Cardiac MRI

Using a non-invasive test to show detailed pictures of the inside of your heart.

Consultation

What is Cardiac MRI?

This is considered the gold standard test for assessing heart size and heart pumping function, better known as Ejection Fraction (EF).

MRI scans use magnetic energy to excite water molecules in a selected section of the body; the time taken for those water molecules to reset (different times for specific body organs) is translated into a picture of the heart on screen. Ultrasound waves (used in echocardiography) are prone to scatter as they traverse the many other structures towards the heart e.g. skin, muscle, lung, etc., thereby reducing spatial resolution compared to MRI.

This is a typical MRI image that would be obtained of your heart.

Insured?

Dr Banypersad is an authorised provider for all the major insurance companies, including BUPA (fee-assured).

All cardiac CT and MRI scans will take place at The Spire Manchester hospital.

MRI has superior spatial resolution

As a result, MRI has superior spatial resolution to echocardiograms irrespective of body shape and size. It offers limitless options for image orientation meaning a full 3D volumetric analysis can be performed for the most accurate Ejection Fraction calculation. Additionally, an intravenous dye substance (Gadolinium) is administered during cardiac MRI scans which highlights any abnormal areas in the heart.

Safe procedure

Finally, because MRI does not involve any radiation, multiple scans are safe e.g. interval monitoring of ejection fraction in patients receiving cancer therapies such as Herceptin.

Cardiac MRI scans are excellent for:

1. Assessing the extent of damaged vs normal heart muscle

2. Assessing the presence of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis

3. Assessing structural heart defects, known as cardiomyopathies, some of which can cause cardiac arrests, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

4. Assessing ischaemia (lack of adequate blood supply due to coronary artery narrowings) in the heart. This requires administration of additional medications.

Any adult patient:

After a heart attack for the most accurate assessment of ejection fraction
With unexplained chest pain or breathlessness to exclude heart failure or myocarditis.
With palpitations or blackouts to exclude a cardiomyopathy
Receiving cancer drugs / chemotherapy for regular monitoring of ejection fraction.
With a family history of heart disease, which may be a sign of inherited cardiomyopathies.
Requiring repeat scans as MRI carries no radiation.

Irregular heart rhythms may yield an indeterminate scan result
Imaging in patients with renal function eGFR < 30ml/min is generally best avoided
Patients with any metalic implants should first seek clarification regarding their suitability
Patients who cannot hold their breath for 5-10 seconds at a time