What is the primary risk factor associated with pacing wires during MRI scans?

The primary risk factor associated with pacing wires during MRI scans is minimal heating. Pacing wires can influence the thermal safety of an MRI procedure, particularly because they may conduct radiofrequency (RF) energy during imaging. While RF energy can lead to heating, the specific concern with pacing wires is that they can result in localized heating that may not always be significant but could still pose risks depending on various factors such as the wire material, design, and the strength of the magnetic field.

The heating can occur at the point where the wires are connected to the pacing device or where they interact with body tissues. The phenomenon involves both passive and active conductive properties of the wires, which can lead to small but potentially critical increases in temperature. Understanding the potential for minimal localized heating in conjunction with the MRI's RF exposure is crucial for ensuring patient safety when conducting scans on individuals with pacing wires.