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MRI of Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices
Jessica A Martinez1,2, Daniel B Ennis3,4
1Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
The purpose of this review is to clarify the risks associated with MRI exams for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and to provide information regarding the MRI examination protocol for patients with CIEDs.
Recent Findings:
Several prospective studies evaluated the feasibility of MRI exams for patients with CIEDs and reported no adverse events. These studies suggest that by following a specific MRI examination protocol and monitoring both CIED parameters and the patient's symptoms, an MRI exam can be performed by appropriately trained personnel with an acceptable benefit-to-risk ratio.
Summary:
Both MR unsafe and MR conditional CIEDs are commercially available, but there are no MR safe CIEDs. The potential risks faced by patients with CIEDs during an MRI exam are always present and warrant careful monitoring. Three magnetic fields in the MRI scanner interact with the device in ways that can damage the CIED or harm the patient. Due to safety concerns and out of an abundance of caution, the majority of MRI exams for patients with CIEDs are currently denied. However, when following a specific MRI exam protocol, these risks can be mitigated.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams can be safely performed on patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) by following a specific protocol. Careful monitoring ensures an acceptable benefit-to-risk ratio for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) include pacemakers and defibrillators.
- MRI scans utilize strong magnetic fields that can interact with CIEDs, posing potential risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the risks of MRI scans for patients with CIEDs.
- To provide guidance on MRI examination protocols for patients with CIEDs.
Main Methods:
- Review of prospective studies on MRI feasibility in patients with CIEDs.
- Analysis of potential risks and interactions between MRI magnetic fields and CIEDs.
Main Results:
- Prospective studies reported no adverse events when specific MRI protocols were followed.
- Risks associated with MRI in CIED patients can be mitigated through adherence to protocols and monitoring.
Conclusions:
- MRI scans can be performed on patients with CIEDs with an acceptable benefit-to-risk ratio.
- Adherence to specific MRI protocols and careful patient/device monitoring are crucial for safety.
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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...