#AskDrKK:Is MRI Safe for patients on ICD

Fewer than 1% of patients with implanted cardiac devices encounter device-related problems during MRI.
MRI can be used safely in patients with implanted devices.
In a study published in the October issue of Annals of Internal Medicine by Dr Saman Nazarian, of Johns Hopkins. (MedPage) only 0.3% patients MRI triggered back-up programming mode in implanted devices. Right ventricular sensing and atrial and ventricular lead impedance values declined immediately after MRI. Long-term follow-up revealed decreased right ventricular sensing and lead impedance, increased right ventricular capture, and reduced battery voltage. None of the changes required revision or replacement of an implanted device.

Dr KK Answers: Should we do MRI in all cases?

Neuroimaging rules out patients who might have reversible causes of dementia that can be diagnosed with imaging studies (subdural hematoma, normal pressure hydrocephalus, treatable cancer). Structural neuroimaging with either a non-contrast head CT or MRI should be considered in the initial evaluation of all patients with dementia.