Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Cardiac (Heart)

Date added: 23 03 2020

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is primarily a medical imaging technique most commonly used in radiology to visualize the internal structure and function of the body. MRI provides much greater contrast between the different soft tissues of the body than computed tomography (CT) does, making it especially useful in neurological (brain), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological (cancer) imaging. Unlike CT, it uses no ionizing radiation, but uses a powerful magnetic field to align the nuclear magnetization of (usually) hydrogen atoms in water in the body. Radio frequency (RF) fields are used to systematically alter the alignment of this magnetization, causing the hydrogen nuclei to produce a rotating magnetic field detectable by the scanner. This signal can be manipulated by additional magnetic fields to build up enough information to construct an image of the body.

MRI is used to image every part of the body, and is particularly useful for neurological conditions, for disorders of the muscles and joints, for evaluating tumors, and for showing abnormalities in the heart and blood vessels.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Cardiac (Heart)

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the structures within and around the heart. Cardiac MRI is used to detect or monitor cardiac disease and to evaluate the heart's anatomy and function in patients with both heart disease present at birth and heart diseases that develop after birth. Cardiac MRI does not use ionizing radiation to produce images, and it may provide the best images of the heart for certain conditions.

 

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Cardiac MRI is performed to help your physician detect or monitor cardiac disease by:

  • evaluating the anatomy and function of the heart chambers, heart valves, size of and blood flow through major vessels, and the surrounding structures such as the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart).
  • diagnosing a variety of cardiovascular (heart and/or blood vessel) disorders such as tumors, infections, and inflammatory conditions.
  • evaluating the effects of coronary artery disease such as limited blood flow to the heart muscle and scarring within the heart muscle after a heart attack.
  • planning a patient's treatment for cardiovascular disorders.
  • monitoring the progression of certain disorders over time.
  • evaluating the effects of surgical changes, especially in patients with congenital heart disease.
  • evaluating the anatomy of the heart and blood vessels in children and adults with congenital heart disease (heart disease present at birth).

What are the risks of MRI?

MRI is a safe and painless test for most people. People with any type of metal device inside the body should not have an MRI unless the device is certified as MRI safe. Such devices include:

  • Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
  • Inner ear (cochlear) implants
  • Neuro-muscular stimulators such as those used for pain management or muscle rehabilitation
  • Implanted drug infusion pumps
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
  • Brain aneurysm clips that are not approved for MRI
  • Some dental implants (check with your dentist to make sure they are not magnetic)
  • You should avoid MRI if you have metal fragments in your body. Metal fragments in the eyes can be especially dangerous because the magnet may move the metal, causing eye damage or blindness.
  • For some MRIs, a special contrast dye (without iodine) may be used.  This contrast dye is considered not safe for people with advanced kidney failure.

How do I prepare for an MRI?

  • Before your MRI scan, eat normally and take your usual medicines unless your doctor tells you not to.
  • It’s very important to remove all objects that may contain metal or electronics (jewelry such as rings or earrings, hairpins, dentures, watches and hearing aids) before the test.
  • Don’t bring your credit or debit cards into the MRI room. The machine might erase or damage the magnetic strip on the back of the cards.
  • If you have any implants or clips in your body, have your doctor write a note to indicate if they are safe for MRI.

In which MFD Outpatient hospital can cardiac MRI be performed?

Cardiac MRI can be performed at MFD Outpatient hospital Ilguciems, in Riga, Bullu Street 9, where one of the largest diagnostic centers of the MFD Medical Group is located. This Outpatient hospital offers a very wide range of cardiac examination services - both professional advice from specialist doctors and various diagnostic examinations in one place.

 

Working hours of the MFD Outpatient hospital Ilguciems: working days 8.00–20.00, Saturday 9.00–15.00, Sunday - closed. To make an appointment, call 67131311, write to ilguciems AT mfd DOT lv or contact the reception in person.

 

 



MFD Healthcare group began its history more than 50 years ago as an outpatient health care facility. At this moment the MFD is one of the largest multi-profile healthcare company that provides a wide range of health care services to more than 400 000 patients in different locations in Riga and Latvia. By using the latest technologies and excellent medical experience, MFD main objective is to take care of the health of the population by ensuring timely disease prevention, as well as providing effective diagnostic and treatment services.

Previous release Next release


Saskaņā ar Ukrainas civiliedzīvotāju atbalsta likuma 16.panta otro daļu, SIA “Dziedniecība” nodarbinātām Ukrainas ārstniecības personām tiek nodrošināta ārstniecības personas profesionālās darbības veikšanai nepieciešamā saziņa, proti – pēc pacienta pieprasījuma, kā arī vienojoties ar pacientu, pakalpojuma saņemšanas laikā tiek nodrošināta ārstniecības persona, kura var nodrošināt saziņu valsts valodā.