|
MRI uses a large magnet and radiofrequency waves to produce high quality images of the heart. Cardiac MRI is rapidly becoming important in the diagnosis and management of a wide variety of cardiac patients. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (X-rays) or iodinated contrast agents, is non-invasive and the image quality is unparalleled.
Using MRI, physicians can obtain images of the heart and blood vessels from different angles and create moving images of the heart throughout its beating cycle. This allows for better assessment of complex cardiovascular anatomy compared to other imaging techniques. Cardiac MRI provides accurate assessment of ventricular function, cardiac masses, valvular function, congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, characterization of aorta and other blood vessels and is becoming recognized as the "gold standard" for myocardial viability.
Cardiac MRI can help in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with following conditions:
 |
Coronary artery disease |
|
Congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy |
|
Congenital heart disease |
|
Pericardial disease |
|
Cardiac masses and thrombi |
|
Arrhythmia |
|
Aortic disease |
|
Peripheral vascular disease |
|
Valve disease |
Cardiac MRI Contraindications »
|
