Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Imaging Feasibility in Patients with Implanted Neurostimulation System for Deep Brain Stimulation

The goal of this study was to discuss the guidelines that permit patients with implanted deep brain stimulation (DBS) system to undergo Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) safely. We reported our experience of 226 MRI performed on 161 patients (134 dystono-dyskinetic syndromes and 27 Parkinson’s disease) of which 32 reimplantations. The stereotactic protocol used for the anatomical target localization in our center involves a preand postoperative MRI under general anaesthesia. The postoperative MRI allows measuring the possible error, checking the electrode position and the absence of surgical complication. No complications, no haemorrhages, no electrode displacement or fracture, no images similar to pallidotomy, and no neurological deficit were found related to MRI. We recorded only two minor hardware related complications occurring after MRI: (1) a stimulator damage after spinal MRI and (2) a parameter reset after cerebral MRI. Clinical data confirm MRI feasibility in patients with implanted deep brain stimulation system.