the type of MRI scanner (≤1.5 vs. ≥3 T) and to the number of MRI procedures attended and/or performed by the personnel, even if no information on how frequently the personnel entered the scanner room was collected. The possible associations among symptoms and estimated EMF exposure, the main characteristics of the population, and job stress perception were analyzed.Results: Eighty-six percent of the personnel reported at least one symptom; drowsiness, headache, and sleep disorders were the most frequent. The total number of symptoms did not differ between exposed persons and controls. Considering the total number of annual MRI procedures reported by the personnel, no significant associations were found nor with the total number of symptoms, nor with “core symptoms.” Only subjects complaining of drowsiness also reported a significantly higher mean annual number of MRI procedures with ≤ 1.5 T scanners when compared with exposed subjects without drowsiness. In a multivariate model, subjects with a high level of perceived stress complained of more symptoms (p = 0.0002).Conclusions: Our study did not show any association between the occurrence of reversible subjective symptoms, including the more specific “core symptoms,” and the occupational exposure of MRI personnel to static and low-frequency time-varying magnetic fields. On the other hand, the role played by occupational stress appears to be not negligible. In further research in this field, measurements of EMF exposure should be considered.

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“…Transitory effects such as metallic taste in the mouth and magnetophosphenes are also enhanced at 7T, albeit with lower reported incidences 19,25 . There are conflicting data in the scientific literature reporting possible transient effects on cognition at 7T 29–32 ; any effect may be due to disturbance of the vestibular system 3 …”

Section: Static B0 and Magnetic Field Gradient Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

7T MR Safety

Fagan

Bitz

Björkman–Burtscher

et al. 2020

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI/MRS) at 7T represents an exciting advance in MR technology, with intriguing possibilities to enhance image spatial, spectral, and contrast resolution. To ensure the safe use of this technology while still harnessing its potential, clinical staff and researchers need to be cognizant of some safety concerns arising from the increased magnetic field strength and higher Larmor frequency. The higher static magnetic fields give rise to enhanced transient bioeffects and an increased risk of adverse incidents related to electrically conductive implants. Many technical challenges remain and the continuing rapid pace of development of 7T MRI/MRS is likely to present further challenges to ensuring safety of this technology in the years ahead. The recent regulatory clearance for clinical diagnostic imaging at 7T will likely increase the installed base of 7T systems, particularly in hospital environments with little prior ultrahigh‐field MR experience. Informed risk/benefit analyses will be required, particularly where implant manufacturer‐published 7T safety guidelines for implants are unavailable. On behalf of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, the aim of this article is to provide a reference document to assist institutions developing local institutional policies and procedures that are specific to the safe operation of 7T MRI/MRS. Details of current 7T technology and the physics underpinning its functionality are reviewed, with the aim of supporting efforts to expand the use of 7T MRI/MRS in both research and clinical environments. Current gaps in knowledge are also identified, where additional research and development are required.Level of Evidence 5Technical Efficacy 2J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:333–346.

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Simultaneous exposure to MRI‐related static and low‐frequency movement‐induced time‐varying magnetic fields affects neurocognitive performance: A double‐blind randomized crossover study

Abstract: Neurocognitive effects were only observed when simultaneously exposed to SMF and TVMF from a 7 T MRI scanner. Therefore, exposure to TVMF seems essential in eliciting the neurocognitive effects in our present study and, presumably, previous experiments.

Cited by 20 publications

References 25 publications

Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in magnetic resonance environment: an update on regulation, exposure assessment techniques, health risk evaluation, and surveillance

Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in magnetic resonance environment: an update on regulation, exposure assessment techniques, health risk evaluation, and surveillance

Subjective Symptoms in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Personnel: A Multi-Center Study in Italy

7T MR Safety

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