MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING - A NEW DIAGNOSTIC-AID IN THE CARE OF HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL BURNS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect and delineate alterations in the hydration properties of tissues such as oedema and necrosis. Th e distinction between living tissue oedema and frank necrosis is also possible with MRI, by use of a spin-echo (SE) sequence and a fast spin -echo (FSE) sequence with a 1.5 T imager. With this background the aim of this study was to examine the ability of MRI for early detection o f concealed tissue injuries caused by high-voltage electrical burns an entity not previously explored. Clinical use of MRI examinations in p atients with high-voltage injuries admitted to the Burn Unit at Linkop ing University Hospital, has resulted in the significant elucidation o f the deeper tissue injuries that occur. The T2-weighted images provid ed substantial information about the localization and amount of muscle necrosis, thus enabling increased surgical precision in the treatment of these high-voltage injury victims. FSE sequences produce T2-weight ed images with increased speed of acquisition and/or increased image r esolution compared to conventional SE sequence. Two illustrative examp les are provided.