Basic Principles, Technique and Planning for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an established advanced cross-sectional imaging modality for the functional and anatomical assessment of a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. CMR is safe, does not use ionizing radiation, provides diagnostic and prognostic information, and guides patient management. There are certain technical challenges unique to cardiac MRI. Most notably is the rapid and complex motion of the heart and pulsatility of the great vessels due to normal contractility. In addition, the effects of respiratory motion and systolic ventricular blood velocities up to 200 cm/s further complicate cardiac imaging. To select the optimal protocol to interpret cardiac MRI studies, the radiologist should understand the basic pulse sequences. In addition, the radiologist interpreting cardiac MRI studies should be familiar with basic cardiac anatomy and standard imaging planes.