Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging MRI is used as both a functional and anatomical cardiac imaging test. It offers excellent soft tissue detail and the ability to quantify cardiac function. MRI scans can be performed with or without gadolinium contrast depending on what information is needed. Unlike computed tomography (CT), MRI does not use X-ray radiation, but patients with metal implants may have contraindications for MRI use because MR will heat up most metal objects. MRI exams usually take much longer than CT scans. How does MRI work? MR creates images by using powerful magnets to polarize hydrogen atoms in water (the body is made of of more than 80% water) so they face in one direction. A radiofrequency pulse is then used to ping these atoms, causing them to wobble, or resonate. The MRI coils detect this and computers can assemble images from the signals. Basic MRI scans will focus on the resonance of fat and water in two different sequences, which highlight and contrast different features in the anatomy.

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections
Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.
What does radiology have to do with climate change?
Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."
Imaging group thrilled with new CPT codes for MBFR measurements
The Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance applauded two new CPT Category III codes for myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) assessments.
Key things to remember when creating a cardio-oncology program
Marielle Scherrer-Crosbie, MD, explains what is needed to create a cardio-oncology program, and the role played by cardiac imagers.
New expert guidelines: Start PHV evaluations with echocardiography, but other imaging modalities can provide value
New guidelines from the American Society of Echocardiography, made in collaboration with the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, represent an update of the group's original recommendations from 2009.

inHEART Medical, an international healthcare company with offices in France and the United States, has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its new 3D visualization software designed to improve the management of ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation and other cardiac ablation procedures.

3D cardiac modeling solution for VT ablation receives FDA clearance

The new software solution was designed with ventricular tachycardia ablation and other cardiac ablation procedures in mind.

May 24, 2022

A key update: 1 year later, no signs of long-term heart damage among college athletes who had COVID-19

More than 3,500 college athletes with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis were included in the new study. The median follow-up period was more than one full year.

May 12, 2022

COVID-19 vaccine associated myocarditis on short-axis 1.5T MRI images of a 19-year-old man who presented with chest pain three days following the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

New cardiac MRI analysis offers updated insight into long-term impact of vaccine-related myocarditis

Months after their initial myocarditis diagnosis, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was observed in 62% of patients on follow-up cardiac MRI.

May 4, 2022

The new imaging method VascuViz includes a quick-setting polymer mixture to fill blood vessels and make them visible in multiple imaging techniques. It enables visualization of the structure of a tissue’s vasculature, which in conjunction with detailed mathematical models or complementary images of other tissue elements can clarify the complex role of blood flow in health and disease. Watch a video example of this technology

New-look imaging technique could change the way we see blood vessels

The new method, still being tested with mouse models, could help clinicians see blood vessels with improved clarity.

March 22, 2022

Cardiac MRI sheds new light on vaccine-related myocarditis

Vaccine-associated myocarditis shows an injury pattern on cardiac MRI similar to other causes of myocarditis, but abnormalities are less severe.

February 15, 2022

TEER associated with an added benefit for SMR patients in earlier stages of heart failure

Low levels of residual mitral regurgitation after TEER can make a big impact on patient outcomes, researchers explained in a new analysis.

May 12, 2021

Erin D. Michos, MD, associate director of preventive cardiology, division of cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and co-editor in chief of the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, discusses gender differences in heart disease presentations. Woman Heart Attack

Early CMR imaging improves diagnosis of unexplained heart attacks

Turning to the modality just a few days earlier appeared to make a significant impact when it came to making an accurate diagnosis.

April 28, 2021

Patients with non-MR compatible cardiac devices, including pacemakers and ICDs, can safely undergo MRI exams

"We had no issues with any of the patients and no harm to the devices," one researcher reported. The analysis included more than 500 patients.

October 22, 2020

Around the web

Health Imaging

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Radiology Business

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."