Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces images of the body’s internal structures by passing radio waves through a powerful magnetic field. Differing frequencies of radio waves are produced by the different body structures, in return, and these are mapped and converted into digital images by a computer. MRI is especially good for imaging soft tissues in the body, including the brain, nerves, muscles and organs.
Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scanning). What are some common uses for Cardiac MRI? Cardiac MRI imaging is performed to help:
- evaluate the structures and function of the heart, valves, major vessels, and surrounding structures (such as the pericardium)
- diagnose and manage a variety of cardiovascular problems
- detect and evaluate the effects of coronary artery disease
- plan a patient's treatment for cardiovascular problems and monitor patient's progress.
Using cardiac MRI, physicians can examine the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart., determine the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease, detect the buildup of plaque and blockages in the blood vessels and assess a patient's recovery following treatment.
