Demand of magnetic resonance imaging examination in elderly people with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices: a survey in China

Abstract

Objective To investigate the real demand of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination in elderly patients who had been treated with cardiac implantable electronic device(CIED) in China. Methods In this retrospective questionnaire survey, 950 elderly patients (age≥65 years) treated with CIED in eight tertiary arrhythmia centers from 2010 to 2012 were included.The questionnaire comprised of 10 questions regarding MRI examination. Results Of the 950 patients [age (77±10) years, 536 males], 247 (26%) underwent MRI examination before CIED treatment.After CIED treatment, 131 (14%) cases had a clear MRI indication within a mean follow-up period of(2.3±1.1) years, in whom 57 (6%) had underwent MRI examination before CIED treatment.Therefore, totally 321(33.8%)patients had the real demand of MRI examination in this group.Three hundreds and thirty-two(34.9%)patients concerned the fact that CIED is a contraindication for MRI examination and 493 (52%) claimed that they would choose MRI compatible CIED in the future replacement procedures.Renminbi 70, 000 yuan or less was considered a reasonable price for a MRI compatible pacemaker in 62.3% patients. Conclusions Among elderly patients treated with CIED who lived in the first or second tier cities in China, the real demand for MRI compatible CIED is high. Key words: Cardiac implantable electronic device; Magnetic resonance imaging; Elderly people