Dear MRI Insider,
Patients with metallic implants pose a constant challenge for MRI practitioners, but the potential risks and problems appear to be becoming more manageable.
New analysis presented at the recent European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology congress in Milan suggests that scanning a patient with a heart-valve prosthesis or an annuloplasty ring now is less hazardous. A second study shows the same comment applies to pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Click here for the full details.
Statistics from the U.K. confirm that MRI exams of patients with pacemakers account for a significant number of litigation claims involving radiology. Earlier this month, Dr. Oliver Hulson from Leeds told delegates at the British Institute of Radiology's annual congress that he fears another peak in the number of claims is looming. To find out more, click here.
Obtain a brain MRI scan in all patients who have neurological or cognitive impairment following cardiac arrest. That's the central message of a multinational research team that studied patients who were admitted with severe brain injury to the intensive care units at two French hospitals and one Belgian facility over a six-year period. Get the story here.
Gadolinium deposition due to contrast agents remains a source of controversy. In new research, German researchers have found no measurable levels of gadolinium after multiple administrations of two commercially available macrocyclic agents. The findings add weight to theories that gadolinium retention may vary based on the type of agent being used. Read more here.
This letter features only a few of the numerous articles posted over recent weeks in the MRI Community. Please scroll through the full list of our coverage below.
