Modern diagnostics: cardiac MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart is a non-invasive examination procedure without X-rays that can be used to assess the heart muscle tissue, among other things. For example, acute inflammatory changes or old scars in the heart muscle can be visualized.
Cardiac MRI can also be used to examine heart function and constrictions in the heart valves.
When is a cardiac MRI scan performed?
Myocarditis can be triggered by various causes, most frequently by viral infections (e.g. COVID-19). In many cases, the inflammation heals without permanent damage.
However, early detection is also crucial for further treatment. For competitive athletes in particular, confirmation that myocarditis has healed completely before returning to training is also very important.
Other diseases of the heart muscle include congenital or acquired weakening of the muscle or heart function. Changes to the heart muscle should be diagnosed at an early stage in order to maintain quality of life and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death.
In a so-called stress MRI examination, reduced blood flow to the heart muscle can be detected at rest or under stress with medication. If reduced blood flow to the heart muscle is detected, this can indirectly indicate a relevant narrowing of a coronary artery. In addition, old scars after a heart attack can also be visualized well.
Notes on the examination
Before the examination, there is a short consultation with the doctor in which the examination procedure and possible contraindications are discussed.
The entire examination takes about 45 - 55 minutes. To ensure that the images are taken at the correct time of the heartbeat, an ECG is usually performed beforehand.
During the examination, a contrast agent containing gadolinium is administered via a vein in the arm. In the case of a stress MRI examination, an additional medication (regadenoson) is administered via a vein to simulate a physical stress situation (your pulse is increased).
Finally, the examination is evaluated by our doctors.
The following should be avoided 24 hours before the examination:
- Caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks)
- bananas
- chocolate
- Nicotine (smoking)
- Theophylline/aminophylline or nitrates
- Your medication plan
- Preliminary cardiological findings
- If possible, a current kidney value (blood test)
We are here for you.
We are available at our various locations to provide you with detailed advice, precise examinations and accurate diagnoses. Special questions may require additional examinations at other locations of our practice network.