A New Fire Hazard for MR Imaging Systems: Blankets-Case Report

Radiology. 2018 Feb;286(2):568-570. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2017162921. Epub 2017 Aug 31.

Abstract

In this report, a case of fire in a positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system due to blanket combustion is discussed. Manufacturing companies routinely use copper fibers for blanket fabrication, and these fibers may remain within the blanket hem. By folding a blanket with these copper fibers within an MR imaging system, one can create an electrical current loop with a major risk of local excessive heating, burn injury, and fire. This hazard applies to all MR imaging systems. Hybrid PET/MR imaging systems may be particularly vulnerable to this situation, because blankets are commonly used for fluorodeoxyglucose PET to maintain a normal body temperature and to avoid fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in brown adipose tissue. © RSNA, 2017.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bedding and Linens / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Fires*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / adverse effects*
  • Metals / administration & dosage*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multimodal Imaging / adverse effects
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Metals