PPE-associated artifact on MRI brain

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Headaches for investigation

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male

Metallic artifact in the frontal region induced by the metal strip in the face mask covering the nasal bridge region. The mask was then reversed and the sequence repeated, such that the metal strip is now under the chin, displacing the artifact away from the brain.

Case Discussion

With the mandatory use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks can induce artifacts by way of the metal strip overlying the nasal bridge. Our technologists now routinely invert the facemasks for all MRI brain cases, such that the metal strip is placed under the chin removing the artifact.

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