MRI with a CI: Using the propeller technique reduces artifacts in children with cochlear implants

The authors carried out 1.5 T MRI examination without removing the CI magnet in two children with a cochlear implant (CI). In the first child, a conventional MRI scanning technique was used, which produced an image that was not clinically useful due to artifact size. He/she was scanned again using the 'propeller technique'. This scan had a reduced artifact and was clinically useful. The second child was scanned using the propeller technique while asleep. The image was clinically useful. The authors conclude that the propeller technique is safe and of benefit to clinical diagnosis because it enables clinically useful images to be generated in a 1.5 T MRI without necessitating CI magnet removal and reimplantation surgeries.

Automated summary

The authors conducted 1.5 T MRI examination without removing the CI magnet in two children with cochlear implants. The conventional MRI technique produced an image with artifacts and limited clinical usefulness, while the "propeller technique" resulted in clinically useful images. The propeller technique was also employed successfully while the second child was asleep. The findings suggest that the propeller technique is safe and beneficial for clinical diagnosis.