What the risks are:

MRI uses no ionizing radiation. To date, there have been no documented significant side effects of the magnetic fields and radio waves used on the human body.

The most common type of contrast (dye) used is gadolinium. It is very safe. Allergic reactions to the substance rarely occur. The person operating the machine will monitor your heart rate and breathing.

Very rarely people with kidney failure or chronic kidney disease can develop an unusual but serious reaction to the contrast (dye). If you have kidney problems it is important to tell the MRI technologist and health care provider before you get this dye.

MRI is usually not recommended for acute trauma situations, because traction and life-support equipment cannot safely enter the scanner area and the exam can take quite a bit of time.

People have been harmed in MRI machines when they did not remove metal objects from their clothes or when metal objects were left in the room by others.

Special considerations:

Tests that may be done instead of a sinus MRI include:

• CT scan of the sinuses
• X-ray of the sinuses

A CT scan may be preferred in emergency cases, since it is faster and usually available right in the emergency room.

Note: MRI is not as effective as CT in defining the anatomy of the sinuses and therefore is not typically used for suspected acute sinusitis.