Magnetic resonance in patients with implanted electronic cardiac devices in light of the 2021 ESC cardiac pacing and cardiac resynchronization therapy guidelines

Abstract

For over a decade, implantable electrotherapy devices have been available which allow — under certain conditions — diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests to be performed. Detailed recommendations for the performance of these tests have been published in the latest guidelines by the European Society of Cardio­logy (ESC). The latest guidelines, compared to the 2013 recommendations, changed the recommendation class for MRI examinations. They strongly emphasised that the presence of a typical pacing system, cardioverter-defibrillator or resynchronization system, does not constitute a contraindication to MRI diagnostics. The guidelines also indicate that under certain conditions, such tests are safe and should be performed. This article pre­sents detailed recommendations of the qualifications required for an MRI and the programming devices recommended by the ESC.