Gun goes off during MRI, injuring patient's son

A man in Brazil was unintentionally shot and seriously injured by his own gun last week after an MRI magnet caused the firearm to discharge. 

According to reports from CNN Brazil, the 40-year-old man was accompanying his mother to her MRI exam when the magnet caused the gun secured on his waist to fire, shooting him in the abdomen. The incident occurred at Cura Laboratory in the central region of São Paulo. 

According to the CURA group, both the victim and his mother had been informed of metallic contraindications and were instructed to leave any metal objects outside of the MRI suite prior to entering.

A statement from a CURA group representative maintains that “both the patient and the companion were properly instructed regarding the procedures for accessing the examination room and warned about the removal of any and all metallic objects. Both signed a term of acknowledgment regarding this guidance.” 

The group noted that the man, a lawyer who frequently posts informative content pertaining to guns on TikTok, did not make any mention of his firearm prior to entering the MRI exam room. The gun was registered to the lawyer and he was legally authorized to carry it. 

According to the most recent reports, the victim remains hospitalized and in serious condition. 

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In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.

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