Cardiac MRI is used for non-invasive assessment of the morphology (structure) and functioning of the cardiovascular system (the heart and blood vessels leading to and from the heart). The scan will provide detailed images of the heart cavities, heart valves, myocardium, pericardium and measure heart function.
Some indications for a cardiac MRI are heart failure or heart valve problems, myocarditis or pericarditis, congenital heart disease or suspected damage caused by a heart attack.
MRI of the heart is also used to investigate lesions within the heart.
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye