Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging MRI is used as both a functional and anatomical cardiac imaging test. It offers excellent soft tissue detail and the ability to quantify cardiac function. MRI scans can be performed with or without gadolinium contrast depending on what information is needed. Unlike computed tomography (CT), MRI does not use X-ray radiation, but patients with metal implants may have contraindications for MRI use because MR will heat up most metal objects. MRI exams usually take much longer than CT scans. How does MRI work? MR creates images by using powerful magnets to polarize hydrogen atoms in water (the body is made of of more than 80% water) so they face in one direction. A radiofrequency pulse is then used to ping these atoms, causing them to wobble, or resonate. The MRI coils detect this and computers can assemble images from the signals. Basic MRI scans will focus on the resonance of fat and water in two different sequences, which highlight and contrast different features in the anatomy.

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Emily Lau, MD, Mass General Hospital, discusses sex differences in cardiovascular presentations of women.

CVD presents differently in women than it does in men—guidelines should reflect that

Emily Lau, MD, a women's health expert with Massachusetts General Hospital, thinks major changes are needed in how we diagnose CVD in women. "Our guidelines need to be more precise and offer sex-specific recommendations," she says.

Researchers have developed and validated a new artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of producing four-chamber cardiac MR (CMR) images in seconds, publishing their findings in European Radiology Experimental.

AI creates accurate 4D heart scans in seconds

New data out of England provides cardiologists and radiologists with another reminder of AI's potential to transform healthcare. 

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New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, University Of Toronto, explains why vendors and hospitals are increasingly discussing lowing their carbon footprint by starting with radiology. 

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

An example of cardiac MRI myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) imaging. Image courtesy of https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics10090679

Imaging group thrilled with new CPT codes for MBFR measurements

The Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance applauded two new CPT Category III codes for myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) assessments.

Video interview with Marielle Scherrer-Crosbie, MD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, who explains details of creating a cardio-oncology program, whoi should be involved and the role of cardiac imaging.

Key things to remember when creating a cardio-oncology program

Marielle Scherrer-Crosbie, MD, explains what is needed to create a cardio-oncology program, and the role played by cardiac imagers.

transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)

New expert guidelines: Start PHV evaluations with echocardiography, but other imaging modalities can provide value

New guidelines from the American Society of Echocardiography, made in collaboration with the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, represent an update of the group's original recommendations from 2009.

UCL Imaging vest screening cardiac conditions

New vest developed by cardiologists uses advanced heart imaging to screen for sudden cardiac arrest

“We identified a problem in cardiology,” one cardiologist explained. “Heart imaging has made remarkable progress in recent decades, but the electrics of the heart have eluded us."

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