Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets that cause the hydrogen nuclei in the body’s molecules to vibrate or resonate and to emit radio frequency (RF) energy. The MRI machine detects these energy emissions and converts them into images, allowing clinicians to see and evaluate vital cardiac conditions.
The MRI technology was first introduced in the late 1970's initially as a diagnostic tool in neurology and orthopedics. However, old machines for heart imaging had limited capabilities and through recent developments and advancements in hardware and software technology, the MRI is now being used effectively for heart imaging.
Comprehensive cardiovascular examination is now possible through the use of this powerful technology. Clinical benefits of a CMR are found in the examination of the following diseases:

• Myocardial disease
• Valvular heart disease
• Pericardial disease
• Myocardial viability
• Myocardial perfusion
• Myocardial ischemia during stress testing
• Congenital heart disease
• Atherosclerosis and plaque composition
• MR angiography of the aorta, peripheral artery, and coronary artery

Cardiovascular MRI offers significant advantages over other imaging methods because it produces clear, detailed three-dimensional images of the cardiac anatomy without any distracting images caused by adjacent bone or air. Most importantly, unlike other non-invasive cardiac tests, it does not expose patients to potentially harmful radiation.
Source: Bangkok Medical Center