Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pacemakers--possible or taboo?

The presence of a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was considered an absolute contraindication for a magnetic resonance imaging study until recently. The publication of numerous studies, albeit with small numbers of patients, has challenged this assumption. With no serious adverse effects detected, it is evident that more patients with these devices will undergo an MR study. While we feel that no patient with an implanted device should be denied a potentially beneficial exam, some caution is obviously prudent and planning the study will enhance the benefit that the patient will derive while minimizing the risks.