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Feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with an implantable loop recorder
Jorge A Wong1, Raymond Yee, Lorne J Gula
1Division of Cardiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
The implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a useful tool in the diagnosis of syncope. Our understanding of their functional and safety profile in interfering environments such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) becomes increasingly important as they become more prevalent.
Methods:
We report four patients with an ILR who underwent MRI. The ILR memory was cleared before MRI and no changes were made to programmed settings. Device interrogation took place immediately after the scan. Patients were surveyed for device movement and heating, in addition to cardiopulmonary symptoms after their MRI.
Results:
Following MRI scanning, all patients were asymptomatic and no device movement or heating was observed. In addition, the functionality of the device remained unaffected. Artifacts mimicking arrhythmias were seen in all ILR patients regardless of the type of MRI scan.
Conclusions:
MRI scanning of ILR patients can be performed without harm to patient or device, but artifacts that could be mistaken for a tachyarrhythmia are seen frequently.
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Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...