Orbital foreign body detected during routine screening for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations: a case report to underscore safety protocols and also the need for role extension of radiographers in Zambia

Authors

  • O Bwanga Midlands University Hospital Tullamore, Radiology Department, Ireland
  • E Chanda Lusaka Apex Medical University and Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
  • N Mukata Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54450/saradio.2023.61.2.757

Keywords:

magnetic resonance imaging safety protocols, waters projections, role extension for radiographers

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable imaging modality for the diagnosis and planning of treatment of diseases and injuries. Although MRI does not use ionising radiation, the examination has safety concerns due to the strong magnetic field that can attract metallic materials from individuals entering the MRI imaging room. It is important to screen patients for possible metallic materials that can be found outside and inside the body before an examination. This is done through the administration of the MRI safety questionnaire to patients. For patients suspected of a metallic intra-orbital foreign body (IOFB), orbital projections are required as part of the screening process. Subjecting a patient with an IOFB to MRI examination is risky; the magnetic field can cause the metal fragment to move which causes injury to soft tissue (even causes blindness). We report an IOFB detected during a routine MRI safety screening of a metalwork teacher referred for a brain scan. This case also highlights the importance of undertaking two occipital-mental (Waters) projections with an upward and then downward gaze. We underscore the need for role extension for radiographers that includes interpretation and reporting on radiographic images to fill the gap created due to the critical shortage of radiologists in the country.

Author Biographies

O Bwanga, Midlands University Hospital Tullamore, Radiology Department, Ireland

PhD, MSc Rad, MSc HPE, BSc Rad, Dip Rad

E Chanda, Lusaka Apex Medical University and Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia

MSc Rad, BSc Rad, Dip Rad, Dip Teaching Methodology, Fellowship in Radiotherapy

N Mukata, Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Zambia

BSc Rad

Downloads

Published

2023-11-25

Issue

Vol. 61 No. 2 (2023)

Section

Case Reports

License

Copyright on all published material belongs to the Society of Radiographers of South Africa (SORSA).

I hereby understand and declare that:

  • All proprietary rights other than copyright are reserved to the authors, as well as the right to reproduce original figures and tables from this item in their future works, provided full credit is given to the original publication The South African Radiographer ISSN 0258 0241.
  • In consideration of the reviewing and editing done by the editors of The South African Radiographer of the above named manuscript, the author/s hereby transfer, assign, or otherwise convey all copyright ownership world-wide, in all languages, to the Society of Radiographers of South Africa in the event that this manuscript is accepted for publication.
  • If the manuscript has been commissioned by another person or organisation, or if it has been written as part of the duties of an employee, that full authorization has been given by the representative of the commissioning organisation or employer to be published in the The South African Radiographer.