Cardiac MRI
MRI sequences for myocardium, function, perfusion, tissue characterization.
What is Cardiac?
MRI sequences for myocardium, function, perfusion, tissue characterization.
How it works: Uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart. Specialized sequences are synchronized with your heart's rhythm using ECG gating to minimize motion artifacts.
Common Uses of Cardiac
Cardiomyopathy workup
Quantifies ventricular function, late gadolinium enhancement, and edema to differentiate ischemic vs nonischemic causes
Myocarditis/pericarditis
T1/T2 mapping and LGE detect inflammation, necrosis, and pericardial involvement without radiation
Ischemia and viability
Stress perfusion and scar imaging guide revascularization decisions and risk stratification
Advantages
- ✓Noninvasive or minimally invasive
- ✓Widely available in centers
- ✓Guides management
- ✓Superior soft tissue contrast
- ✓No radiation exposure
- ✓Comprehensive tissue characterization
Limitations
- ⚠Limited by operator or motion
- ⚠May need contrast or prep
- ⚠Not perfect specificity
- ⚠Long scan times (45-60 minutes)
- ⚠Claustrophobia in some patients
- ⚠Metallic implants contraindicated
Preparation Checklist
0 of 10 completed
⚖️Cardiac vs CT
Related Imaging Modalities
Combine with CT for calcium scoring, echocardiography for real-time valve assessment, and nuclear medicine for metabolic assessment. CT angiography complements for coronary artery evaluation.
CT
CT scans use X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. They are particularly useful for detecting bone fractures, tumors, and internal bleeding.
MRI
MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and soft tissues. Excellent for brain, spine, and joint imaging.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images. Commonly used for pregnancy monitoring and examining organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Browse Cardiac Terms
Explore common terms in Cardiac reports, each with detailed explanations, clinical significance, and related lab tests to help you understand your imaging results. lab tests.
Cardiac Sarcoidosis MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Preparation
Multifocal late gadolinium enhancement in a non-coronary distribution, typically involving the basal septum and lateral wall, with possible T2 hyperintensity indicating active inflammation
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy MRI (ARVC):
Fatty infiltration and fibrosis of the right ventricle with regional wall motion abnormalities, ventricular dilatation, and aneurysm formation in characteristic locations
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Prepa
Asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy (max wall thickness >= 15mm) with non-dilated ventricular cavities, often with late gadolinium enhancement indicating fibrosis
Cardiac Sarcoma MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Preparation
Large, heterogeneous mass, often in left atrium, with invasion of surrounding structures and variable enhancement
Myocardial Infarction MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Preparation
Late gadolinium enhancement showing hyperenhancement in infarcted myocardium with edema on T2-weighted imaging
Myocarditis MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Preparation
Subepicardial or mid-myocardial late gadolinium enhancement, typically in lateral wall, with T2 edema
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