A woman reportedly sustained severe internal injuries after wearing an adult toy containing hidden metallic components during an MRI scan, emphasizing the serious hazards of bringing metal objects into such medical procedures, even unintentionally.
The incident, which has drawn attention to the importance of MRI safety protocols, occurred when the patient unknowingly wore a s** toy with a metallic core, assuming it was entirely silicone based on misleading product labeling. Unfortunately, the powerful magnetic forces generated by the MRI machine interacted with the metallic core, forcefully propelling the object inside the patient’s body, causing significant tissue and organ damage.
The MRI machine’s intense magnetic field caused the toy to be violently pulled through the woman’s body, leading to considerable harm. The adult toy had been advertised as ‘100% silicone,’ which led the woman to believe it was non-metallic and safe for use during the procedure. However, the hidden metallic component reacted dramatically with the MRI magnet, which can be extremely dangerous.
Professor Adam Taylor from Lancaster University provided further clarity on the physics involved, explaining that while the toy did move rapidly, claims it traveled ‘at the speed of sound’ were inaccurate. The speed of ferromagnetic materials moving in an MRI’s magnetic field depends on the object’s mass and proximity to the magnetic source. Smaller items like paper clips may achieve speeds of around 40 mph, but larger objects are unlikely to move as fast due to their size and weight.
The immense magnetic forces involved in MRI scans can make any ferromagnetic object inside the body shift, posing grave risks such as damage to blood vessels, nerves, or even critical organs. Professor Taylor stressed how important it is for medical staff to screen patients thoroughly before scans to prevent such potentially life-threatening situations.
There have been past cases where similar accidents occurred due to metallic objects inside the body. In one example, a man with schizophrenia who had ingested various metal objects experienced catastrophic internal injuries when exposed to the MRI’s magnetic pull.
Medical experts have consistently highlighted the dangers associated with bringing metallic objects into MRI scanning rooms. Hospital staff are trained to ask patients about medical implants such as pacemakers, metal fragments from occupational exposure, and other objects that could react to magnetic forces. However, undisclosed objects, as seen in this incident, can lead to tragic consequences.
Professor Taylor advised that individuals should avoid inserting any foreign objects, including adult toys, before an MRI, emphasizing that such items could not only interfere with the scan but could also inflict severe harm due to magnetic interactions.
An image of the MRI scan showing the toy’s positioning inside the patient has surfaced online, particularly on Reddit, with captions cautioning others against making similar mistakes. The widely shared image warned: “Never wear a b*** plug to your MRI appointment. My god….”
Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released statistics indicating a rise in medical procedures related to the removal of foreign objects lodged in the rectum. Between April 2021 and March 2022 alone, over 514 cases required medical intervention, the majority involving men.
Healthcare professionals continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to MRI safety checklists, which are designed to safeguard patients and prevent preventable complications during scans. Ignoring these protocols can result in serious outcomes, ranging from delayed diagnoses to repeat imaging sessions or, in extreme situations, emergency surgical procedures. Professor Taylor concluded with a reminder that safety protocols exist for a reason, aiming to protect patients and ensure optimal medical care.