So what does an MRI of the heart show?

[Peggy in Alaska]

This is a new test that is being added to my schedule of tests when I go to the Mayo Clinic the end of June for my next check-up. I go every 2 years. What would the MRI show? All I have had before is the usual blood work, EKG, echo, chest x-ray and treadmill.

Just curious.

Thanks.

Peggy in Alaska

 

[Ross]

Three demsional view of the heart and surrounding orgrans. It is one cool photograph. I just happen to have a picture of one with an aortic aneurysm you can peek at at the link below:

http://home.neo.rr.com/blebs99/mra.avi

Right click and save as, opens with quicktime player.

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

That is cool

That is cool

So, what is the doc looking for? I have a leaky valve, tricuspid - the MRi would reveal problems if any with the arteries?

I'm just wondering why she would add this? I should e-mail her nurse.

 

[Ross]

Exactly what they are looking for, I do not know, but it gives the best picture of everything that I've seen to date. I would ask for the specifics. I would think a catscan would be more definitive, but this thing is great for the veins and vessels.

 

[tobagotwo]

Sounds like an MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram). They release a dye into your blood to highlight the insides of your blood vessels. You get nice pix of the cardiac atreries, the ascending arteries, and the carotids, showing if there's any blockage or problem there. Those aren't easily or accurately visible to an echo.

It's very accurate, so if it's used to map the arteries that feed the heart, the catheter angiogram is kind of moot. It can't do much with defining the valve function, though.

I had one. It's painless and there's no radiation. The only thing is that some people have a reaction to the dye. For that reason, there's usually a supervising doctor there.

Best wishes,

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

Thanks, Ross

Thanks, Ross

I just wonder when they throw something in that I have not had before. This will be only my 3rd check-up since the diagnosis in Alaska and initial consult at the Mayo.

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

Thanks, Bob

Thanks, Bob

Maybe it is a MRA instead of a MRI. The scheduler of appointments told me MRI. Guess I will find out more when I get the paperwork.

 

[aussigal]

YAY!!!!!!
I knew I would be useful oneday...

Thats my glowing insides there Peggy
...thanks for letting me be useful Ross...youre still my hero!

That magnificent picture is an MRA and was done on the latest U-Beat machine with the icky-contrast-dye...
I was all hooked up with a remote EKG machine and strapped-down luckily it was an open-eneded MRI/A tunnel!...by the way an MRI is without contrast and an MRA is with contrast!. My scan was done by a Cardioligist who specialises in this technique.

I now have an even more spectacular 64 slice CT.(meaning 64 pics per revolution which is why you get 3D) They took this in Feb. '06, also with the contrast. The newer one is in colour and looks like they photographed my heart and aneurysm...

I will ask Ross if he can convert it or whatever he does so you can see...even my 3 boys were impressed with this latest one!

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

Thanks!

Thanks!

So, guess I will have to find out if it is a MRI or MRA.

 

[lance]

Just wondering

Just wondering

A previous posting mentions MRA/MRI does an excellent job of mapping cardiac arteries so I'm wondering if the MRA/MRI in conjunction with a TEE (for valves) could eliminate the use of a cardiac angiogram for some patients?

Does anyone know for sure if this is the direction cardiac assessment is heading.

I know the TEE is excellent for mitral valve assessment but unsure how good it is for the other valves.

Peggy in Alaska following the test you're having do you have to lay flat for a few hours or just get up and go. Laying flat i for hours is required following an angiogram--it's not awful, just boring.

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

Lance:

They told me it is a MRI and not an MRA, so I guess I will not have dye and I don't know if I will not have to lie flat afterwards. Maybe once I get the paperwork, I will have more information about the test and maybe I will e-mail the nurse to get more details before I go.

Peggy in Alaska