heart and blood vessel disorders
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Heart
Introduction
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of medical imaging that uses a strong magnetic field and very high frequency radio waves to produce highly detailed images, including of the heart and chest. In cardiac imaging, MRI is an expensive and sophisticated procedure used predominantly for the diagnosis of complex heart disorders that are present at birth (congenital) and to differentiate between normal and abnormal tissue. MRI has some disadvantages. It takes longer to produce MRI images than Computed Tomography (CT) of the Heart (CT) or Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) None Some MRI and MRA techniques require injection of a Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) (a substance that makes organs and structures easier to see on MRI) into a vein in the arm. However, people with kidney problems should not receive MRA contrast due to the risk of a serious side effect that affects the skin, joints, eyes, and internal organs (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis). Newer contrast agents, which do not carry this risk, may make the test available to people with kidney problems. 