Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in cardiac sarcoidosis with MR conditional pacemaker in situ

Abstract

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices represent important limitations to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recently, MRI-conditional dual chamber pacemakers and leads have become available. We describe a case of a patient with neuro-sarcoidosis presenting with diplopia and hydrocephalus requiring an MRI-conditional programmable ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, who developed complete heart block. In view of the ongoing need for neuro-imaging, MRI-conditional dual chamber pacemaker and leads were implanted. Cardiac and brain MRI were requested to guide immunosupression. Overall the scans demonstrated stable neurological disease, but confirmed cardiac sarcoid, with oedema on T2 weighted images suggesting active disease and extensive sub-endocardial late gadolinium enhancement, including the basal septum. This case illustrates why sarcoid patients who develop bradyarrhythmias should ideally have an MRI-conditional pacing system. © 2011 Quarta et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.