Figure 1.

Flowchart of the process of clarification of MRI suitability in the Rhineland Study. ^aParticipant could have more than one absolute contraindication. ^bOnly three participants had MRI safety certificates for their medical implants. ^cAfter evaluating our procedure after 1 year, the expert committee considered the following medical implants, if implanted after 2005, as MRI suitable without checking further documentation: hip and knee replacements, stents, bypass, breast implants filled with silicone, and screws, plates and stiffening of the spinal cord < 13 cm. ^dThree hundred and seventy-six participants had tattoos and/or permanent make-up, of whom 45 also had medical implants. ^eParticipants who were excluded according to stricter exclusion criteria at study start and could not be contacted for reinvitation. ^fThree hundred and five participants had tattoos and/or permanent make-up, of whom 35 also had medical implants.