CT scan and pacemaker

bambi

by Tracey_E - 2009-04-17 04:04:02

It's probably an allergic reaction to the contrast rather than a problem with the pm and ct equipment. LOTS of people have problems with it. When I had one years ago, I started reacting and the technician pulled out the biggest bottle of benedryl I'd ever seen, he said he went through a lot of it.

they're fine

by Tracey_E - 2009-04-17 11:04:34

it's mri's we can't have, ct's are fine.

they say they are safe...

by bambi - 2009-04-17 12:04:11

but I've had several done with dye contrast, and every single time I get chest pain and scary arrhythmias as they inject the dye. I used to mention this to the technician, but I don't bother anymore as they just give me a blank stare with no comment. Things settle down in about 10 minutes. I think they are safer then MRIs but who knows? I'd be interested in other's comments!
Bambi

CT Scans versus MRIs

by esperry - 2009-04-17 12:04:11

CT scans are safe for those of us with pacemakers. These scans uses two-dimensional x-ray techniques to visualize the body part of interest. As you probably remember, one-dimensional x-rays were most likely taken of you after you had your pacemaker implanted to make sure the leads and generator were properly positioned. X-rays are harmless to the pacemaker.

MRIs, on the otherhand, use powerful magnetic fields to induce dipoles of molecules in your body (specifically molecules bound to the injected dye comprised of gadolinium). These dipoles "flip" in energy (electric field) which register on detectors in the machine, forming the image. That is, the strong magnetic fields of MRIs "induce" electric fields in your body. This inductance is bad for pacemakers, as pacemakers form electric fields naturally from their batteries (these fields produce the current required for pacing). Any magnetic field of appreciable size can essentially "re-program" the pacemaker's own set electric field, and thus re-program the current settings pacing your heart.

As for dyes used in CT scanning: These dyes are made of heavy metals (like gadolinium and technitium) which can irritate the heart (sort of like an allergic reaction). They definitely, from my experience, cause a hot-feeling in the body, near the chest, which can be attributed to pain in some cases. Some pacers may feel this, especially if they are nearly or completely 100% dependent on their pacemakers.

Hope this helps!

Ethan

Your pm should be fine

by joni - 2009-04-17 12:04:19

I had a CT a week after my pm implant last September. I was still in the hospital because of a pneumothorax and the doc was concerned that the chest tube may have been inserted incorrectly. The CT was standard procedure (no dye contrast, though). No one was concerned about the pacemaker, and I had no problems. My biggest concern was the amount of radiation one gets from a CT. I've had several for other reasons and really didn't want yet another.

Cardiac CT Scan

by KHammond - 2024-05-24 17:27:46

I had a Cardiac CT scan today (to get more detail from a recent echocardiogram)  and I have a Medtronic dual lead PM.  There were no issues during the scan with my PM and it was a painless procedure, other than the pain of getting an IV.  A few things to be aware of.  Did not change into a gown, they did place chest electrodes and take blood for kidney function testing.  They want your heart rate to be at 60BPM max to get the best pictures, but since I have bradycardia and my PM is set to a lower limit of 60BPM I was fine.  Otherwise they have to medicate you to bring it down and that may take an hour.  The contrast medication (iodine) does give you hot flashes in the face and the genitals so be ready for that.  Halfway through the 10 minute procedure you get nitroglycerine under your tongue to dilate your arteries for a better picture as well.  I did not have any side effects from the nitro. 

Drove myself to and from with no issues and no help.  The CT scanner is much more open than an MRI tube and I did not have any issues with anxiety.  In and out in about 45 minutes. Oconee Memorial Hospital, Seneca, SC.

Waiting to hear from the cardiologists if I have anything to worry about.

KH