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The increase in the number of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilities in the last 10 years has raised concerns about possible adverse reproductive outcomes for MRI workers experiencing intermittent daily exposures to very strong static magnetic fields. This study by researchers from the University of North Carolina and the University of Pittsburgh, described in the Journal of Occupational Medicine, represented a first attempt to characterize reproductive risk to women working as MRI technicians. The study's results suggest an absence of major reproductive hazards associated with MRI work, but the unknown completeness and unknown validity of the self-reported data limit the reliability of the survey. [BENER 10110]
READER COMMENTS
January 31, 1999 - Laura McAtee On January 21 I had an MRI for knots that I found on my neck. I've since found out that I was about 2-3 weeks pregnant at the time. I am very concerned about the effects of this and the gadolinium injection on my unborn child. Any information would be appreciated.
June 10, 1998 - Susan Geiger When I was approxmately two to three weeks pregnant I underwent a MRI of my pitutary gland. I was also fed some type of dye through an IV during the process. I am concerned about the effect this may have had on my baby who is due this August. I would be appreciative of any information you have on this subject. Thank you.
February 25, 1998 - M. Zuwala
I work at two locations on two different MRI scanners. I am an MRI technologist who works by myself during my work shift. One scanner is an open MRI .23 Tesla, the other is a closed 1.0 scanner. I would like to know of any occupational risks/precautions that I should know about before trying to become pregnant. I have tried to get information from each respective magnet manufacturer, and when I call the headquarter offices, the customer support people tell me that it is the first time anyone has called regarding the subject. They have no answers/or recommendations to offer. I would not like to ask the engineers at our site due to my concern of not getting the correct information. Is there a danger to a fetus when present in the magnetic field during normal work activities of a pregnant MRI technologist? What are the precatutions to take? Any information that could be passed on would be greatly appreciated.
[Editor's Comment: See Survey of reproductive health among female MR workers.]
April 17, 1997 - Ken What, if any, concerns should a pregnant woman have if a MRI is needed to confirm a herniated disc? Are any studies available to review?