Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technology that provides detailed images of the heart and its surrounding structures. It is a powerful tool used in the diagnosis and management of various cardiovascular diseases.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Cardiac MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of the heart. Unlike X-ray or CT scan, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safer option for repeated imaging. The technique is particularly useful for assessing cardiac anatomy, function, and tissue characterization.
Indications[edit | edit source]
Cardiac MRI is indicated in a variety of clinical scenarios, including:
- Evaluation of cardiomyopathy
- Assessment of myocardial viability in patients with coronary artery disease
- Congenital heart disease evaluation
- Detection of cardiac masses
- Assessment of pericardial diseases
- Evaluation of valvular heart disease
Technique[edit | edit source]
The procedure involves the patient lying in a large, cylindrical magnet. Electrocardiogram (ECG) leads are attached to the patient to synchronize image acquisition with the cardiac cycle. A contrast agent, such as gadolinium, may be administered intravenously to enhance image quality.
Image Acquisition[edit | edit source]
Cardiac MRI sequences include:
- Cine MRI: Provides moving images of the heart, useful for assessing cardiac function and wall motion.
- T1-weighted imaging: Useful for anatomical detail and detecting fat or hemorrhage.
- T2-weighted imaging: Highlights edema and inflammation.
- Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE): Identifies scar tissue and fibrosis.
Advantages[edit | edit source]
Cardiac MRI offers several advantages over other imaging modalities:
- Superior soft tissue contrast
- Ability to image in any plane
- No exposure to ionizing radiation
- Comprehensive assessment of cardiac structure and function
Limitations[edit | edit source]
Despite its advantages, cardiac MRI has some limitations:
- High cost and limited availability
- Contraindications in patients with certain implants or devices
- Long scan times, which may be uncomfortable for some patients
Safety[edit | edit source]
Cardiac MRI is generally safe, but precautions are necessary for patients with metallic implants, such as pacemakers or defibrillators. Gadolinium-based contrast agents are contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment due to the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Cardiovascular disease A-Z
Most common cardiac diseases
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Cardiogenetic disorders
- Cardiomegaly
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Chronic rheumatic heart diseases
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart neoplasia
- Ischemic heart diseases
- Pericardial disorders
- Syndromes affecting the heart
- Valvular heart disease
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A[edit source]
- Accelerated idioventricular rhythm
- Acute decompensated heart failure
- Arteriosclerotic heart disease
- Athletic heart syndrome
- Atrial flutter
- Atrioventricular fistula
- Cardiovascular disease in Australia
- Autoimmune heart disease
B[edit source]
C[edit source]
- Ebb Cade
- Cardiac allograft vasculopathy
- Cardiac amyloidosis
- Cardiac asthma
- Cardiac tamponade
- Cardiogenic shock
- Cardiogeriatrics
- Cardiorenal syndrome
- Cardiotoxicity
- Carditis
- Coronary artery aneurysm
- Coronary artery anomaly
- Coronary artery disease
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection
- Coronary artery ectasia
- Coronary occlusion
- Coronary steal
- Coronary thrombosis
- Coronary vasospasm
- Cœur en sabot
- Coxsackievirus-induced cardiomyopathy
D[edit source]
E[edit source]
H[edit source]
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
- Heart to Heart (1949 film)
- High-output heart failure
- Hyperdynamic precordium
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
I[edit source]
- Idiopathic giant-cell myocarditis
- Interventricular dyssynchrony
- Intraventricular dyssynchrony
- Isolated atrial amyloidosis
K[edit source]
L[edit source]
M[edit source]
- Mydicar
- Myocardial bridge
- Myocardial disarray
- Myocardial rupture
- Myocardial scarring
- Myocardial stunning
- Myocarditis
N[edit source]
O[edit source]
P[edit source]
- Papillary fibroelastoma
- Pathophysiology of heart failure
- Postpericardiotomy syndrome
- Pulmonary vein stenosis
R[edit source]
S[edit source]
- Saturated fat and cardiovascular disease
- SCAR-Fc
- Shone's syndrome
- Strain pattern
- Subacute bacterial endocarditis
- Sudden cardiac death of athletes
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
T[edit source]
V[edit source]
W[edit source]
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