Uncover rare imaging complications: understand potential risks & safety tips during medical imaging. Learn how to minimise these serious, but rare, outcomes.
Medical imaging, with MRI and CT scans, gives doctors a peek inside us; a modern marvel, no doubt. Yet, these tools, whilst remarkable, can have rare imaging complications, and that thought can be unsettling.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) offers info on these rare, but serious, problems. (Like allergic reactions from contrast dye, or, very rarely, issues from the radiation itself.)
It’s important to know what these are and how you can stay safe. Read on to understand more about these uncommon complications and how to be proactive during medical imaging.
Key Takeaway
- Rare imaging complications can be serious but are often preventable.
- Knowing the risks helps patients and doctors prepare for safe imaging.
- Following safety protocols and guidelines can reduce the chance of complications.
Understanding Rare Imaging Complications
Medical imaging shows us things we can’t normally see, which is a good thing; except when it isn’t. Hidden amongst all that tech wizardry are rare imaging complications. Rare, yes, but they can still be serious.
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (used in MRIs to get clearer images) can, in some cases, lead to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, or NSF. NSF is nasty, and it’s a worry if the patient has kidney problems because their body can’t easily get rid of the agent.
Who’s at greater risk, then?
- Elderly patients (especially those over 70 years old)
- People with reduced kidney function
Doctors know this; they should have a plan before injecting gadolinium. Checking kidney function is important. They might recommend extra hydration, too, so things keep moving along as they should.
RANZCR (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists) says that understanding the risks is key for both doctor and patient. If patients know what’s what, they can ask questions and make their own decisions. It gives them a feeling of control, and it means they can properly talk to their doctors about any worries.
Having that chat, asking about kidneys, or possible side effects? Important.
Contrast Media-Related Complications
Contrast media, those dyes used to enhance imaging, aren’t always without risk. They can cause complications, and it’s good to be aware of them.
For example, CT scans often use iodine-based contrast agents. Most of the time, there’s no issue. However, there’s a small risk of acute adverse reactions. We are talking about 0.0025% to 0.005% of cases, so it is rare. [1]
These reactions can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling
Healthcare providers should be ready to act. Monitoring patients after the contrast agent has been given is paramount.
Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury (CA-AKI)—previously called contrast-induced nephropathy—is another issue. Older patients, and those with pre-existing kidney problems, are at higher risk. Checking kidney function before using contrast media is a must. Fluid intake can also help to protect the kidneys.
By being informed about these potential rare imaging complications, patients can be active in their own healthcare. Asking questions and having discussions with healthcare providers can make a difference.
Radiation-Related Complications
Credits: RAD VISION SNK
Medical imaging sometimes means radiation exposure, and while it’s often necessary, we need to understand the risks involved with rare imaging complications. Patients that require frequent scans (for example, those with certain kidney problems) can end up accumulating a fair bit of radiation over time.
RANZCR says regular monitoring is essential. There might be a small cancer risk if cumulative effective doses go over 100 mSv. [2] It’s like getting too much sun without sunscreen; the effects may not show up immediately.
Doctors should always weigh up the need for imaging tests. Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
To minimise radiation exposure, healthcare providers can:
- Adjust machine settings
- Use alternative imaging techniques
Patients can also ask their doctors about the necessity of tests, especially if they’ve had multiple scans recently.
Being aware of the rare imaging complications, related to radiation, means people can make informed choices about medical imaging.
MRI-Specific Complications
MRI machines are clever things, but they can have their own rare imaging complications.
One such complication is called a “magnet quench.” The MRI machine suddenly loses its magnetic field. This is rare, but when it happens, everyone needs to get out of the room quickly. It can’t be re-entered until the magnetic field is safe again.
Healthcare facilities have strict guidelines to prevent this from happening. RANZCR stresses MRI suite safety.
Another risk is the projectile effect. The strong magnets can turn metal objects into dangerous flying projectiles. Imagine a paperclip suddenly shooting across the room at high speed! That’s why:
- MRI rooms have rules about what can be brought inside
- Doctors screen patients for metal objects
Being aware of these MRI-specific complications means patients are more prepared when they get a scan. It’s always good to ask questions and understand the safety rules.
Procedure-Specific Complications
Each imaging procedure comes with its own risks, and understanding them is important. Knowledge is power, as they say, when it comes to rare imaging complications.
For instance, double vision can occur after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). But, its not common; In less than 1% of cases, and is caused if there is an injury to the muscles around the eye.
Medical professionals need to explain these risks upfront so patients aren’t caught out. When patients know what could happen, they can prepare themselves and make informed decisions about treatment and care.
If patients have a clear idea of the risks, they can feel more at ease. They can ask about what to expect and how to manage any side effects. Patients and their healthcare providers can then work together to ensure the best possible care.
So, be aware. Be proactive. Like a gardener tending to their plants, careful attention to health can make all the difference.
FAQ
What happens to blood vessels after radiation treatment?
Radiation can hurt tiny blood vessels in your brain, causing radiation-induced microangiopathies. This includes capillary telangiectasias, which are small stretchy blood vessels. You might not feel sick right away, but later you could get headaches or feel dizzy. Doctors use special pictures to see these changes. Your risk goes up with higher radiation dose threshold, especially in important brain parts.
How do strange blood vessels form after radiation, and why are they bad?
Cavernous malformations are clumps of weird blood vessels that can grow after radiation. They happen when radiation hurts the vascular endothelium proliferation (how blood vessels grow) and causes hyalinisation (hardening) of vessel walls.
These clumps might cause symptomatic bleeding, seizures, or stroke-like problems. They can lead to neurocognitive dysfunction (brain thinking problems) if they form in important brain areas. Special pictures help find them early.
What special pictures show iron build-up in the brain after radiation?
Gradient recalled echo imaging and susceptibility weighted imaging are best for finding radiation-induced focal hemosiderin deposition (iron spots) in your brain. These special pictures can see tiny bits of iron left after bleeding that normal pictures miss. Doctors use these when you have strange symptoms after radiation to check for small bleeds or damage.
What happens to the white parts of your brain after radiation?
White matter injury shows up as bright spots on brain pictures, especially near the fluid spaces (periventricular signal changes). This happens when radiation hurts the telencephalic commissural fibers that connect different brain parts. You might have trouble remembering things or thinking fast. These problems can show up months or years after treatment and get worse over time. Sometimes central necrosis (dead brain tissue) can form in deeper areas.
What bad things can happen to your belly after an ERCP tube test?
After an ERCP procedure, rare but scary problems can happen like duodenal perforation (hole in your intestine), splenic injury (damage to a blood-filled organ), and colonic diverticula perforation (holes in your colon). Post-ERCP acute pancreatitis is most common, causing bad belly pain and serum pancreatic enzymes elevation (high pancreas chemicals in blood).
Portal venous air embolism (air bubbles in blood vessels) is very rare but dangerous. Some people get acute cholangitis (bile tube infection) or papillary stenosis (tube narrowing). Extended sphincterotomy complications include delayed hemorrhage (bleeding later), especially if you have coagulopathy (blood doesn’t clot well). Pre-cut sphincterotomy can make these problems more likely.
What kinds of egg-cell tumors do women get and what problems show up in pictures?
Ovarian teratomas come in different types: immature teratomas, monodermal teratomas, struma ovarii, combination tumors, and fat-poor teratomas. Pure fatty teratomas are easier to see in pictures. Problems include ovarian teratoma torsion (twisting), which looks like a swollen ovary with blood flow troubles.
Teratoma rupture shows as fluid and mixed stuff in the belly. Malignant transformation (turning cancerous) happens in about 1-2 cases out of 100. Some people rarely get autoimmune hemolytic anemia (body attacks its own blood cells) from these tumors.
What reactions can happen when dye is used during medical pictures?
Picture dyes can cause many reactions from mild to very bad. Iodine-based contrast reactions include contrast-induced rash, nausea, headache, flushing, hives, and throat swelling. Serious ones involve contrast-induced wheezing, abnormal heart rhythms, hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), dyspnea (trouble breathing), and tachycardia (fast heartbeat).
Contrast-induced anaphylaxis is rare but can kill you. Barium sulfate contrast reactions are different from iodine dyes. Delayed contrast reactions can happen hours or days later. Gadolinium deposition (metal staying in your body) and contrast-induced nephropathy (kidney damage) are long-term worries doctors watch for.
Conclusion
Rare imaging complications can sound worrying, but they’re uncommon, thankfully. RANZCR and other groups work to keep patients safe with guidelines and protocols. Talk to your doctor about any worries and understand the risks before any imaging test.
Knowing what to expect means you can take steps to stay safe and healthy. If you need an imaging test, ask your doctor about safety. It’s better to be informed.
References
- https://www.rcr.ac.uk/media/qctjh3by/rcr-draft-guidance-on-gadolinium-based-contrast-agent-administration-to-adult-patients-fifth-edition.pdf
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9328055/
