Cardiovascular MRI Techniques in Heart Diseases
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique enables us to achieve any dimensional
(even functional) images with any orientation without potential harmful effects. Beside its
high soft-tissue contrast discrimination, different data acquisition protocols could be
applied via MRI scanners in order to purify interested areas or enhance contrast of MR
images. Additional safe contrast agents, such as gadolinium, are also used for these
purposes (in Perfusion Analysis for functional maps). Capabilities of MRI in detection of
anatomic or functional disorders is indispensable. Coronary diseases can be excluded with
high confidence. Cardiac MRI is a useful noninvasive method for the early diagnosis and
follow-up of cardiac Sarcoiditis. Wall Thickening (ex. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) of
myocardium is a sensitive indicator of dysfunctional contraction of heart and it is possible
to identify it thanks to MRI.
Terminology
Angiography: The imaging of arteries or veins.
Atherosclerosis: Degenerative disease of the arteries resulting in plaques consisting of
necrotic cells, lipids, and cholesterol crystals.
Cardiomyopathy: A disease of the heart muscle that leads to generalized deterioration of
the muscle and its pumping ability
Fibrosis: An abnormal thickening.
Myocarditis: Inflammation or degeneration of the heart muscle.
Idiopathic: Without a known cause.
Ablation: The erosive process.
Stress tests: Standard stress tests, such as treadmill exercise tests, is used to measure how
well a person's heart handles exertion.
Stenosis: Narrowing of arteries or veins.
Cine MRI: Type of MRI which can show blood flow.
Perfusion Analysis: Analysis of a dynamic MRI scan results, while a contrast agent
injection.
Tagged MRI: Labeled dark lines of MR images, emerged because of regional perturbation
of magnetization.
Ali BAYRAM
28/11/2005