Movement of steel-jacketed projectiles in biological tissue in the magnetic field of a 3-T magnetic resonance unit.

PURPOSE

The fact that ferromagnetic bullets can move in air or gelatine when subjected to magnetic resonance (MR) units is well known. A previous study showed that the movement of 7.5-mm GP 11 Suisse bullets also depends on their orientation toward the gantry. In order to compare the movement in gelatine to that in real tissue, we decided to measure the movement of these bullets, as well as 9-mm Luger bullets, in the brain and liver.

METHODS

The GP 11 and 9-mm Luger bullets were inserted into the fresh calf brain or pig liver either vertically or horizontally in the x- or z-axis to the gantry. Before and after exposure to a 3-T MR unit, their position was documented by CT.

RESULTS

GP 11 bullets rotated more readily and in general proved to be more mobile than the 9-mm Luger. All GP 11 bullets and a large amount of the 9-mm Luger bullets exited the brain. Sliding toward the gantry was easier for 9-mm Luger bullets in the brain than in the liver.

CONCLUSIONS

The orientation of a ferromagnetic object influences its mobility in a strong magnetic field. Tipping is easier than sliding for longish ferromagnetic projectiles, probably due to the lesser tissue resistance. The bullets moved more readily in biological tissue, especially brain tissue, compared to gelatine, thus implying that gelatine is not a suitable substitute for soft tissues when examining the movement of ferromagnetic objects in MR units.