Director of Cardiac MRI Gyanendra Sharma, MD phone: (706) 721-4997 gsharma@gru.edu More Info
	Chief of Cardiology Sheldon Litwin, MD phone: (706) 721-4997 slitwin@gru.edu More Info

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It is a non-invasive method to evaluate structure and function of the heart.  Unlike other imaging techniques, MRI does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation. MRI uses powerful magnetic field and radio-frequency waves to create changes is tissues. Based on the characteristics of tissues, these changes can be transformed into an image by a computer.  ECG is used to monitor the heart and both still and moving images are created. 

Gadolinium is used as a contrast agent. This is a non-iodine based contrast and is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, it should not be used in patients with significant kidney disease.

Uses of MRI

There are a variety of reasons that your physician may request an MRI of your heart. These include:

• Analyzing the structure and function of the heart: Size and thickness of chamber
• Ischemic Heart Disease: Asses extent of damage from heart attack
• Congenital Heart Disease: Assess heart before and after surgery
• Cardiomyopathy: Assessment of left and right heart function.
• Angiography: Look at major vessels for dilatation or blockage
• Valvular Heart Disease: Evaluate leaky/obstructive valves
• Constrictive Pericarditis: Thickening around the heart
• Cardiac Tumors
• Aortic dissection

Okay to use MRI on patients with prosthetic heart valves, sternal wires, joint replacements, retained epicardial pacing leads and following intra-coronary stent placement (discuss the timing with your doctor)

Who cannot have a cardiac MRI?

• Unstable patients
• Claustrophobic
• Patients with certain implants like Pacemaker, AICD, Cerebrovascular aneurysm clips
• Patients that cannot be transported
• Some patients with Kidney disease are not suitable due to the risk of systemic renal fibrosis.
• Patient unable to hold breath