BACKGROUND

We report a case illustrating the possible relation between permanent cosmetics (tattoos) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

A 24-year-old woman underwent a permanent cosmetic tattoo (eyeliner) on the four eyelids 5 months before an MRI was performed for headache. After 1 min, the patient reported a burning sensation associated with an eyelid erythema. The MRI examination was interrupted. The burning sensation resolved by the end of the examination and erythema 2 h later.

CONCLUSIONS

Cosmetic tattoo technicians, patients, and MR technologists should be informed of the minor risk associated with the site of the permanent cosmetic tattoo (eyelid, eyebrow).