Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)/
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
Why
is the doctor performing this procedure?
To obtain
very clear and detailed three-dimensional images of the heart and vascular
system.
What
is the procedure?
Magnetic
resonance technology uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create
cross-sectional images of various body part and organs. The procedure is
painless and does not require use of radiation. A magnetic resonance image
(MRI) of the heart can:
·
Determine the extent of damage to the heart muscle from
a heart attack
·
Evaluate the extent of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
·
Identify blood clots (thrombus or embolus)
·
Evaluate an aneurysm
·
Identify cardiomyopathy
·
Diagnose congenital (present at birth) heart defects
·
Evaluate pericarditis
·
Identify a heart tumor (for example, an atrial myxoma)
Magnetic
Resonance Angiography (MRA) uses magnetic resonance technology to visualize
blood vessels and identify plaques (atherosclerosis) that narrow or block
the blood flow in cerebral arteries (which can lead to stroke) and in
coronary arteries (which can lead to heart attack), without the use of a
more invasive catheter-based procedure.
Before an
MRI or MRA, the patient must remove all jewelry, accessories, hearing aids,
and anything else containing metal. Metallic objects will distort the MRI
image, and the magnetic field created during the procedure may damage
electronic devices made of metal. Sticky patches called electrodes, each
with a wire, are attached to the skin of the chest. Each wire is connected
to an ECG machine to monitor the heart's electrical activity throughout the
procedure. An intravenous (IV) line may be placed to inject drugs during
special MRI exams. These special MRI exams allow the identification of
damaged heart muscles, as well as potentially healthy muscle.
The patient
lies down on a moveable table that is part of the MRI machine. The table
slides into the opening of the MRI machine, which is essentially a large
magnet with an opening for the table. Once inside the machine and its
magnetic field, radio waves will be directed at the body. The patient does
not feel anything, and the machine does not move around the patient, but
machine sounds will be heard. The patient must lie as still as possible
during the entire procedure. If a patient has a history of claustrophobia,
a sedative may be given first.
Where
is the procedure performed?
In a MRI Center.
How
long does this procedure take?
An MRI or
MRA usually takes thirty minutes to 2 hours.
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