Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart (cardiac MRI, cardio MRI) has developed rapidly in recent years. It plays an important role in the diagnosis of heart problems and diseases and in therapy planning. A particularly positive aspect is that cardiac MRI is low-risk and well tolerated. Only a few patients are not eligible for an MRI due to health restrictions.
Below you will find further information on cardiac MRI and selected cardiac MRI specialists.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart is also known as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or cardiac MRI. It is considered one of the most modern and comprehensive imaging procedures for diagnosing heart disease. The examination provides moving images of the heart, allowing disorders to be detected.
With a cardiacMRI, it is possible to show the anatomy of the heart in detail @ Angelov /AdobeStock
The radiologist detects cardiac arrhythmia or myocarditis or can rule them out through the examination.
First, the doctor administers a contrast agent to the patient so that he can detect damaged areas of the heart. The contrast medium creates a short-term stress situation for the heart. This is important for the stress MRI (reaction of the heart under stress).
During a cardiac MRI examination, the examining doctor uses a strong magnetic field. Radio waves are sent through the body, which return electromagnetic echo signals.
The device records these echo signals. The examination is performed without exposure to X-rays. The computer uses the echo signals to calculate different cross-sectional images of the heart and the surrounding region.
The entire examination takes between 30 and 60 minutes. During this time, most of the body lies in a tube. Knocking noises mark the emission of the radio waves.
The aim of cardiology is the early detection of heart disease. Cardiac MRI is a well-tolerated examination method that has numerous advantages over other diagnostic methods.
There are many reasons for using this examination method:
The greatest advantages of MRI examinations are
MRI does not require X-rays to create images @ samunella /AdobeStockThe procedure is non-invasive, so no surgery is required to detect diseases, heart valve defects or other impairments of the heart.
Previously, a tissue sample (biopsy) had to be taken to characterize the heart tissue. This was associated with a significantly higher risk. The same applies to cardiac catheterization.
However, the risks are not present with cardiac MRI. For many suspected diagnoses, doctors can dispense with the administration of contrast agents.
Radiologists also appreciate the advantages such as
Important for patients: You do not have to come to the cardiac MRI on an empty stomach. Admission to hospital is not necessary. The entire examination takes place on an outpatient basis and under the supervision of specialists.
The examination begins with a personal consultation. The cardiologist introduces the imaging procedure and points out important details to the patient.
On the day of the examination, the doctor injects the patient with a contrast agent if this is necessary due to the medical indication. The necessary access is made via the arm vein.
The patient lies down on the table that has been brought out . The medical staff will then explain all further steps. If necessary, the patient can wear headphones, as the magnetic impulses are very loud.
Once the patient is lying in the correct position, the table moves into the MRI scanner. The examination takes up to 60 minutes.
After the examination, the table moves out again and the patient can stand up. Finally, the doctor prepares a report and sends it to the responsible doctor. Before leaving the radiology practice, the patient receives their own report CD with the MRI images.
You must not consume any drinks containing caffeinetwelve hours before the MRI examination. Chocolate is also taboo! The reason is that caffeine distorts the results of the examination and puts the heart under stress.
Patients should note the following:
After the examination, patients do not need to do anything else. As a rule, they can go straight home. However, if the patient has been given a sedative, they must not drive for at least two hours.
Cardiac MRI is low-risk and well tolerated. However, various studies have found that a deposition of contrast medium can occur in the brain. This is possible with both healthy and impaired kidney function.
Such deposits were mainly found in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, research has not yet shown any negative effects on health. The administration of contrast media is therefore still considered safe.
Frequent complications occur due to metal-containing foreign bodies in the body. They can be moved by magnetic impulses. Before the examination, doctors must therefore ensure that no foreign bodies are present. Medically introduced metals are considered uncomplicated.
Allergic reactions to the contrast medium can sometimes occur during cardiac MRI examinations. Only rarely does the MRI contrast agent lead to serious kidney damage.
Patients with the following indications should not have an MRI scan of the heart:
Cardiac MRI is considered the most modern form of imaging used by radiologists to examine the heart. It is displayed on several levels so that deviations from the norm are visible.
Thanks to the high level of knowledge in medical research, the images obtained are informative. They form the basis for the successful treatment of heart disease, malformations or functional disorders of the heart.
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