MRI of the heart

The function of cardiac valves and cardiac performance can be evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging. Minor disturbances of wall movements indicate disturbances of the blood supply or past infarctions. Even so called “silent” infarctions become visible in the MRI which is detected as a result of scar formation. This shows up as an enhancement of contrast medium in the scarred areas of the heart muscle (so-called late enhancement). The coronaries cannot be assessed well in the MRI. However, the blood supply of the heart muscle can be examined in a stress MRI.

MRI of the heart under artificial stress (stress MRI)

A stress MRI can show the blood supply of the heart muscle under exertion. For this purpose the patient receives an intravenous injection of the stress hormone adenosine in addition to the contrast medium. The heart beats significantly faster. The comparison of various cross-sectional scans in the course allows for information on disturbances of the blood flow in the heart under exertion or stress. The examination takes about 45 minutes. The Departments of Cardiology and Radiology closely collaborate during this examination.