MR imaging of implanted depth and subdural electrodes: is it safe?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Chronic epilepsy diagnosis often requires precise localization of the epileptogenic focus.
• Intracranial electrodes (depth and subdural) are implanted to identify seizure origins.
• Concerns exist regarding the safety of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with implanted metallic electrodes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of MR imaging for localizing intracranial electrodes in patients with chronic epilepsy.
• To address the hesitancy of neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists in performing MR scans on patients with implanted electrodes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 98 cases involving patients with implanted depth and/or subdural electrodes who underwent MR scanning.
• Analysis of electrode types: stainless steel, platinum, and nickel-chromium alloy.
• MR imaging performed on a 1.5-T unit using T1, T2, and/or spoiled gradient echo pulse sequences.

Main Results:

• A total of 143 depth electrodes and 688 subdural electrodes (strips and grids) were analyzed across 98 procedures.
• No documented complications were observed in any of the patients undergoing MR scans.
• The study supports the safe use of MR imaging for localizing intracranial electrodes.

Conclusions:

• MR imaging is a safe and effective tool for localizing intracranial electrodes in patients with chronic epilepsy.
• The findings suggest that concerns regarding MR scanning with implanted electrodes are largely unfounded.
• Further research can build upon these findings to optimize imaging protocols for epilepsy patient management.