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.

Brain MR imaging linked to better outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke

Brain MRI scans do lead to increased costs, the authors noted, but the clinical benefits are significant.

October 12, 2020

Stress CMR imaging a safe, valuable option when treating HFrEF patients

The study's authors said their findings suggest "an increased value of stress CMR in this population."

September 4, 2020

MRI detects heart failure risk in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

About 40% of individuals had scarring patterns on their heart muscle visible during imaging, which was associated with a greater risk of suffering a major cardiac event.

July 16, 2020

Cardiac MR comparable to FFR for evaluating nonculprit lesions after STEMI

A study published in the latest edition of JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging suggests cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can be as effective as measurements of fractional flow reserve in evaluating nonculprit lesions after STEMI.

January 17, 2020

The economic impact of MR on heart failure patients

Newly diagnosed HF patients with concomitant mitral regurgitation can expect more admissions, longer hospital stays and pricier medical bills than HF patients without MR, according to an analysis published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

August 8, 2019

Cardiac MRI-derived T2 mapping may help heart failure patients

Researchers used T2 mapping taken from weekly cardiac MRIs to help identify cardiotoxicity at an early stage, according to results of a pig study published Feb. 18 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The findings could help cancer patients at risk of chemo-induced heart failure.

February 22, 2019

T2 mapping may uncover cardiotoxic marker early enough to prevent heart failure

T2 mapping derived from weekly cardiac MRIs helped researchers identify cardiotoxicity at an early and reversible stage, a finding which may have implications for cancer patients at risk of chemotherapy-induced heart failure.

February 21, 2019

New protocol cuts costs, time for CMR imaging

A simplified cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) protocol using a contrast agent allowed clinicians in Peru to diagnose heart ailments more quickly and cheaply, a new study found. The results, published online Aug. 29 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, highlight a potential pathway to realizing the benefits of CMR in developing nations.

August 29, 2018

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."