Magnetic resonance imaging of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators without specific absorption rate restrictions.

Aims: The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the safety profile of patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) undergoing a medically necessary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan without limitation on peak specific absorption rate (SAR). Recent series suggest that MRI scanning can be performed safely in select patients with pacemakers or ICDs. These studies, though, limited peak SAR.

Ectopy in patients with permanent pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators undergoing an MRI scan.

Background: Recent series suggest that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning can be performed safely in select patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). Limited data have been reported on ectopy during MRI scans in patients with pacemakers or ICDs. This study evaluated increased ectopy observed in patients with permanent pacemakers or ICDs undergoing MRI scanning of any landmark without peak specific absorption rate (SAR) limit.

Cardiac biomarkers in patients with permanent pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators undergoing an MRI scan.

Background: Recent series suggest that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning can be performed safely in select patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). Limited data have been reported on cardiac biomarker release following MRI scans in patients with pacemakers. The current study evaluated cardiac biomarkers pre- and postscan in patients with permanent pacemakers or ICDs undergoing MRI scanning of any body region without peak specific absorption rate (SAR) limit.

Detection of Anderson-Fabry cardiomyopathy with CMR in a patient with chest pain and elevated cardiac biomarkers.

This case illustrates the utility of CMR in evaluating a patient with undiagnosed Anderson-Fabry disease who presented with chest pain, elevated cardiac biomarkers, normal coronary arteries, and an abnormal echocardiogram.

Outcomes with the paclitaxel-eluting stent in patients with acute coronary syndromes: analysis from the TAXUS-IV trial.

Objectives: We sought to investigate the outcomes of paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation in patients with unstable angina or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background: Whether the paclitaxel-eluting stent is safe and effective in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is unknown.

Methods: In the TAXUS-IV trial, 1,314 patients with stable or unstable ischemic syndromes undergoing PCI were randomized to treatment with either the slow-release, polymer-based, paclitaxel-eluting TAXUS stent or a bare-metal EXPRESS stent (Boston Scientific Corp.