A contraceptive diaphragm may have a metallic ring that maintains it in position during use. Thus, certain contraceptive diaphragms with metallic components may display positive magnetic field interactions in association with exposure to MR systems and, because of the metallic parts, substantial artifacts may be found. MR examinations have been performed in patients with these devices without complaints or adverse sensations related to movement. Furthermore, there is no danger of heating for a contraceptive diaphragm during an MR procedure under conditions currently recommended by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Therefore, the presence of a diaphragm is not a contraindication for a patient undergoing an MR examination using an MR system operating at 3-Tesla or less. Regardless of the afore-mentioned information, it is best to remove a contraceptive diaphragm prior to an MRI examination.

REFERENCES

Shellock FG. Magnetic Resonance Procedures: Health Effects and Safety. CRC Press, LLC, Boca Raton, FL, 2001.

Shellock FG, Crues JV, Editors. MRI Bioeffects, Safety, and Patient Management. Biomedical Research Publishing Group, Los Angeles, CA, 2014.

Shellock FG, Kanal E. Magnetic Resonance: Bioeffects, Safety, and Patient Management. Second Edition, Lippincott-Raven Press, New York, 1996.