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Cardiac MRI
What is it
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the newest and most complex of the
cardiovascular imaging modalities. Although MRI has been used for more
than a decade to image the brain and other stationary organs within the
body, only recently has it become widely available as a cardiovascular
diagnostic approach In brief it is r MRI scanner optimized for imaging
the moving heart. MRI uses high intensity magnetic fields and radiofrequency
to generate 3D/tomographic images with high resolution and excellent contrast.
The blood's motion through the magnetic field can generate signal, obviating
the need for contrast agents. The production of diagnostic quality angiograms
of the coronary arteries with MRI (MR angiography [MRA]) is another area
of rapid development and will likely become clinically important in the
near future.
Why is it done?
Magnetic resonance imaging can be useful in the assessment patients with
possible or definite ischemic heart disease. Since MRI provides a dimensionally
accurate, three-dimensional perspective of the heart, it has been considered
by many to be the gold standard for measurements of left and right ventricular
ejection fraction, volumes, and myocardial mass. It can also detect regional
wall motion abnormalities and high-energy phosphate abnormalities in ischemic
tissue. In addition, ischemic territories can be identified by using intravenous
medication. One can detect deposition of atherosclerotic plaque in the
coronary arteries and 'flow-imaging' of the coronaries by doing coronary
MR. MR ventriculography is done to accurately measure the performance
and wall motion of various chambers of heart while endocardial margin
is accurately visualized by this technique in various phases of contraction.
MR perfusion is done to measure blood flow to heart
muscle and to map infracted segment.It is also done for evaluation of
aortic and peripheral vascular disease, valvular lesions, cardiomyopathy
and pericardial disease.
How is it done?
After review of clinical history and examination to ascertain MR-safety
and feasibility of conducting the cardiac MRI study (MRI study is not
done if certain metallic objects are present in the body of the patient)
the patient is asked to lie on the table of the MRI and an ECG is connected.The
study is acquired on the cardiac MR.Analysis of the study is performed
on a computer and a report is generated.The report is given to the patient
after two working days.
When it is done/advised ?
i. For early detection of coronary artery disease, possibly before
a coronary stenosis.
ii. To possibly help in categorising unstable and stable plaque in coronary
artery disease.
iii. To recognize that subset of disease process which need early medical/
therapeutic attention.
iv. To accurately measure the performance and wall motion of various chambers
of the heart.
v. To measure blood flow to heart muscle. To map infracted segment.
vi. Accurate delineation of congenital heart disease with 3 dimensional
relational depiction.
vii. Pathological/ morphological characterization of cardiac related mass.
viii. Distinguish between constrictive pericardities and restrictive cardiomyopathy.
ix. Cardiac arrhythmias caused by Right ventricular dysplasia.
Before ... Precautions & prerequisites
You have to contact the Nuclear Medicine department (room no. 9) for getting
a prior formal appointment.
You can contact the department on phone/ you may come personally/ or may
send your attendant to the department for taking the appointment.
Our Contact Phone No: 68 25 000 Extension 4057.68 25 001
The department is situated in the main building, ground floor of the institution.(MRI
study may not done if certain metallic objects are present in the body
of the patient)
Tariff
Rs. 5000/-
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