CARDIOVASCULAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (CARDIAC MRI)
Procedure:
A non-invasive medical assessment for diagnosing the medical condition of the patient. It evaluates the functioning and structure of the cardiovascular system. CMR involves several techniques within a single scan. A combination of these results of these analysis 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