If I told you that there is one thing that you shouldn’t bring into a room where an MRI machine will be operating, you would all like be able to tell me that metallic objects shouldn’t be brought in. Well, apparently not everyone knows that or not everyone listens to the advice.
Leandro Mathias de Novaes, a 40-year-old lawyer, tragically passed away last Monday after being shot by a gun that was pulled from his waistband by an MRI machine. He had been accompanying his mother to an appointment at Laboratorio Cura in São Paulo, Brazil – despite warnings to leave any metallic objects behind.
MRI technology is often used to detect damage of organs and tissues that x-rays can’t detect, utilizing both magnetic fields and computer-generated radio waves in order to create highly detailed images of the body according to the Mayo Clinic. It appears that the magnetic field from this particular MRI machine located at the clinic was strong enough to pull Leandro’s weapon from his waistband and cause an accidental bullet discharge.
Laboratorio Cura released a statement claiming that they had properly warned both Leandro and his mother about leaving any metallic objects behind before entering the clinic, and also confirmed that he had signed off on all necessary forms regarding in-office protocols. However, prior to the incident it was discovered that Leandro had posted pro-gun content on his TikTok account which boasted nearly 8,000 followers and 50,000 total likes on all of his videos combined.
A spokesperson for the Order of Attorneys of Brazil in Cotia, São Paulo has since confirmed Leandro’s unexpected death while authorities have confirmed that indeed the gun involved belonged to him. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how incredibly dangerous it is to bring certain metallic objects into environments like MRI rooms due to their powerful magnetic fields which could potentially cause grave injuries or even death if precautions are not taken beforehand. I’m honestly a bit surprised that this was even able to make it into the room at all. But I guess the doctors aren’t up on their game over in Brazil.
