Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (Cardiac MRI)

Procedure:

A medical imaging technology for the non-invasive assessment of the function and structure of the cardiovascular system. CMR uses several different techniques within a single scan. The combination of these results in a comprehensive assessment of the heart and cardiovascular system. MRI does not use ionizing radiation.

Major Indications:

• Quantifying left and right ventricular function: Cardiomyopathy, Heart failure, Arrythmogenic right ventircular dysplasia (ARVD), Pulmonary hypertension
• Defining cardiac anatomy: Constrictive pericarditis, Cardiac neoplasm or thrombus, Congenital heart disease, Demonstrating the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO)
• Quantifying blood flow: Valvular disease (e.g. aortic regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, aortic stenosis, etc.), Shunts: ASD, VSD, PAPVR, and PDA
• Assessing myocardial scar / viability: Identifying hibernating myocardium before revascularization, Differentiating cardiomyopathy from old myocarditis
• Coronary Artery MRA: for anomalous coronary arteries