The purpose of this exhibit is to review imaging considerations for cardiac/thoracic MRI in patients with implanted cardiac devices. The safety of cardiac/thoracic MRI in these patients, absolute contraindications, and techniques to improve image quality will be covered through a review of the relevant literature and the experience at our institution.
There is an increasing volume of information in the literature touting the safety of cardiac/thoracic MRI in patients with implanted cardiac devices. Although several FDA approved devices have been designated MR conditional, none of these are approved for imaging with the device in the isocenter of the magnet. Despite this, cardiac/thoracic MRI studies are being safely performed in many academic centers. This educational exhibit will cover three important aspects of cardiac/thoracic MRI in patients with implanted cardiac devices. First, the safety of imaging patients with these devices will be discussed with a review of the relevant radiology literature. Absolute and relative contraindications to cardiac/thoracic MRI in these patients will then be discussed. Techniques to improve image quality on these exams will be covered with a discussion of SAR considerations. Finally, we will review our institution’s protocol for performing cardiac MRI/thoracic MRI.
McGarry, W,
Collins, J,
Cardiac/Thoracic MRI in Patients with Implantable Cardiac Devices: What the Radiologist Needs to Know. Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14017911.html
Accessed September 18, 2025
