Читать книгу Essentials of MRI Safety - Donald W. McRobbie - Страница 9

Foreword: essentials

In recent years MRI safety has received increased media attention amidst growing public concern. From controversies over the use and side‐effects of gadolinium to projectile accidents, a serious adverse MRI event always makes news. It doesn’t have to. It is possible to practice completely without incident, as long as you understand the essence of MRI safety.

I started my career at the University of Aberdeen investigating the biological effects of magnetic fields because, even back in 1981, the safety of MRI was already on the scientific agenda. Since then there have been innumerable technical and clinical advances, but some of our MRI safety practice has not developed at the same rate. Often departmental practices and individual beliefs (I can’t say “knowledge”) are based more upon historical custom and hearsay than upon science. This book aims to place MRI safety practice firmly on a scientific basis, equipping you to recognise and assess potential risk and also its absence.

What about all the maths? Surely we don’t need it? We do. It is essential because MRI safety without a solid theoretical and numerical foundation is just guesswork, folklore or worse. If you are allergic to maths, then you may be relieved to learn that all the difficult material is contained in Chapter 2 and the appendices. The other chapters contain the minimum of theory necessary to attain an understanding of each topic, and much of the maths is restricted to illustrative numerical examples. I have avoided complex electromagnetic (EM) modeling and complex algebra. All the examples can be solved approximately using simple “back of an envelope” calculations. Whilst this lacks the rigor or accuracy of EM modeling or solving Maxwell’s equations, it provides insight into how physical parameters relate to safety issues. Examples are purely illustrative, but should be sufficient for readers to identify and make estimates of risk.

This book is also written in the context of the MRI safety roles: MR Medical Director (MRMD), MR Safety Officer (MRSO), and MR Safety Expert (MRSE). In order to develop the required knowledge for these roles, each chapter contains revision questions for self‐assessment, one hundred in total. Beware: some of the questions have multiple correct answers. For the aspiring MRSE every chapter, including the appendices, is essential. For the other roles and for the general readership of MR practitioners more selective reading is possible. Use of the Further reading and resources at the end of each chapter is highly recommended and, in some instances, essential as they contain authoritative sources, reviews, guidance, and standards.

Finally, a word of caution and a disclaimer. This book does not provide definitive guidance on the scanning of individual patients with specific implants. For that you must adhere to the most current implant information and observe the MRI conditions, conducting benefit versus risk analyses if required, and with appropriate clinical authorization. Neither does the book endorse any specific practice over and above adhering to MRI implant conditions, pharmaceutical labelling, available professional body guidance, standards, and exposure limits.