Cardiac MRI/Cardiac CTA

What is cardiac MRI?

Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses a large magnet to derive images of the heart and vasculature. Radiation is not used to produce any of the images. The large magnet is used to excite the protons in the body to generate images. Due to the presence of a large magnet, many types of metal are prohibited before entering the room. These images allow cardiologists to determine chamber sizes, ventricular function, flow through a valve or vessel, myocardial perfusion, and myocardial injury / viability.

Cardiac MRI/Cardiac CTA Q & A 

When is a cardiac MRI needed?

A cardiac MRI is most often used to monitor the status of the heart and vasculature - both before and after surgery. Cardiac MRI provides detailed images of the beating heart and is the best method to determine heart size and function. It is an ideal test to quantify regurgitant fraction of the cardiac valves. It also generates high quality images of the blood vessels. Cardiac MRI helps with management as well as aids in determining type and timing of interventions. Cardiac MRI is often used to aid in evaluation and management of the following types of heart diseases:

Coarctation of the aorta
Tetralogy of Fallot
Transposition of the great arteries
Truncus arteriosus
Abnormalities in pulmonary venous return
Aortopathy
Aortic or pulmonary valve disease
Cardiomyopathy
Pulmonary artery abnormalities
Heterotaxy syndrome

What happens during a cardiac MRI procedure?

The cardiac MRI procedure takes place in a separate room that encloses a very strong magnet. Before the test, patients will be screened to ensure that no metallic objects are allowed into the room. Depending on the reason for the examination, an IV may be needed for gadolinium contrast. Gadolinium is needed for evaluation of the aorta, pulmonary arteries and veins, as well as for myocardial perfusion and myocardial injury / viability. Stickers are placed to monitor the heart rate during the scan. A cardiac MRI coil is placed on the chest to enhance imaging. Typically a cardiac MRI takes about 30-45 minutes. The difficulty with cardiac MRIs is that movement during the scan makes imaging very difficult, so most younger children will require sedation. Older patients can watch a movie or listen to music during the scan. After the procedure is completed, post-processing will be performed prior to the final report. The results will be discussed with you typically a couple of days after the procedure has been completed. 

What is cardiac CT?

Cardiac CT (computed tomography) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses radiation to generate images of the heart and blood vessels. Given the issues with radiation, significant consideration should be used decrease the amount of radiation dose as much as possible. The cardiac CT images allow cardiologists to determine chamber sizes, coronary anatomy, aortic and pulmonary anatomy, and venous return to the heart.

When is a cardiac CT needed?

A cardiac CT is most often used to monitor the status of the heart and vasculature - both before and after heart surgery. A cardiac CT is most often used to get a look at the coronary arteries. When we have difficulties visualizing the heart structures with the typical heart ultrasound or echocardiogram, we can use a cardiac CT to assess the details of these structures, before and after surgery. Cardiac CT can also provide high definition images of the beating heart to determine right heart size and function. Cardiac CT helps with management, as well as aids in determining type and timing of intervention. Cardiac CT is often used to aid in evaluation and management of the following types of heart diseases:

Coronary artery anomalies
Coarctation of the aorta
Tetralogy of Fallot
Transposition of the great arteries
Truncus arteriosus
Aortopathy
Pulmonary artery and vein abnormalities

What should I expect during a cardiac CT procedure?

The cardiac CT procedure typically requires the use of IV iodinated contrast. After an IV is placed, stickers are placed to monitor the heart rate during the scan. The cardiac CT scan time itself is typically less than a minute. After the procedure has been completed, post-processing will be performed prior to the final report. The results will be discussed with you typically a couple of days after the procedure is completed.