The Effect of Cosmetics on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Focusing on Eye Cosmetics

Abstract

Magnetic susceptibility artifacts affect image quality and also affect patient safety. Most magnetic resonance imaging scans are conducted without removing makeup. However, cosmetics can contain metal ingredients which can cause magnetic susceptibility artifacts. This study aims to evaluate the effect of artifacts found in cosmetics on magnetic resonance imaging and compares them according to the type of cosmetic, magnitudes of magnetic fields, and sequences. A total of 32 target materials were used: 24 eyeshadows, 4 mascara, and 4 eyeliners. Experiments used four sequences: spin echo, turbo spin echo, gradient echo, and echo planar imaging to obtain coronal and axial plane images of each target material. In the coronary plane image, the target material was measured vertically from the attached surface to the point where the artifact reached. Magnetic susceptibility artifacts occurred in all 32 cosmetics used in the experiment. The maximum size of artifacts was seen in gradient echo and echo planar imaging. Magnetic susceptibility artifacts were larger at 3 T than at 1.5 T, with a maximum size of 9.05 mm at a gradient echo of 3.0 T. Therefore, in this study, we found that cosmetics affect images due to magnetic susceptibility artifacts, and that magnetic resonance imaging scans can be affected by these artifacts, especially around the eye, where makeup should be removed. In addition, because cosmetics produce magnetic susceptibility artifacts, there may be a risk of burns being caused by heat, therefore, it is necessary to guide the removal of makeup or check for abnormal reactions during magnetic resonance imaging scans.