Why Do Cardiac MRI? Preparation for Cardiac MRI, Procedure of Cardiac MRI ?

 

🫀 Why Do Cardiac MRI?

Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is done to provide detailed images of the heart’s anatomy and function without using radiation. It helps diagnose and monitor various heart conditions more precisely than other imaging modalities like X-ray, CT, or echocardiography.

✅ Common Reasons to Perform a Cardiac MRI:

1. Cardiomyopathy – Detect hypertrophic, dilated, or restrictive types.

2. Myocardial infarction – Assess damage, scarring, and tissue viability.

3. Congenital heart disease – Detailed anatomy of structural heart defects.

4. Myocarditis/Pericarditis – Identify inflammation or fluid.

5. Heart tumors or masses – Characterize abnormal growths.

6. Aortic diseases – Aneurysms or dissections.

7. Valve problems – Analyze function and structure.

8. Cardiac function evaluation – Ejection fraction, stroke volume, wall motion.

why do cardiac mri

🧪 Preparation for Cardiac MRI

1. Patient Screening:

• Check for metal implants, pacemakers, or other MRI-incompatible devices.

• Ask about claustrophobia or anxiety.

2. Consent & Medical History:

• Explain the procedure and take informed consent.

• Review kidney function if contrast (Gadolinium) is needed.

3. Fasting:

• Usually 4–6 hours fasting if contrast or pharmacologic stress is used.

4. Clothing and Accessories:

• Remove all metallic objects: jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids, etc.

• Change into MRI-safe gown.

5. Medication:

• Beta-blockers may be given to slow heart rate (for better image quality).

• Sedation if the patient is claustrophobic (optional and under supervision).

🛠️ Procedure of Cardiac MRI

1. Positioning:

• Patient lies supine (on back) on MRI table.

• ECG leads and a chest coil are attached for cardiac gating.

2. Planning Scans:

• Localizer images are taken to plan precise imaging planes (short axis, long axis, etc.).

3. Imaging Sequences:

• Cine MRI: Assesses cardiac motion.

• T1/T2 Mapping: For tissue characterization.

• Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE): To detect scarring or fibrosis.

• Perfusion Imaging: May involve stress agent to check blood flow.

4. Contrast Injection (if needed):

• Gadolinium-based contrast injected via IV to highlight blood vessels and scar tissue.

5. Monitoring:

• Continuous ECG and verbal communication.

• Procedure typically lasts 30–60 minutes.

6. Post-Scan:

• Patient observed briefly.

• Hydration advised to flush out contrast.