Cardiac MRI- Things You Need to Know

By
December 4, 2023

In the kingdom of medical diagnosis, advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging have transformed the diagnosis and treatment plannings over the last several decades. 

Cardiac MRI scans grow as a revolutionising technology which is used as a diagnostic tool for heart related conditions. Offering mindblowing images of the internal structure of the heart, functions and blood flow. 

Magnetic resonance Imaging is a large imaging device which is harmless, it uses magnetic fields and radio waves to get clear images of the heart. Heart scans are used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including birth defects in the heart, coronary heart disease, heart valve disease, heart tumours and genetic heart diseases.

MRI has emerged as a boon in the field of cardiovascular disease.  

What is a Cardiac MRI ?

A cardiac MRI is a diagnostic test that uses a magnet, radio signals and a computer to make images of the heart and surrounding structures. 

The MRI machine is big and tube shaped that creates a strong magnetic field lines up the hydrogen protons in your body.  Radio waves and computers produce diagnostic images of the heart that can be evaluated.

There are several types of cardiac MRI:-

  1. Cardiac MRI
  2. Stress perfusion MRI
  3. MRI angiogram
  4. Structural MRI

What Are the Uses of Cardiac MRI?

A cardiac MRI is commonly recommended by the cardiologist for the people who are at the risk of heart failure or other types of heart problems. It gives better and detailed images of the heart as compared to X-rays and CT scan heart.

MRI of the heart can detect the following –

  • Congenital heart disease
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Heart failure
  • Heart valves defects
  • Heart conditions that inherited like cardiomyopathy
  • Pericarditis
  • Cardiac tumours

Application of Cardiac MRI in Clinical Practice

Diagnosis and disease management

Cardiac MRI provides detailed information about the heart’s structure and function. It is also useful in evaluating the early changes in the heart, precise characterisation and monitoring the various cardiac diseases. 

Treatment  Planning

Cardiac MRI provides detailed comprehensive images in which physicians rely to plan treatment interventions and surgeries effectively. As it helps specialists to visualise the heart information beforehand, guide the doctors for surgeries, device placements and other therapeutic interventions. 

Research and advancements

Cardiac MRI serves as the best tool in research and aids in the development of new therapies. 

Benefits of Cardiac MRI

One of the biggest advantages of MRI is that it can take multiple pictures of multiple sections of the body at once. So the benefits of cardiac MRI includes-

  • Non invasive , painless procedure
  • No radiation exposure
  • Able to detect abnormalities obscured by bones
  • Able to detect even minor changes which aids in early diagnosis
  • It can be used as an adjuvant to treat heart disease.
  • It can be used to diagnose variety of condition
  • Contrast material is used to highlight the particular area so they show up more clearly and helps the doctor to diagnose the disease more accurately. 

Diseases Detected by the Cardiac MRI

MRI of the heart can be done to assess the following signs and symptoms:-

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is narrowing of the arterial walls of the heart which is caused by plaque buildup. 

Congenital Heart Disease

It’s a defect in the heart’s structure which is present at birth. 

Cardiomyopathy

It’s a disorder that affects the heart muscles.

Heart failure

Also known as Congestive heart failure. It’s a condition in which heart muscles are unable to  pump enough blood that your body needs.

Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest  occurs when the heart loses all its activity due to irregular heart rhythm or we can say when the heart suddenly stops working.

Aneurysm 

Aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the body.

Heart valve disease

Heart valve disease includes a narrowing valve that causes flowing of blood in one direction only.

Cardiac tumour

Cardiac tumour or cancer is a condition in which growth occurs in the heart. These include benign and malignant heart tumours. 

What are the Risks of Cardiac MRI?

MRI is contraindicated in following cases:-

  • Cochlear implants
  • Older intracranial clips
  • Any prosthetic device( such artificial joints)
  • Neurostimulators
  • Iron based implants
  • Bullets or shrapnel
  • Cardiac pacemakers

In case of contrast MRI, it is important to detect the patient with any allergic reactions to the dye. Other conditions like allergies, asthma, anaemia, low blood pressure, kidney failure, and sickle cell disease may be impacted by MRI contrast.

A very uncommon but dangerous side effect of using MRI contrast in patients with kidney disease or kidney failure is called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). 

NOTE- If you are searching for Cardiac MRI , choose the best diagnostic centre in Delhi. Also look for the best 3- Tesla MRI for your diagnostic needs. Cardiac MRI Price in Delhi may varies which ranges from Rs9500 to Rs 14000/-

Conclusion

When evaluating the heart condition MRI provides easy detection of heart muscles, walls and abnormality. Cardiac MRI owing to a high level of diagnostic accuracy and rapid, automatic analysis. Cardiac MRi is a superior performer in the field of diagnosis. 

Gain the advantages of a seamless diagnostic solution, its precision, comprehensive evaluation and role in guiding treatment decisions. 

The future of cardiac MRI holds promise for even more refined diagnosis and improved outcomes in managing heart related conditions.