It’s Medical Monday!
- keyanazahiri
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
Cardiac MRI
Welcome back to Medical Monday! In March, our blog posts are focusing on different modalities of cardiac imaging. So far, we’ve covered CT scans, cardiac catheterizations, echocardiograms, and more. For additional information, be sure to check out our previous posts.
For those in the Aortic Hope community—patients, survivors, and families impacted by ascending aortic aneurysms and dissections—imaging is a cornerstone of cardiac care. It guides diagnosis, surgical planning, and long-term follow-up.
One of our most powerful imaging tools is cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging of the heart and aorta). Cardiac MRI is a noninvasive imaging method that uses a strong magnetic field to create detailed 3D images of heart structures, including the valves, vessels, heart muscle, and aorta. MRI provides highly reproducible measurements, allowing for precise assessment of aortic aneurysm size. It is also a valuable tool for monitoring aneurysm growth and assisting with preoperative planning.
Your cardiac surgery team may order a cardiac MRI to precisely measure the size of the aorta, monitor the ascending and descending thoracic aorta, evaluate surgical grafts, assess blood flow, and identify areas of weakness or enlargement. Unlike echocardiograms, which can be limited by body type or heart position, cardiac MRI provides consistent and reproducible measurements of the aortic root, ascending aorta, and descending aorta.
The process of undergoing a cardiac MRI is similar to that of a CT scan. You will lie on a table that slides into a doughnut-shaped scanner and will need to remain still while images are taken. Excessive movement may cause images to come out blurry and can affect measurements, so it is important to stay as still as possible. If you feel anxious in tight spaces, your provider may offer a sedative beforehand to help you relax. The MRI machine often makes loud tapping sounds during the scan, which is why headphones are typically provided. In some cases, contrast dye may be administered through an IV to help highlight specific areas of the heart for detailed analysis. Unlike CT scans, cardiac MRI does not use radiation and provides a higher level of detail. However, MRI scans typically take 30–90 minutes to complete, while a CT scan may take only 5–30 minutes. Be sure not to wear jewelry or anything containing metal during your MRI.
After your scan, it will often take a few days for it to be reviewed in detail by cardiac radiologists and your cardiac surgery care team before receiving the results. Understanding the basics of cardiac MRI can empower you to take an active role in your health care journey. By providing detailed insights into both the heart and aorta, cardiac MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool that helps guide treatment decisions and provides reassurance about your heart health.
Thank you for reading!
Keyana Zahiri, 4th Year Medical Student
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