MRI in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

Abstract

Indications for MRI have grown considerably in recent years. However, many patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices are denied imaging due to physician misinterpretation of the risks associated with MRI. This review discusses the theoretical basis for the perceived risk by exploring preclinical literature. It then presents a detailed examination of the true rates of adverse events in clinical studies across both MR nonconditional (legacy) and MR conditional devices. Indeed, many of these adverse events are rare, nonexistent, and/or clinically insignificant in the wealth of published data. The authors then address image quality and the constituents of a safety checklist that institutions should consider when performing MRI in patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device. Lastly, the authors conclude with an overview of future directions for advancement in the field.