Magnetic resonance imaging in a patient with a dual-chamber pacemaker

The presence of an implanted cardiac pacemaker has been considered an absolute contraindication for magnetic resonance imaging due to the interactions between the pulse generators and the magnetic and radiofrequency fields generated by the magnetic resonance unit. We describe the case of a patient with a dual-chamber pacemaker who underwent two magnetic resonance imaging examinations of the head without any sequelae. Both procedures were performed with a 1 Tesla unit, with the pacemaker programmed to the AOO mode. The only interference observed was activation of the reed switch -probably due to the static magnetic field- resulting in asynchronous atrial pacing at the magnet rate. Although the general policy of never exposing a patient with a pacemaker to magnetic resonance imaging should not be revised, we think that if the testing is considered essential, it could be safely used in certain carefully selected patients.