Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI or CMR)
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI or CMR) is a noninvasive test for diagnosing problems of the heart. It uses a powerful magnetic field and computer to produce detailed pictures of the heart. Cardiac MRI allows cardiologists to examine the heart in even more detail than is possible with X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scanning. In addition to being an effective diagnostic tool, cardiologists use MRI to develop treatment plans for their patients and monitor recovery.
Cardiac MRI assesses:
- Heart function
- Health of the valves, major vessels, and surrounding structures
- Coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular problems
- Coronary artery disease
- Size and thickness of the heart chambers
- Damage from heart attack or heart disease
- Recovery after treatment
Certain metal objects can interfere with the MRI machine or be unsafe for patients receiving an MRI Scan. For this reason, it is important to tell your doctor, radiologist, and MRI technician about any metal objects on or in your body.
If you are going to have a cardiac MRI, you will be given a private changing room and locker to store your belongings. Then you will be asked to:
- Wear a loose-fitting gown or loose clothing that has no metal fasteners
- Remove all jewelry, including watches and metal studs for body piercings
- Leave all metal objects such as pens, credit cards, external hearing aids, pins, hairpins, metal zippers, and eyeglasses in a safe place away from the MRI exam room
- Remove detachable metal dental work
Before your MRI, the technologist will review your medical history to ensure that it is safe for you to have the scan. Be sure to tell your radiologist or technician if you:
- Have any metal objects in your body, including an internal defibrillator or pacemaker, a cochlear implant, or metal surgical pins, screws, plates, or staples
- Have certain internal electronic devices, including artificial heart valves or an implanted infusion port or nerve stimulator
- Have artificial limbs, metal joint prostheses, or other metal orthopedic devices
- Have tattoos (although it is rare, some tattoo dyes can heat up during an MRI)
- Have serious health problems
- Have had surgery for any reason
- Are or might be pregnant
To take your images, you will:
- Lie down on the scanner table with your hands at your sides
- Be loosely strapped to the table to ensure your safety
- Have electrodes attached to and a lightweight receiver coil placed on your chest
- Be slid into the scanner to make the images
- Be asked to hold your breath and not move for 15 to 20 seconds while each image is being made
- Be asked to wait while the technologist ensures that the images are clear. If more images are needed, they will be taken at that time
While you are in the scanner, you will be able to speak with the technologist at any time. Before your scan, you might be given (or you may request) earplugs to filter loud noises the scanner makes.
Some cardiac MRI patients are given an injection of a contrast material through a small intravenous line in the arm or hand to enhance the images of the tissues. If you are going to have an injection of contrast material for your cardiac MRI, be sure to tell your radiologist or MRI technologist if you have kidney disease or if you have any allergies. Contrast dye might interact with these conditions and cause serious side effects. The MRI contrast material does not, however, contain iodine.
On the day of your exam, please
- Do not apply creams or lotion to your chest so that the electrodes adhere properly to the skin
- Follow your usual routine, including eating, drinking, and taking medications as prescribed; however, avoid drinking caffeinated liquids such as coffee and tea and do not consume large amounts of any liquid
- Let your doctor know if you are taking diuretics. He or she might ask you to wait until the test is over to resume taking your diuretic
Although an MRI is a painless test, some people having the test complain of feeling uncomfortable with closed in spaces. If you think you might have difficulty with being in a closed-in space (claustrophobia), you may ask your physician to prescribe a mild sedative so that you will be relaxed during your MRI.
To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call 908-277-8721.
