Cardiac MRI

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most important imaging techniques for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases and assessing the anatomy and functionality of the heart. It is a highly accurate examination that uses only the properties of a simple magnetic field. In most cases, the administration of a special contrast agent is required during the examination, which is generally safe and does not affect kidney function. Cardiac MRI is a patient-friendly test that requires no special preparation from the patient and provides the ability to obtain high-quality tomographic images.

How is the examination performed?

The examination lasts approximately 40-45 minutes. During the examination, the patient lies on their back on the MRI table and is in constant visual and auditory communication with the MRI technologist for any assistance.

Sometimes, the patient will be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds following clear instructions from the technologist to optimize the quality of the heart images produced. If a contrast agent is required, a nurse will insert an intravenous catheter to administer the medication, usually midway through the examination. After the examination, there are no restrictions, and the patient can eat or drink freely. There is no need to avoid contact with children, as no radiative substance has been administered.

In which cases is cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated?

Cardiac magnetic resonance is currently the exclusive non-invasive method for diagnosing myocarditis, both acute and chronic. However, the examination is also useful, and even essential, in a large number of cardiac diseases, such as:

Pericarditis, pericardial effusions

Ischemic and infiltrative cardiomyopathy.

Mediterranean anemia (also known as Thalassemia).

Valvular diseases (mitral valve prolapse, mitral insufficiency, and stenosis of the mitral, aortic, and pulmonary valves).

Heart failure of any etiology.

Arterial and pulmonary hypertension.

Heart tumors.

Cardiac MRI is also indicated for those who do not have any known cardiac problems but have concerns about the health of their heart, given the non-use of ionizing radiation.

Cardiac MRI in the Clinic

Cardiac MRI is a safe and painless examination that does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, unlike scintigraphy or CT scans. The clinic’s 1.5T MRI machine has received all necessary upgrades and is equipped with cardiology software to receive guidance from an electrocardiogram, enabling real-time imaging of the heart. The interpretation of the tests is handled by Dr. Konstantinos Doulaptsis, a Cardiologist with extensive experience, specialization, and research work in Cardiac MRI abroad (Belgium and the United Kingdom).