Oxidative assault during magnetic resonance imaging examination

Abstract EN

-This study aimed to evaluate the degree of oxidative stress associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination.

Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated in 70 patients, 44 males and 26 females, 16-70 years of age underwent MRI examination for various reasons.

There was an overall increase in serum MDA level following MRI examination with overall mean difference between pre- and post- MRI examination MDA level of 0.066 ±0.110 Mmole /l (P<0.00l).

Variables causes significant elevation of serum MDA level included, age older than 25 years (P-values for 25-44 years, 45-64 years and >=65 were <0.001, < 0.05 and 0.001 respectively), MRI examination of durations shorter than 20 minutes (P<0.05) and MRI examinations of the brain (P<0.01) and the abdomen (P<0.05).

On the other hand, parameters of no significant effect on MDA levels included younger ages, MRI examinations of durations longer than 20 minutes, systemic diseases and MRI examination of the spine (P>0.05).

It is concluded that MRI examination is associated with significant free radical activity reflected by marked elevation of serum MDA levels.

This implies that MRI examination may impose an