Some transdermal patches may contain a metal such as aluminum, often to make the patch waterproof. These can heat up when placed in the magnetic field of an MRI unit (due to generation of an electric current), causing a dermal burn.
Clinical features:
(1) presence of a transdermal patch that contains metal
(2) occurrence of a cutaneous burn at the site of the transdermal patch
(3) exclusion of other explanations for the burn (tattoo, chemical exposure, etc)
All transdermal patches should be removed prior to an MRI unless they are specifically known to be safe.
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