MRI Scans for Heart: Eligibility, Procedure, and Additional Information
In the realm of medical diagnostic tests, the heart MRI, also known as cardiac MRI or CMR, plays a significant role in understanding a patient's heart health. This non-invasive test is useful for detecting a wide range of heart conditions and is often indicated for various specific clinical situations.
Firstly, it is crucial to note that people with implanted medical devices such as cochlear implants, pacemakers, and implantable cardioverter defibrillators should not undergo a heart MRI unless they have MRI-safe certification. This is to ensure the safety of the individual during the procedure.
A heart MRI uses a combination of radio waves and a magnetic field to generate an image on a computer, providing detailed insights into the heart's overall health. The test can show several aspects, including how blood flows through the arteries and veins. Typically, the scan takes about 90 minutes once it starts, although the exact time varies depending on what the scan shows.
Beyond detecting irregular findings from other tests, cardiac MRI is indicated for a variety of specific clinical situations. For instance, it is used to diagnose and characterize different types of heart muscle disorders such as hypertrophic, dilated, or restrictive cardiomyopathy. It is also invaluable in determining if heart muscle is alive or scarred after a heart attack, aiding decisions about revascularization like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Moreover, cardiac MRI is useful in the assessment of myocardial viability, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, cardiac masses and thrombi, pericardial abnormalities, right ventricular assessment, arrhythmia evaluation and risk stratification, aortic disease, and more.
It is essential to note that if the MRI results are inconclusive or a doctor needs more information, they may schedule additional testing or a repeat MRI.
For those who may experience anxiety or fear of small spaces, mild sedatives can be considered before the procedure. The MRI unit is a large machine with a hollow tube in the middle, and a person will lie on a table that moves in and out of the tube during the scan.
People should arrange for someone else to drive them home if they receive any sedation for the procedure. It is also important to inform a doctor if one is pregnant, has kidney disease or any allergies, or has recently undergone surgeries.
In summary, cardiac MRI is not only a follow-up to irregular findings from other tests but also a primary diagnostic and prognostic tool for various heart conditions. It offers unique advantages in tissue characterization, functional assessment, and comprehensive 3D anatomy visualization.
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