Dear AuntMinnie Member,
As investigators in Sweden continue to look into the MRI accident that occurred in late October, news reports indicate that a second accident occurred in the country earlier in the year.
This accident occurred in April in the coastal town of Varberg and involved a staff member who entered an MRI suite to comfort an anxious patient. The staffer was wearing a metallic ankle bracelet with metal balls, and his or her leg got stuck to the scanner by its magnetic pull. Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident.
The episodes highlight the continued need for vigilance during MRI operations. We'll provide you with more details as they become available in our MRI Community.
New CDC findings on vaping outbreak
Meanwhile, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday released results of lab tests of lung fluid from 29 patients who suffered from EVALI, (e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury). The tests revealed the presence of vitamin E acetate in 100% of the samples -- confirming suspicions that the substance, which is often added to black-market vaping products -- is somehow behind the outbreak.
Is burnout affecting your staff? A new survey of radiologic technologists and imaging directors from four developed countries finds that at least one-third reported disturbing levels of burnout -- and that burnout varied greatly by country.
Get on the Road to RSNA
If you work in radiology, chances are you're getting prepared for next month's RSNA 2019 meeting in Chicago. If so, don't make a move without checking out our Road to RSNA special preview of the scientific sessions at radiology's showcase meeting.
We've divided our preview by modality to make it easier for you to find the sessions you want. So far, we've launched previews of artificial intelligence, women's imaging, MRI, and CT, with more to come next week. Be sure to visit rsna.auntminnie.com to stay updated.
Finally, did you observe the International Day of Radiology yesterday? Judging by the activity on Twitter, this year's event -- and its focus on sports imaging -- was a big success.
