title: Active implanted cardiac devices and magnetic resonance: results of a survey among cardiologists of Piedmont.
abstract: The recent introduction of Magnetic Resonance-conditional implantable cardiac device has abolished the previous absolute or relative contraindications to magnetic resonance scan also in patients implanted with such devices. The present survey aimed at investigating the level of knowledge of terms and conditions for a well-tolerated use of Magnetic Resonance-conditional devices prior, during and after magnetic resonance scan among cardiologists in Piedmont (Italy). A questionnaire consisting of 32 questions was distributed to 256 cardiologists and 73 responded to the survey. The interviewed considered loop recorders (18%), pacemakers (13%), implantable cardiac defibrillators (23%), and joint prostheses (20%) as an absolute contraindication to magnetic resonance. For pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators, 87-77% of the respondents respectively indicated that the specific type of device may allow magnetic resonance, regardless the type of device. Ninety-three percent of the cardiologists did not perfectly recognize the meaning of the term 'Magnetic Resonance-conditional.' Half of respondents did not recognize the preliminary check to be performed on implanted electronic device before Magnetic Resonance. About 35% of the cardiologists replied that a magnetic resonance could not be prescribed in patients with implanted electronic devices because of a specific prohibition by Italian law. The results of the present survey highlight the need to fill knowledge gaps among cardiology specialists on this topic.
authors.affiliation: aHead of the SOS Elettrophisiology, Cardiology, Maria Vittoria Hospital, Turin bCardiology, Rivoli Hospital (TO) cCardiology, Maria Vittoria Hospital, Turin dHead of the Elettrophisiology and Electro stimulation Laboratory, Civil Hospital of Brescia.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giammaria
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cerrato
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Imazio
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Curnis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002309:Cardiology / Q000592:standards*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires