Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of imaging procedure that produces images of the heart by using strong magnetic fields and radio frequencies. Your physician may suggest an MRI for a variety of reasons. For instance, a heart MRI can assist your doctor in determining the cause of your heart problems so that he/she can make a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
We encourage you to get in touch with us at the Los Angeles Diagnostics if you need a heart MRI scan. We have highly qualified professionals who can produce detailed images to check for the function of your heart and detect heart problems that could only be established through invasive surgery in the past. Our radiologists can help in the early detection of cardiac abnormalities and work with your doctor to offer you a personalized treatment plan that best fits your situation.
What is a Heart MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is defined as a noninvasive procedure that creates comprehensive images of organs such as the heart, and structures inside your body using magnetic fields and radio frequencies. It is also known as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR).
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can be done on any part of the body. A heart/cardiac MRI, on the other hand, focuses on your heart and associated blood vessels. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart makes use of strong magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to obtain clear images of the heart's internal and external structures.
Heart MRI is performed to diagnose or assess cardiovascular problems as well as examine the structure and functioning of the heart in individuals with both congenital and acquired heart disease. Cardiac MRI produces images without using ionizing radiation, but it provides the finest imaging of the heart for some conditions.
Uses of a Heart MRI
Heart MRI is used to assist your doctor in detecting or monitoring cardiac problems by:
- Assessing the morphology and functioning of the chambers of the heart, heart valves, the size of and flow of blood through the main vessels of the heart, and adjacent tissues including the pericardium
- Detecting various cardiovascular, (both heart and blood problems) like tumors, infection, and inflammations
- Assessing the impacts of cardiovascular disease, like a decreased flow of blood to the cardiac muscle as well as scarring inside the heart's muscle tissue following a heart attack.
- Preparing treatment plans for patients with cardiovascular disease
- Examining how some diseases evolve and keeping track of changes
- Assessing the impacts of surgical interventions, especially for patients that have congenital heart defects
- Examining the structure of the blood and heart in children as well as adults that have congenital abnormalities
Preparing for Your Heart MRI Procedure
You don't need to do much preparing for your heart MRI. You'll be required to wear a hospital gown before the procedure can begin. This is done to avoid artifacts showing up in the final photos and to adhere to safety rules regarding the powerful magnetic field. The rules for eating or drinking before the MRI differ depending on the procedure and the facility. Only if your doctor advises you otherwise, eat and take your medication normally.
For some MRIs, contrast material is injected before the scan begins. You could be questioned by your physician if you have asthma or any allergies to any drugs, contrast material, or food. Gadolinium is a typical contrast substance used in MRI scans. In patients with iodine contrast allergies, physicians can administer gadolinium. Gadolinium contrast is far unlikely to cause an allergic reaction compared to iodine contrast. Even though you have a gadolinium allergy, it could be safe to utilize it with proper pre-medication.
If you do have any major health conditions or current surgeries, inform your radiologist or technologist. You may not be able to get gadolinium if you have certain medical issues, like severe kidney problems. In this case, a blood test will be required to ensure that the kidneys are working appropriately.
If a female patient is pregnant, she must inform her physician and technician. MRI scans have been utilized since the 1980s without any indications of adverse effects on expectant mothers and their unborn. The fetus, however, will be subjected to a powerful magnetic force. As a result, pregnant female patients should avoid getting an MRI during the first trimester except when the benefits substantially outweigh the dangers. Gadolinium contrast must not be given to expectant mothers unless it is required.
If you suffer from claustrophobia (the phobia of being confined in a small place) or anxiety, speak to your physician to administer a light sedative before your assessment.
Anesthesia or sedatives are frequently required in infants as well as young patients to perform an MRI examination with no movements. This varies depending on age, intellectual capacity, and examination type. Many different hospitals can provide sedation. Considering your child's well-being, pediatric sedation or anesthesia professionals should be present during the examination. You shall be given instructions on how to get your child ready.
Some clinics may employ staff who specialize in working with children to prevent the use of sedatives. They could show the children a replica MRI machine and recreate the sounds they will hear while undergoing the examination to help them prepare. They will also respond to questions your child might have and describe the process to help them relax. Some centers additionally supply glasses and headsets so that the child watches a movie while taking the test. This keeps the child calm and enables high-quality photographs.
Your jewelry as well as other personal items should be left back home, or they should be removed before the heart MRI scan. Items made of metal or electronic components are prohibited from being brought into the examination room. They could compromise the MRI unit's magnetic field, trigger burns, or even become dangerous projectiles. Such items include:
- Items that could be destroyed easily like jewelry, credit cards, watches as well as hearing aids.
- Hair clips, pins, metallic zippers, and other metallic objects that could cause MRI pictures to be distorted
- Dental work that can be removed
- Eyeglasses, pens, and pocket knives
- Piercings on the body
- Electronic watches, mobile phones, and tracking gadgets
Except for some types of metallic implants, an MRI test is generally harmless for people with metallic implants. People who have the following body implants shouldn't be examined and should avoid entering the MRI scan area unless they have been checked for safety:
- Certain cochlear implants
- Cips used to treat aneurysms in the brain
- Metal coils of various kinds
- Certain older pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators
- Stimulators for the vagus nerve
If you have any medical or electrical gadgets, tell your technologist. These gadgets may obstruct the examination and present a risk. Most implanted devices come with a leaflet that explains the device's MRI precautions. You could bring the leaflet to the scheduler's knowledge before your examination. Without validation and verification of the kind of implant or its MRI compatibility, an MRI procedure cannot be done. If the radiologist or technician has any concerns, you may bring any pamphlets with you to the examination.
If in doubt, use an x-ray to find and detect any metallic objects. MRIs are generally unaffected by metallic objects utilized in orthopedic procedures. A recently implanted artificial joint, on the other hand, may necessitate the employment of a separate imaging examination.
Make sure the technician or radiologist knows whether you've ever been hit by a bullet or had any foreign metal inside your body. Unknown items close or trapped in the eyes are particularly dangerous since they could shift or even heat up, resulting in blindness. Tattoo dyes might contain iron, which could cause the MRI scan to become too hot. This is however uncommon. Tooth fillings, eyeshadows, braces, or other cosmetics are normally unaffected by the magnetic field. These materials, however, may cause pictures of the face or brain to be distorted.
Metallic objects and medical implants must be screened for everyone bringing the patient inside the examination room.
The Cardiac MRI Procedure
Your radiologist or cardiac MRI technologist uses specialized tools to conduct the scan inside a clinic, hospital, or imaging center.
- You will lie on a movable table that glides into the MRI scanner. The machine has the appearance of a long metallic tube
- To transmit radio frequencies and retrieve the MRI signals, a tiny coil is put on the specific area of the body, based on where the examination is needed
- Your technician will keep an eye on you from a different room. You could communicate with him/her using a microphone. A friend or relative may be able to stay in that room with you in certain instances
- A powerful magnetic field shall be created around you by the MRI equipment, and radio frequencies will be focused on the part of your body that'll be scanned. You will not be able to sense the magnetic field and radio frequencies
- As stated before, the magnet used in the cardiac MRI scan makes a lot of noise while running the scan. To assist block out the noise, you could be offered headsets
- For MRA, an IV line may be placed in your arm or hand to administer the contrast agent directly into your blood. The contrast agent enhances the visibility of blood channels and tissues in your body. It's much less probable to trigger an allergic response than the compounds used during computed tomography (CT) examinations since it doesn't have iodine. An MRI scanning can take anything from 30 to 90 minutes
Since movement can make the photos distort, you will have to remain still throughout the scan. Inform your doctor ahead of time if you are uncomfortable in confined spaces. To help you keep calm, you can take a sedative. To keep you more relaxed, some clinics feature devices with smaller magnets or larger openings.
What You Can Expect During and After Your Heart MRI Scan
The majority of MRI examinations are painless. Some patients, however, find it difficult to stay still. Some may get claustrophobic feelings while inside the MRI machine. The scanner could also make a lot of noise.
Your heart rate will be watched throughout the cardiac MRI, and you'll be requested to hold your breath for brief amounts of time when images are taken. It's natural to get a little heated in the part of the body that's being photographed. Inform your radiologist or technician if it concerns you.
It's also critical that you stay completely still when the photos are being captured. This usually lasts only a couple of seconds or several minutes. You may feel and hear heavy tapping or pounding sounds when photographs are being taken.
Once the coils which produce the radio frequencies are energized, they emit these noises. To lessen the noise generated by the MRI scanner, you will be given earplugs. You may be permitted to rest in between scanning sequences. You must, however, maintain your stance without moving.
Using a two-way radio, the technologist can hear, see as well as chat with you. They may provide you with a "squeeze-ball" which will inform the technician whenever you require immediate assistance.
Some patients will be given an IV injection of the contrast material before having their MRI scans. You may have some soreness and bruises as a result of the IV needle. Additionally, there's also a minor risk of skin irritation around where the IV tube is inserted. When the contrast injection has been administered, some individuals may experience a slight metallic aftertaste in the mouth.
There is no need for a recovery time if you do not need sedation. You should be able to resume your routine activities very immediately. However, if you were given a sedative, you will be required to remain at the MRI facility till the symptoms of the anesthesia have worn off. You will require somebody to bring you back home. Your radiologist will then review the scans and provide a report to your physician. Schedule a consultation with your physician to go over the results of the test.
Risks of a Cardiac MRI
When proper safety criteria are followed, the cardiac MRI exam presents essentially no threat to the patient. However, some risks associated with undergoing a heart MRI are:
- There's the danger of administering too much sedative if it is utilized. However, your key signs shall be checked to lessen this threat
- You will not be harmed by the high magnetic field. It could, however, lead to the malfunctioning of medical implants or create picture distortion
- Gadolinium-induced nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a well-known side effect of gadolinium-based contrast injection. However, with current gadolinium contrast agents, these complications are extremely rare. It is most common in persons with advanced renal disease. Before choosing any contrast injection, your physician will thoroughly analyze your renal function
- If contrast material is used in your examination, there's a small chance of an allergic response. The majority of these reactions are moderate and may be managed with a prescription from your physician. If you experience an allergy, a doctor should be on hand to help you right away
- Even though there have been no recognized health risks, evidence suggests that very tiny quantities of gadolinium could be retained inside the body, especially the brain, following multiple MRI examinations. Patients who have repeated MRI tests throughout their lives to track severe or high-risk medical issues are most susceptible to experiencing this. The kidneys are responsible for the majority of the contrast agent's elimination from your body. If you fall into this category, talk to your physician about the risk of gadolinium accumulation, as it differs from person to person
- According to IV contrast producers, mothers shouldn't nurse their kids for 24 to 48 hours upon receiving the contrast material. However, studies demonstrate that the quantity of contrast taken by the newborn when breastfeeding is exceedingly minimal
What are the Limitations of Using Heart MRI Scanners
Some limitations of using a cardiac MRI scanner include:
- The need to stay completely still and observe breath-holding directions when the pictures are being captured is essential for high-quality scans. You can find it challenging to lie motionless during scanning if you're nervous or confused
- Some kinds of MRI equipment may not be able to accommodate an extremely huge patient. The scanners have weight restrictions
- High-quality images can be hard to capture due to implants or other metal objects. The same could be said about patient movement
- The quality of photographs could be compromised by an uneven heartbeat. This is because some imaging systems employ the heart's electrical activity to schedule the procedure
- Capturing quality images is difficult due to the heart's continual action. However, different alternatives, such as syncing the scanning with electrocardiogram tracing, or even having to execute repetitive brief breath holds while scanning, can be used to address these issues
- Patients who have sustained serious injuries are not advised to undergo an MRI scan. This choice, however, is made based on clinical judgment. Traction equipment and life support systems can cause MRI pictures to be distorted. Therefore, they should be kept out of the imaging zone. MRI could, however, be required in certain trauma patients
- With MRI, it's much harder to get clear pictures of the arteries, as well as their branches, compared to other imaging tests. As a result, coronary artery scanning is typically performed using a cardiac CT scan or a rather intrusive technique that involves inserting a catheter inside the veins and arteries through the arm or groin
- An MRI examination is more expensive and takes longer than other types of imaging tests. If you're worried about the expense of a heart MRI, consult with your insurer
Find Heart MRI Services Near Me
We at Los Angeles Diagnostics recognize the value of heart MRI scans in guaranteeing accurate evaluation and management of a variety of heart issues. We have competent radiologists who are ready to assist you in analyzing images from the scans. For a consultation or to schedule an appointment, call us at 323-486-7502 today.
