Cochlear implant magnet displacement during magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE

Magnet displacement is a rare but possible complication in patients with cochlear implants. We report 1 case in a young child that occurred during magnetic resonance imaging scanning, despite precautionary measures taken by the surgeon and the radiographer.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case report.

SETTING

This case is presented by the ENT Department of Armand Trousseau Paediatrics Hospital, Paris, France.

PATIENT

An 8-year-old child, implanted with a Freedom Contour Nucleus cochlear implant, was referred for a 1.5-T cerebral magnetic resonance imaging because of a progressive neurologic disorder.

CONCLUSION

This rare complication underlines the importance of risk information and preventive measures required, even in case of compatible devices, for performing a magnetic resonance imaging examination in patients wearing a cochlear implant with removable magnet.