Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: a systematic review

• Published in: Annales de cardiologie et d'angeiologie Vol. 59; no. 4; p. 221
• Main Authors: Martins, R-P, Baruteau, A-E, Treguer, F, Césari, O, Carsin-Nicol, B, Langella, B, Leclercq, C, Daubert, J-C, Mabo, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 01-08-2010
• Subjects: Cardiovascular Diseases - diagnosis; Cardiovascular Diseases - therapy; Defibrillators, Implantable - adverse effects; Electromagnetic Fields - adverse effects; Equipment Safety; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - adverse effects; Pacemaker, Artificial - adverse effects; Patient Selection; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors
• ISSN: 1768-3181
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ancard.2009.04.003

The presence of a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was historically considered a contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), due to the risks for both patient and device: reed-switch closure responsible for asynchronous pacing, inhibition of pacing, rapid ventricular pacing, heating on the lead tip or even device displacement... However, many recent studies demonstrate that if MRI is crucial for the management of the patient, it can be performed under specific monitoring and scanning conditions and after device reprogramming. The growing implication of device constructors in constructing a MRI safety device will perhaps extend in the future the indications of this imaging modality in implanted patients.