A tragic incident occurred during a routine MRI exam that resulted in the death of a young boy. Six-year-old Michael Colombini sustained fatal injuries when a metal oxygen tank was propelled across the room by the MRI machine’s powerful magnetic field, causing severe head trauma. Despite efforts to save him, Michael passed away two days later from the injuries sustained during the accident.
The MRI procedure was being conducted following Michael’s surgery for a benign brain tumor, while he was under sedation. The incident took place at Westchester Medical Center, located in Valhalla, 15 miles north of New York City. The medical center’s president and CEO, Edward Stolzenberg, expressed deep regret and took full responsibility for the tragic event, offering condolences to the family of the child.
MRI scanners are essential medical tools that utilize magnetic forces and radio frequencies to generate detailed internal body images for diagnostic purposes. While generally safe, tragic incidents like this serve as reminders of the importance of adhering to safety protocols during MRI procedures.
In a separate unfortunate incident last year in the US, 61-year-old Keith McAllister lost his life after being pulled into an MRI machine by his necklace at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, Long Island. His wife, Adrienne Jones-McAllister, recounted the heartbreaking experience, mentioning that her husband, who was wearing a heavy chain, was allowed into the room despite safety guidelines requiring the removal of all metal objects before an MRI scan.
Ms. Jones-McAllister described the harrowing moment when the machine unexpectedly pulled her husband in, leading to his fatal injuries. Despite efforts to save him, Keith suffered multiple heart attacks and passed away shortly after the incident. These incidents highlight the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines during MRI procedures to prevent such tragic outcomes.