Cardiac MRI: the investigation that provides detailed images of the heart

There are heart conditions that cannot be fully assessed through echocardiography alone. In such cases, doctors may turn to an investigation capable of providing highly precise images, showing both the structure and the function of the cardiac muscle.

This is cardiac MRI, an examination that uses a magnetic field and radio waves, without involving ionising radiation. This method allows for analysis of the dimensions of the heart's chambers, the way in which they contract, the condition of the valves, blood flow, as well as the characteristics of the myocardial tissue.

The investigation can detect inflammation, scarring, and areas of fibrosis within the heart. It is recommended particularly for diagnosing cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, and congenital heart diseases, as well as for evaluating the aftereffects of a heart attack.

In some cases, a contrast agent is also used to obtain a clearer picture of changes in cardiac tissue. The data obtained from a cardiac MRI can help refine a diagnosis, assess risks, and determine the direction of treatment, particularly when other investigations fail to provide all the necessary information.