Induced Alignment of Flowing Sickle Erythrocytes in a Magnetic Field A Preliminary Report

Deoxygenated sickle erythrocytes in static suspension align perpendicular to a magnetic field. To assess the importance of this observation to MRI of sickle-cell disease, an in vitro flow apparatus was devised and the orientation of sickle erythrocytes flowing through a 0.38 T magnetic field was investigated. We showed a significant perpendicular alignment of fully deoxygenated sickle erythrocytes flowing at 3 to 4 mm/minute (P < .001). These results suggest that deoxygenated erythrocytes in a sickle-cell patient could orient perpendicular to a magnetic field, and therefore that MRI of such patients could possibly result in worsening of vaso-occlusive complications. Further studies are needed to assess the possible hazards of MRI of sickle-cell disease, especially at high field strengths.