Why CMR?
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), sometimes known as cardiac MRI, is a medical imaging technology for the non-invasive assessment of the function and structure of the cardiovascular system. It is derived from and based on the same basic principles as Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI but with optimization for use in the cardiovascular system. These optimizations are principally in the use of ECG gating and rapid imaging techniques or sequences. By combining a variety of such techniques into protocols, key functional and morphological features of the cardiovascular system can be assessed. Utilizing CMR instead of other non-invasive imaging techniques means, that one will get more definitive, relevant, and actionable answers because a CMR exam provides comprehensive information and has superior diagnostic and prognostic power, without the need for radiation. Furthermore, there are CMR-only capabilities including virtual heart biopsy, high-resolution perfusion imaging, and advanced blood flow analysis.
CMR has a distinct advantage in the following areas:
ACCURACY
- Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF)
- Right Ventricular Ejection Fraction (RVEF)
- Viability
- Ischemia
- Etiology of CMP
PROGNOSIS
- Arrhythmias (coming soon)
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Ischemic CMP (coming soon)
- Dilated CMP
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy-Dysplasia (ARVC-D)
- Stress CMR
- Heart Failure
NONINVASIVE PROCEDURES (VIRTUAL HEART BIOPSY)
PEDIATRIC/CONGENITAL
- Atrial Switch
- Coarctation of the Aorta
- Congenitally Corrected Transposition of Great Arteries (ccTGA)
- D-Transposition of the Great Arteries Status Post Arterial Switch Operation
- Ebstein’s Anomaly
- Fontans
- Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (PAPVR)
- Sedation for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pediatrics
- Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) – Surgically Repaired
- Why CMR in Children?
