| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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Heart MRI |
| Overview Risks Results |
| Alternative Names: |
| Magnetic resonance imaging - cardiac; NMR - cardiac; Nuclear magnetic resonance - cardiac; MRI of the heart |
| What the risks are: |
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There is no ionizing radiation involved in MRI, and there have been no documented significant side effects of the magnetic fields and radio waves used on the human body to date. However, because the effects of strong magnetic fields on a fetus are not well documented at this time, pregnant women are usually advised to avoid MRI scans. MRI is usually not recommended for acute trauma situations, because traction and The most common MR intravenous contrast agent, gadolinium, is very safe, and although there have been documented allergic reactions to it, this is extremely rare. If sedation is used, there are associated risks of oversedation. The technologist monitors the patient's vital signs, including heart rate and respiration, as needed. |
| Special considerations: |
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MRI is more accurate than CT scan or other tests for certain conditions, but less accurate for others. Disadvantages include the high cost, long duration of the scan, and sensitivity to movement. People with claustrophobia or who are confused or anxious may have difficulty lying still for the relatively long scan times. MRI is not portable and is incompatible with metallic implants, life support devices, traction apparatus, and similar equipment. MRI is superior in most cases in which differentiation of soft tissues is necessary. It can view organs without obstruction by bone and foreign bodies. It is capable of showing the tissues from multiple viewpoints and is a non invasive way to evaluate blood flow. |
Heart, section through the middle |
Heart, front view |
MRI scans |
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