Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Welcome to the MRI webpages where you will find safety information and updates, access or links to useful publications and guidance, information and updates on the EU Physical Agents Directive.

Please also view details of our Magnetic Resonance Advisory Group (MRAG) meetings.

For any queries relating to MRI please contact: Alexandra Lipton, Professional Officer responsible for Cross Sectional Imaging.

MRI e-Learning resources

Four MRI e-learning sessions have been published as part of the Image Interpretation programme:

• 23_05 Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Elbow - Session 2
  Looks at common pathologies in the elbow which can be identified on MRI. 
• 23_06 Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Elbow - Session 3
  Is a self-evaluation session based on MRI of the elbow.
• 23_07 - Image Interpretation - Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Wrist and Hand - Session 1
  Addresses the normal anatomy of the wrist and hand on MRI.
• 25_07 Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Lumbar Spine - Session 4
  A self assessment session MRI of the lumbar spine. 

This brings the total number of MRI sessions to 30. They include a range of images, interactive questions, and a chance for you to test your interpretation skills.

On completion of each course, a certificate linked to your KSF, CPD Now and (HCPC) CPD may be downloaded.

A further five MRI sessions are in development for publication this year; two wrist and hand sessions and three foot and ankle.

With thanks to Alvin Karsandas, consultant radiologist, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Graeme Strong, MRI clinical lead and unit manager, University Hospital of North Tees.

For more information or to get involved in the programme, please contact Dorothy Keane.
 

Omniscan and iv Magnevist removed from market

Intravenous formulations of gadodiamide (Omniscan) and gadopentetic acid (iv Magnevist) have been removed from the market for safety reasons, according to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The action follows ongoing concerns that gadolinium can be retained in the brain and in other organs following the use of contrast agents which contain the chemical element.

The UK licences for gadodiamide (Omniscan) and intravenous gadopentetic acid (also known as gadopentetate dimeglumine, Magnevist) will be suspended as of 1 February 2018. MRI radiographers and other healthcare professionals are advised to replace these products with alternative GdCAs by this date.

The authorised indication of the linear agents gadobenic acid (also known as gadobenate dimeglumine, MultiHance) and gadoxetic acid (Primovist) will be limited to delayed phase liver imaging only.
Macrocyclic agents, gadoteridol (Prohance), gadobutrol (Gadovist) and gadoteric acid (Dotarem, Clariscan, Dotagraf, Cyclolux) will remain authorised, as will gadopentetic acid for intra-articular use.

A letter from the MHRA (see download below) detailing the actions taken and the advice has been distributed. It says, "There is currently no evidence that gadolinium deposition in the brain has caused adverse neurological effects in patients; however, data on long-term effects of gadolinium deposition in brain, or other tissues, are very limited."

Useful links

Career & Educaiton: 

• Education
• Staffing and job planning
• Professional body guidance

Governance:

• Medicines management
• Quality assurance