Noncardiac implantable pacemakers and stimulators: current role and radiographic appearance.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pictorial essay is to familiarize radiologists with the clinical functioning, proper anatomic positioning, appearance on radiographs and CT scans, potential complications, and MRI safety issues of several implantable noncardiac pacemaker and stimulator devices. CONCLUSIONS: The use of noncardiac pacemakers and stimulators is rapidly increasing because of the utility of these devices in the management of surgically and medically refractory conditions. Unlike cardiac pacemakers, electrical stimulators are MRI compatible under certain circumstances.