Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound Induced Dermal Burn, Case Report

Kim, Da Han; Kim, Chung Hun

Abstract

PURPOSE
Authors experienced a case of burn induced by magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) which is performed for treatment of uterine myoma. The patient presented unusual progress from that of usual burns and did not cured by conservative treatment. At last the patient underwent surgical treatment. Authors report this rare case of burn induced by focused ultrasound.
METHODS
A 26-year-old woman visited the department of gynecology with a abdominal mass. A 9.0x7.9x8.4 cm sized uterine myoma was found after evaluation. The patient was treated with MRgFUS after hormone therapy. Burn was noted on her lower abdomen immediately after MRgFUS and the patient was send to our department. Authors found 3.7x3.3 cm sized superficial second degree burn on her lower abdomen. The wound was treated with conservative methods but the depth extended to subcutaneous layer. 35 days after burn, debridement and primary repair was performed.
RESULTS
The wound was healed clearly without any complication. There was no specific complaints or long-term complications during 6 months of follow-up.
CONCLUSION
MRgFUS is known as a safe and reliable method for treatment of soft tissue tumors. Ultrasound is concentrated at inner body and generates high thermal energy. It might induce burn. The burn induced by ultrasound seems to have different progress and traits from usual burn wound. It is hard to make a precise diagnosis with external wound only.