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.
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.
Authors: Florian Blaschke; Philipp Lacour; Thula Walter; Alexander Wutzler; Martin Huemer; Abdul Parwani; Philipp Attanasio; Leif-Hendrik Boldt; Marcus Markowski; Timm Denecke; Wilhelm Haverkamp Journal: Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol Date: 2015-12-24 Impact factor: 1.468
Authors: Aoife S Murray; Paddy J Gilligan; James M Bisset; Chris Nolan; Joseph M Galvin; John G Murray Journal: Ir J Med Sci Date: 2018-10-27 Impact factor: 1.568